ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 181 
AUCKLAND ISLAND DUCK. 
(Nesonetta aucklandica). 
Adult Male.—General plumage dark brown, with green 
iridescent gloss; breast and under-surface whitish; abdomen and 
sides crossed with reddish-black bars ; wings too short to cross, 
and reaching only to about the root of the tail; bill and legs 
dark brown; iris brownish-black. The size of this extra- 
ordinary little bird is about that of a small pigeon. Salvadori 
remarks that is very nearly related to Zlasmonetta chlorotis, 
having the same markings and colours, but lacking the well- 
developed wings of that species. 
Female.—Much smaller than male, without the greenish 
lustre on head; wings browner, without metallic lustre, and 
with smaller white and red band. Total length about 14 inches. 
GENUS QUERQUEDULA. 
The birds comprising this genus differ from the True Ducks 
in having a more slender form, a narrower bill, longer wings, 
and more pointed feathers ; the tail is wedge-shaped or pointed, 
the feathers of the back or “saddle” being considerably 
longer than in the Amas. The Teal feed on vegetables, 
mollusca, insects, and worms, frequenting lakes, marshes, and 
rivers, and are rarely seen by the sea coast. Excellent swim- 
mers, they nevertheless seldom dive; their fight is very rapid, 
and when on the ground they walk well and ‘gracefully. The 
nest of the Teals is constructed of grass, short rushes, and 
other suitable materials, with a thick lining of down, containing 
white or cream-coloured eggs, seven to sixteen in number. 
