A N AS PUNCTATA (o<>). 



AUSTRALIAN TEAL. Genus : Anas. 

 r Ml I Is i- one of the commonest forms of the Australian Wild Duck, and may be found in almost 



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1 oven part "i the continent. It is more frequently met in the southern parts and in "asmama, 

 but even in tar northern parts it is met with in great Hocks on the higher table-lauds. It is not really 

 migratory, but, being a true vegetable feeder, it appears to shift its locality more in search of suitable 

 food. The up-country sportsman is often mystified by its almost total absence, perhaps for a whole 

 season, and overjoyed by its plentifulness during the next. It is quite equal as a table bird to its 

 European cousin ; the flesh is tender and full-flavoured without being too strong. It grows very wary 

 in parts much frequented by man. but in a good season a fair shot can make sure of good sport. 



The it* — t is usually placed among the herbage m ar the margins of the creeks and rivers which 

 the bird frequents ; eight or nine eggs are deposited, which are similar to those of other members of 

 the tribe. 



These bird- vary considerably in size, though the markings are similar, so as to leave room for 

 a question whether two distinct species do not exist. In Tasmania the birds are usually smaller than 

 in Australia. 



During the breeding season the colours of the male are more brillant than those of the 

 \< male, but for tin greater part of the year the sexes are alike in outward appearance. 



When he dons his nuptial dress the male has the whole of the head and neck a brilliant 

 glossj green ; breast and under surface, rich chestnut, each feather broadly marked with black : upper 

 BUrfaces brown, w ith darker markings ; wings, brown, except the outer webs of the secondaries, which 

 aie metallic-green; greater wing-coverts, white; bill, blue-grey: nail and edges of the upper mandible, 

 black : brides, red : legs ami feet, lead-colour. 



The female is of soberer colour than the male, though the markings are similar. 



fiabit.it- Tasmania, and largely distributed over Australia. 



