I 46 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
in general appearance JVettion oxypterum, but the general 
plumage is somewhat darker, and the wings a trifle shorter than 
the former. 
Male.—General plumage, ashy-brown, edges of the 
feathers lighter ; wing-bar orange, green, and black, edged with 
white; tail somewhat pointed; bill yellow, with a black patch 
down the centre; tip black; legs and feet bluish-brown ; eye red ; 
“bright brown” (Oates). 
Female.—Similar. 
Young.—In down, crown of head and upper body ashy- 
brown; face, cheeks, and under parts yellowish-white; eye 
black. 
Egg.—Cream colour; four to six in number, May— 
June. Incubation, twenty-seven to twenty-nine days. 
SPOTTED-BILLED DUCK. 
(Anas peclorhyncha). 
This is another of those species of waterfowl most 
commonly seen at poultry shows, varying in price from £2 
to £6 the couple. It is a native of India, over the whole of 
which country it is found, including Burmah and Ceylon. Dr. 
Jerdon speaks of it as being excellent for the table, rivalling in 
flavour the Mallard and Pochard. He states that it frequents 
well-wooded districts, marshy grounds, and sequestered waters, 
being usually met with in parties of from eight to twenty. It 
is a true Mallard, its habits resembling those of that bird, and 
being very hardy, and a good breeder, it is a desirable 
acquisition for amateurs. The sexes resemble each other so 
closely that I have known prizes to be given in a show to two 
drakes as a pair. Careful observation shows the feathers on 
