The Key to Scientific Names
- Aristonetta
(Anatidae; syn. Aythya † Canvasback A. valisineria) Gr. αριστος aristos best; νηττα nētta duck; "Still A. vallisneria is much like Fuligula in all points, except the bill, which is merely longer, narrower, higher at the base, and sloping. The nostrils are further forward, occupying the anterior portion of the posterior half of the bill. Should it be considered expedient, for these reasons, to establish for the canvas-back a new genus, the name of Aristonetta would be very appropriate, on account of the great superiority of its flesh as an article of food." (Baird 1858); "Aristonetta Baird, 1858, Reports Explor. Surveys Railroad Mississippi Pacific Ocean, IX, p. 793. Type, by monotypy, Aythya vallisneria = Anas valisineria Wilson, 1814." (JAJ 2020).