222 Transactions. — Zoology. 



Casarca variegata (Sheldrake or Paradise Duck). 



This beautiful species is the largest and handsomest form 

 in the order Anseres in New Zealand. It delights to live in 

 the open country near broad river-beds composed of shingle 

 and sand, or on gi'assy flats near lakes or pools of clear water. 

 It is generally met with in pairs, but can often be seen flying 

 in flocks, changing quarters from one district to another. 

 Occasionally they reach Lake Brunner and disperse along the 

 shores to feed for several days. Eeassembling in a flock, they 

 again take flight and leave the lake. Some years they are 

 common in the valleys of the Grey and Teremakau Rivers, 

 frequenting the sandy fiats. Owing to the periodical flooding 

 of these two great rivers they are compelled to seek fresh 

 feeding-grounds, and during these short migrations they visit 

 the lake. 



C. variegata (Shoveller Duck). 



The shoveller or spoonbill duck frequents the larger bays 

 on the west side of the lake. I have detected them among the 

 flocks of grey ducks resting in clear weather on the open lake, 

 but never numerous. They are beautiful objects on the water 

 in spring followed by a brood, and allow a near approach, 

 gliding gently along the shore or into some sluggish creek to 

 nibble among the weeds, or macerating vegetation to procure 

 food for their young. On the west coast their food must differ 

 considerably from that on the east, where they generally 

 inhabit the estuaries of rivers. 



Larus dominicanus (Southern Black-backed Gull). 

 L. scopulinus (Mackerel Gull). 



The former is very common during the summer ; the latter 

 is an occasional visitant at the lake. 



Sterna antarctica (Grey Tern). 



Common in the nesting-season in the lake valley. 



Podiceps crlstatus (Crested Grebe). 



The crested grebe has here a safe retreat from the ravages 

 of sportsmen or collectors. No eye can equal the grebe's in 

 its quickness of vision, nor can any bird compare with it for 

 rapid diving. When feeding unobserved along the shore they 

 are gentle and graceful, yet wary, in their movements. When 

 alarmed they draw off into the open lake and are soon lost in 

 the expanse of water. 



Podiceps rnfipecttis (Dabchick). 



Not uncommon on the lake ; likewise expert divers. They 

 frequent the bays on the north-west shore more than else- 

 where, and are generally met with in pairs. 



