PLATE I. 



GENUS ANAS. (Linnmus.) 



TPHE type of this genus is the Mallard or Wild Duck of Europe, represented in every part of the globe 

 J. by one or more species. Australia possesses three. 



ANAS SUPEROILXOSA. fGmei.j. 



AUSTRALIAN WILD DUCK. Genus Anas. 



IN this species, which stands as the Australian representative of the Common Wild Duck (Anas boschas) 

 of Europe, we find a bird of cosmopolitan habits, for it is found in every known latitude of the mainland, 

 in Tasmania, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island, besides many less important islands. No other bird 

 enjoys so wide a range of habitat : from the burning sun of the tropics to the glacier ranges of the South 

 it has spread, adapting itself to climatic differences with the hardihood of a Briton. 



In habits, manners, and general economy there is no difference between the Australian Wild Duck 

 and the European Wild Duck, the one being as highly esteemed as an epicurean delicacy as the other ; but 

 externally there is a wide difference, and no comparison can be made between the two birds. The European 

 male bird is remarkable, during the greater part of the year, for the beauty of his plumage, while our Australian 

 friend follows the custom of the foliage of the country : he has no periodic " fresh-coatings," and consequently 

 never enjoys the pleasure of an entirely new suit. Hence the mixture of the old and new produces a sombre 

 efEect, by which means he approaches more closely to the appearance of his mate, between whom and himself 

 there is little perceptible difference. 



It is safe to infer that wherever there is water, either as inland lakes or rivers, lagoons and water-holes, 

 or inlets and arms of the sea, the Wild Duck will be found ; but the neighbourhood of man and his gun soon has 

 the efEect of driving these birds to seek safer homes. In secluded districts they are confiding and even tame, but 

 they soon grow wary. 



The bird is either stationary or only partially migratory, yet it is very careful in the choice of a 

 breeding-place, being apparently much influenced by circumstances : sometimes nests of eggs are found among 

 the long grasses and hedges bordering a lagoon or river, sometimes in hollow boles and spouts of trees. 

 Incubation takes place in the spring, and as many as nine eggs are laid by one bird. They are smooth and white 

 with a faint grassy tinge ; length, two inches four lines ; breadth, one inch seven lines and a-half. 



Head very dark brown, a narrow line above the eye, a broad stripe from the bill under the eye, and the 

 throat buff ; neck, striated with buff and dark brown ; upper surfaces, wings and tail, dark brown margined with 

 buff ; tips of the greater wing-coverts, velvety black ; speculum, rich bronzy green ; under surfaces, brown edged 

 with pale brown ; bill, bluish lead colour ; irides, bright hazel ; legs, yellowish brown, with darker webs. 



Habitats : The whole of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, South Coast of New 



Guinea. 



