333 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin 07i the 



inontlis^ and seen on the Lake Atitlau as late as the month of 

 May. 



370. Cairina moschata (Linn,). 



All the domestic varieties in Central America seem to derive 

 their origin from this species. It is found abundantly on both 

 coasts, frequenting the forest swamps. At Belize it is a well- 

 known bird, as the nature of that district is well adapted to its 

 habits. In the Pacific coast-region it is more local, as the 

 swamps are much more limited, and are of comparatively small 

 extent. The bird is more frequently seen sitting on a branch 

 of a tree than in any other position. During the day-time it 

 remains in the forest; but towards evening it seeks the fields of 

 maize, and many may be seen sitting about the surrounding 

 trees, the flock at a distance looking like a troop of Black Vul- 

 tures (Cathartes atratus). Though shy and by no means easy 

 of approach, a sportsman has no difficulty in obtaining two or 

 three birds between sun-down and dark, by hiding up amongst 

 the trees and shooting as the birds fly round over head. The 

 flesh is excellent and very tender. This bird is said to breed in 

 December. 



37L Erismatura RUBiDA (Wils.) : Baird, Rep. p.8Il. (N.A.) 

 On the Lake of Duenas this is the only resident species of 

 Duck. Its numbers diminish during the period of the spring 

 migration, the immature birds at that time probably seeking 

 other quarters. It is a bird more easily procured than any of the 

 other ducks frequenting the lake, as its powers of flight render 

 its escape less easy. Not but that it flies as well as any other 

 when once fairly started ; but it finds difficulty in rising from 

 off" the water, so much so, that, by sailing down wind towards a 

 bird, it usually admits of approach to within easy shooting- 

 distance. Sometimes, however, it seeks safety by diving; and 

 when such is the case, its powers in this respect are so great 

 that escape is almost certain to ensue. It builds in May, 

 amongst the reeds on the margin of the lake, making a nest of 

 the dead flag with a little down. The eggs are, as might be 

 expected, by analogy with those of the European Erismatura 

 mersa, rough in texture, but jierhaps hardly in such a degree as 



