120 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
and is twice the size of Dendrocycna arcuata, which it resembles 
in plumage, but is distinguishable by its greater size, and 
the white band crossing the tail-coverts. Jerdon states that 
these birds are called Whistlers in India from their sibilant 
cry, which their Hindustani name of “Sillee” also signifies. 
They are found in flocks of various size, frequenting the 
smaller reedy and grassy tanks. Their flight is heavier than 
most of the ducks, and they are distinguished by the com- 
paratively lazy flapping of their wings. They breed in the 
hot weather; their flesh is poor, tough, and fishy in flavour. 
The earlier specimens in the Zoological Gardens, obtained in 
1867 from the Societé d’Acclimatation in Paris, were believed 
to have been received from Madagascar, and other specimens 
have since been added. 
Male.—Head and neck chestnut, a dark line extending 
down the back of the neck, a white patch in the centre of the 
throat ; back, breast, and wings various shades of brown and 
chestnut ; under tail-coverts yellowish-white ; flank feathers 
very long, bright brown on the upper side, yellowish-white 
below ; bill bluish lead colour ; legs and feet same colour but 
darker. 
Female.—Similar to male. 
Young.—In first feather pale brown. 
Egg.—“ Dirty-white, spotted with rusty-red” (Jerdon) ; 
six to ten in number. July. Incubation, twenty-eight to 
thirty days. 
