xcii 
INTRODUCTION. 
This bird assimilates very closely in its structure and in its economy to the Anas Boschas of Europe, but in its 
plumage it is very different. 
548. Anas ntevosa, Gould ............. Vol. VII. PI. 10. 
A very singular Duck, perhaps more nearly allied to Chaulelasmus than to Anas. It is a very rare bird, and has 
only yet been seen on the western and southern coasts of Australia ; its true habitat is probably the distant interior. 
549. Anas punctata, Guv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VII. PI. 11. 
This species has much the appearance of the Teal (genus Querquedula), but in its structure is nearly aUied to 
the true ducks (genus Anas'), with which I have provisionally placed it. 
Genus Spatula, Boie. 
The great continents of America, Africa, Asia and Australia, are each inhabited by one or more species of this 
restricted genus. 
550. Spatula Rhynchotis ... . . Vol. VII. PL 12. 
This bird is, I believe, restricted to Australia. / 
Genus Malacorhynchus, Swains. 
A very delicate form, of which the single species, confined to Australia, is the onlj^ one known. 
551. Malacorhynchus membranaceus .......... Vol. VII. PI. 13. 
Genus Dendrocygna, Swains. 
This form is found in India, Africa, America and Australia : the bird I have separated into a distinct genus, 
under the appellation of Leptotarsis, should be included in this genus, the difference which it presents being too 
slight to warrant their separation. 
552. Dendrocygna arcuata ............. Vol. VII. PI. 14. 
553. Dendrocygna Eytoni. 
Leptotarsis Eytoni, Gould . . Vol. VII. PI. 15. 
" Many of the reaches," says Captain Stokes, when speaking of the river Adelaide of the north-western part 
of Australia, " swarmed with wild fowl, consisting almost wholly of ducks, which, from a habit of perching on the 
trees, have received the name of Wood Ducks. Their singularly long legs, with the web very much arched near 
the toes, gives great pliability to the foot and a power of grasping, which enables them to perch on trees. When 
on the wing they make a peculiar pleasing, whistling sound, that can be heard at a great distance, and which 
changes as they alight into a sort of chatter. Their perching on trees is performed in a very clumsy manner, 
swinging and pitching to and fro. We subsequently often found them on the rivers of the north coast, but not 
within some miles of their mouths or near their upper waters, from which it would appear that they inhabit certain 
reaches of the rivers only ; we never found them in swamps. The farthest south they were met with was on the 
Albert River, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in lat. 18° S., which gives them a range of six and a half degrees of 
latitude over the northern part of the continent. These ducks are the Leptotarsis Eytoni of Mr. Gould." 
Genus Nyroca, Fkm. 
Two species at least of this genus are known, one inhabiting Europe and India and the other AustraUa : both 
have the irides white. 
554. Nyroca Australis, Co^fM . . . . . . . • • • • • Vol. VII. PI. 16. 
