162 Capt. C. C. Abbott on the Birds 



some kind. Seven is the usual number of eggs, though sometimes 

 eight and nine are found. When the bird leaves the nest, she 

 covers it up in the same manner with grass or down (according 

 to whether she has finished laying or not) as I have stated is 

 the case with the Upland Goose. 



43. MiCROPTERUS PATACHONicus, King. (Flying Logger- 

 head.) 



The Flying Loggerhead is not uncommon in the Falkland 

 Islands. It breeds in the same places as the Common Logger- 

 head, but rather frequents the freshwater ponds near the sea, and 

 is a difficult bird to approach from its wariness. I never shot 

 but one example of it ; and this I had not an opportunity of 

 comparing with the non-flying species. I observed, however, 

 that it was a much smaller and lighter bird, and that the wings 

 were more developed, although still small for the size of the 

 body. I have seen the Flying Loggerhead take long flights. I 

 once found a nest of this Duck with seven eggs in it. They 

 were hard set. The bird flew out of the nest on my approach, 

 high up in the air. The eggs were of the same size and colour 

 as those of the common species. 



44. PoDicEPs CALiPAREUs, Lcss. (White Grebe.) 



This Grebe is found only in the interior of East-Falkland 

 Island, on the small inland ponds. It never flies on being shot 

 at ; and I have never seen it on the wing, though it must take 

 long flights, as I have seen seven or eight of them in a pond 

 one day, and next day they had all disappeared. I know 

 nothing of their breeding, not having found a nest. I have, 

 however, shot the young birds in their immature plumage. 



45. PoDiCEPS ROLLANDi, Q. ct G. (Black-crcstcd Grebe.) 

 This Grebe is rather common, being found in both fresh and 



salt water, though more frequent on the freshwater streams. I 

 have often hunted for their nests, but have never been successful 

 in finding one. At Port Louis, in January 1859, 1 found a pair 

 of Grebes in Fish Creek, and, wanting specimens, I fired at one, 

 which I only succeeded in wounding. It went on to some stones, 

 and on my approach took to the water. As it did so, two small 

 dark objects fell from its back into the water and floated ashore. I 



