DENDROCYGKA EYTON1 (Gould). 



EYTOys TREE-DUCK. Genus: Dbndrooygna. 



VLTHOUGH closely resembling the preceding species, except in plumage, this bird was given a 

 specific name by Gould as a tribute t<> the labours of an ardent ornithologist and author of a 

 work "ii the .[initiilii Mr. Byton. 



Like Dcnth'ucygnft Gouldi, this species loves the warm waters of the lagoons of the north-west 



coast of Australia, and it i- also met with in Hocks from Port Essington to tin; Albert River in the 



<iull of Carpentaria. A.8 it presents much the same habits and mode of life generally as its fellow 



member of the genus, the description of h. <i<mltH in those particulars is applicable to this bird. 



On the lagoons and creeks of the remote interior of Australia small flocks of from ten to 

 twenty birds are occasionally seen, when they may he approached very closely before taking wing; on 

 the larger rivers, however, and mi the lagoons and open timberless waterholes near the coast, they 

 display greal timidity if approached by man. and are difficult to shoot. When the flock is disturbed 

 w hilst feeding the birds rise very quickly and form a V-shaped flight, the outline of which is preserved 

 with unbroken regularity until they are lost to view. 



In tiidification this species does not differ from the preceding one. 



Head and neck, light reddish-brown; upper surfaces, brownish-grey; tail, more yellow and 

 tipped with black; tertiaries, red-brown, barred with black; flank feathers, yellow, with dark margin; 

 a hand ol reddish-brown with black markings runs across the upper part of the abdomen; lower part 

 • it the abdomen, buff; irides, rich brown ; feet, light red. 



Habitat : Australia ; the northern and western parts being the more favoured ranges. 



