290 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 1891. 



959.— THE SPOTTED-BILLED DUCK. 



Anas pcBcilorhyncha, Forst. 



The Spotted-billed Duck is more or less common in suitable places 

 throughout the Western Presidency, and appears to be a permanent 

 resident wherever found, moving about of course as water is more or 

 less plentiful. 



They breed during the latter half of the monsoon, or as soon 

 as the grass and rushes, amongst which the nest is placed, is 

 sufficiently grown. Occasionally, but not often, the nest is placed on 

 a flat branch of a tree, just above the surface of the water, but most 

 often it is on the ground. The nest, which is well made, is composed 

 of rushes and grass, and is lined with feathers from the mother's 

 breast. 



The eggs, six or seven in number, are broadish ovals in shape, 

 and are of a greyish-white colour, getting dingy and sullied as 

 incubation proceeds ; they vary a good deal in size, but the average 

 is about 2*15 inches in length by 1*7 in breadth. 



I have often shot flappers in January, and have found them very 

 good eating. 



Mhoic, August. H. E. Barnes. 



Neemuch, August and September. Do. 



960.— THE PINK-HEADED DUCK. 



Rhodonessa caryophyllacea, Lath. 

 Colonel Swinhoe found the Pink-headed Duck to be not uncom- 

 mon at the Depalpore Lake, near Mhow. I never had an opportunity 

 of eoing there, neither did I ever see a specimen from thence, and I 

 cannot help thinking that a mistake has been made, and it would be 

 satisfactorv if some sportsmen or other interested person would 

 kindly verify the fact. At the same time, it must be remembered 

 that the place is very strictly preserved, and very secluded, and is 

 just the place suited to them, and although, so far as I know, this 

 duck has not been reported from any other portion of the Presidency, 

 it is not unlikely to occur there : if it does, it would of course breed. 

 I therefore give a description of the nest and eggs. The nest is 

 placed on the ground in long grass, is fairly well made, and is much 

 the same as that of the Spot-billed Duck. 



