162 WILD FOWL OF INDIA. 



delicate. It is found in Ceylon and Burmah, apparently not 

 extending into Malayana. 



Other species of this genus are S. africana, Eyton, and S. regia, 

 MoL, from South America, (united to the Indian species in Gray's 

 Genera of Birds). Plectropterus gambensis* L., is the most typical 

 member of the group and has the longest legs. Anseranos 

 melanoleuca, (Latham) from Australia, is a very remarkable type. 

 The hind toe is long and nearly on the same plane as the anterior 

 toes, and the feet are only webbed at the base ; were it not 

 for its completely Duck-bill, it could not be classed here. 

 The Musk-duck already alluded to, Cairina moschata, (placed by 

 Gray among the true Ducks,) is originally from South America ; 

 it breeds freely with the common Duck, but the offspring are not 

 fertile. 



Sub-fam. Nettapodin^. Bonap. 



Of small size ; bill small, high at the base. 



These little ducks or rather geese, have much the colouring of 

 the last group, of which they may be said to be miniatures, but 

 the bill is still shorter and higher at the base, more anserine 

 in its character, and Gray, indeed, places them among the 

 Anserince. Their peculiar aspect, however, and habits demand a 

 separation. Representatives of the group occur in Africa, India, 

 and Australia. 



Gen. Nettapus, Brandt. 



Syn. Anserella, Swainson — Microcygna, Gray. 



Char. — Bill small, high at the base, gradually narrowing in 

 front, the lamella? short, distant, concealed ; nostrils small near the 

 base ; wings rather short ; tail short, rounded, of twelve feathers ; 

 tarsus short ; feet long, hind toe short; claws short and curved. 



8. Nettapus coromandelianus, Gmelin. 



Anas apud Gmelin — Blytdt, Cat. 1766 — Sykes, Cat. 214 — 

 Jerdon, Cat. 378. Bcrnicla girra, Gray — Dcndroc. affinis, 

 Jerdon, Cat. 378 bis., winter dress — Girja and girri, II. and 

 Main*. — Gkangerel and Gangania Beng. — Buliya lians at Dacca — 

 * Cotton Teal' of many Europeans. 



