C O R O M A Ï T O E , ILJEA2T
NETTAPUS CO ROM AND ELI ANUS.
Pygmy Goose.
Anas Coromandeliam, Gmel. Syst. Na t., vol. i. p. 522 ?—Lath. Ind. Om., vol. ii. p. 875 ?
Bernicla Coromandeliana, Steph. Cont. of Shaw, Gen. Zool., vol. xii. p. 56?
Coromandel Teal, Lath. Gen. Syn.,-vol. vi. p 4 556 ; and Gen. Hist., vol. x. p. 374 ?'
Sarcelle de Coromandel, Buff. PI. Enl., 949, 950 : and Hist. Nat. des Ois., tom. ix. p. 274 ?
Bernicla Girra, Hardw. and Gray, Ind. Zool. ?
Amer Girra, Sykes in Proc. o f Zool. Soc., P a rt II. p. 167 ?
Cheniscus Coromandelianiis, Eyton, Mon. of th e Anatidæ, p. 89 ?
Microcygna Coromandeliana, G. R. Gray, 2nd Ed. L ist o f Gen. of B irds, p. 93 ?
Girra Teal, Lath. Gen. Hist., vol. x. p. 374 ?
T h i s species is so nearly allied to the Nettapus Coromandelianus o f Java and India, from which, indeed, it
only differs in being o f a much larger size, that rather than it should be considered that I am unnecessarily
adding to the list o f species by characterizing it under another name, I have for the present treated it as
identical with that bird; but should future research .lead to a different conclusion, I would propose that it
should be named Nettapus albipennis, a term applicable to both, but which, from the greater length o f the
primaries, and the consequent increased development of the white mark on those feathers of the Australian
bird, will I hope not be deemed an inappropriate appellation.
This elegant little Goose is tolerably abundant on the eastern portions of the Australian continent,
inhabiting the estuaries and rivers between the ranges, and the coast from the Hunter to Moreton Bay, and
in all probability far to the northward of these localities, though my knowledge of its range will not allow
me to say such is the case, as it is one of the few birds o f New South Wales which I had no opportunity of
observing in a state of nature; I am consequently unable to furnish any account of its habits and economy;
neither, I regret to say, can I supply the deficiency from the notes of any other observer.
The sexes are easily distinguished from each other by the greater size o f the male, and by the far more
brilliant colouring of his markings.
The figures are those of a male and a female of the natural size.