1840.] of the Peninsula of India. 219 



changing note, not unlike that of the Grouse, which it generally keeps up 

 whilst flying. It is found both in pairs and flocks — sexes alike. 



Irides bright crimson ; bill black ; legs greenish ochrey yellow, blackish 

 in some. Length 13 inches ; weight 9 ounces. 



This bird, by its bill, appears to approach the Dendronessce of Swain- 

 son. 



378. bis.— D. affinis.— New species ?—Girree, II. 



This species or variety, is mentioned in Mr. Elliot's notes as differing 

 from the last in the permanent want of the collar in both sexes and at 

 all ages. 



Length nearly 14 inches. 



Genus PLECTROPTERUS, Leach. 



379. — PL melanotos, Steph. — Anas Melanotos, Gmel. — Nbofttahjl. also 

 of the Mahrattahs. — Bronze-backed Goose — Comb-Duck, (Sykes) of the 

 Residents in the Madras Presidency. 



This splendid bird is found all over India, in tanks and rivers, though 

 not very abundant. It breeds during the monsoon in most of the wood- 

 ed districts, and as I am informed, in long grass, near rivers or tanks. The 

 female is much less than the male, and wants the large protuberance at 

 the base of the bill. It feeds on various seeds an>i vegetable matters — ■ 

 also on paddy, jowaree, and other grains. The flesh is hard, and not held 

 in much esteem. Length of male 34 inches ; wing 16 ; tarsus 3 ; bill 

 straight to gape 2\ : height of protuberance above 2 inches, from the 

 edge of the mandible, length of do. at the centre nearly 2. Female from 

 26 to 28 inches long. 



Irides dark brown ; bill and protuberance black ; legs greenish plum- 

 beous j weight nearly 6-lb. 



Sub Family ANATIN.E, Sw.— River Ducks. 

 Genus MARECA, Leach.— Widgeon. 



380. — M. fstidaris, Steph, — Anas Penelope, L. — Common Widgeon. 



Common in the cold weuther throughout India in the rivers and tanks, 

 found in large flocks. 

 Irides dark brown ; bill light plumbeous, black at the tip. 



