PINK-HRADED DUCK. 177 



The female has the pink of the head somewhat more dull and 

 pale, and the vertex has a brownish spot in some, which is conti- 

 nued faintly down the back of the neck. The young birds have the 

 head and neck pale vinous-isabella colour, with the top of the 

 head, nape, and hind neck, brown ; the whole plumage lighter 

 brown, in some mixed with whitish beneath. 



This very lovely Duck is most common in parts of Bengal, but 

 is found at times throughout Northern India, is rare in the N. W. 

 Provinces, and still more so in Central and Southern India. I 

 have procured it rarely as far south as Madras, and long ago heard 

 of its occasional visits to the Deccan, but it is only since I have 

 visited Bengal that I have seen it in its native haunts. It shows 

 a decided preference for tanks and j heels well sheltered by over- 

 hanging bushes, or abounding in dense reeds, and in such places it 

 may be found in the cold season in flocks of twenty or so occa- 

 sionally, but generally in smaller parties of from four to eight. 

 During the heat of the day, it generally remains near the 

 middle of the tank or jheel, and is somewhat shy and wary. 

 It breeds towards the end of the hot season, and its eggs are said 

 to be laid among thick grass not far from the w T ater. Its cry is 

 very similar to that of the domestic Duck. The beautiful pale 

 rosy tint of the under surface of the wings is very conspicuous 

 during flight, and renders this species very readily distinguishable 

 even at some distance. This Duck is said also to occur in 

 Burmah. It is excellent eating. Many other species of Anas are 

 recorded, but the only other Eastern ones are A. luzonica, Fraser, 

 and A. superciliosa, Mull, and Schleg. 



Gen. Chaulelasmus, Gray. 



Syn. ChauKoclus, Swains. 



Char. — Bill equal to the head, depressed throughout, of nearly 

 uniform width, but slightly narrowing towards the tip, which 

 has a small nail ; the lamellae long, projecting ; wings lengthened > 

 tail rather long ; the central feathers slightly lengthened. 



Gadwalls differ from the true Ducks in their slightly shorter bill, 

 and more lengthened and delicate lamellae. They are said by 



z 



