SLENDER OR GREY TEAL. 
Writing upon the Ducks of Victoria, Hall {Emu^ Vol. IX., p. 78, 1909) 
gave the following notes : “ Nettion castaneum. As with the Black Duck 
it is the earliest of the local species to pair and nest. In their feeding- 
grounds they prefer plenty of mud in which to paddle their bill. They 
feed largely upon a small red beetle, which they pick from the blades of 
water weeds. No liking is shown for spiders. 
“ Nettion gibherifrons. I could not decide the species when on the wing.” 
Under the heading Teal {Nettion castaneum Eyton), Littler {Handb. 
Birds Tasm., p. 222, 1910) recorded : “ Doubtless there are but few who 
are aware that two species of Teal exist in Tasmania, most being under 
the impression that the species so much in evidence in a number of 
localities during the ‘ open ’ season is the only one found here. The 
species under review is on the mainland frequently called the Mountain 
Teal. It is a scarce species in Tasmania, or at least the males are but 
seldom procured. I have inspected specimens from the Lake district and 
am informed on good authority that it frequents several localities on the 
North-east coast ; doubtless it is also to be found in the southern portion 
of the island. 
“ To verify my own observations concerning the two species, I 
forwarded to Mr. A. J. Campbell a set of questions, which I now give, 
with his answers appended thereto, thinking they may be of interest : — 
“ Q. Does the male of the Chestnut-breasted Teal retain its black 
head and neck and chestnut breast during the non-breeding season ? 
‘‘ A. Yes. [I believe that once the male of this species dons his full 
livery he never throws it off ; but I also believe that many males breed 
before they have attained full livery.] 
“ Q. Is the breeding plumage of both sexes of the Grey Teal similar 
to the non-breeding plumage ? 
“ A. Yes. 
“ Q. Are there any outward differences between the female of the 
Chestnut-breasted Teal and the female of the Grey Teal ? 
“A. None, except in weight. Chestnut, IJ lbs.; Grey, lA^ lbs. 
“ Q. Are both sexes of the Grey Teal similar in appearance ? 
“ A. Yes.” 
A careful study of the preceding will show that however easily field 
ornithologists may have differentiated the two species, not one of them 
had devised a method of proving his observations, as Keartland’s method 
was practically impossible. It may also be noted that no two agree as to 
the constant habits of the different species, for whereas Mr. Tom Carter, 
whose field observations are absolutely reliable, recognised the Chestnut- 
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