_Anas finschi_ Van Beneden, Journ. Zool. IV, p. 267 (1875); Ann. de la
Soc. Geol. Belg. II, p. 123 (1876).
This duck is most peculiar, as it stands intermediate between _Querquedula_
and _Dendrocygna_ in structure, and its nearest known ally seems to be the
extinct _A. blanchardi_ of Europe, and of living forms apparently _Clangula
clangula_.
Skull nearest to that of _Clangula clangula_ but wider, nostrils more
elongated, eye-sockets smaller, and the whole skull more regularly rounded
off. _Sternum_ differs from that of _C. clangula_ by having the notch
lower, more faint behind and shorter in front. Clavicle and coracoid
resemble those of _Fuligula marila_. Humerus larger and stronger than in
_F. marila_ and _C. clangula_, as are the femur, tibio-tarsus and
tarso-metatarsus, which are almost double as long and thick.
Judging from the shape of its leg-bones this bird must have been a strong
runner, and probably at the same time was a poor flyer.
Habitat: Middle Island, New Zealand.