193 Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 



103. QUERQUEDULA BRASILIENSIS (Gm.) ; Scl. Ct Salv. 



p. Z. S. 1869, p. 635. 



Common to the north of Buenos Ayres ; but I have never 

 met with it to the south of the city. A little higher up the 

 river than Belgrano it is quite common, frequenting pools and 

 open water in the thick reed-beds. The male has a more 

 brilliant speculum of metallic green than any bird I know. 

 Iris wood-brown ; legs bright vermilion. 



104. Dafila spinicauda (Vieill.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 

 1868, p. 146. 



The commonest of the larger species of Ducks, and in the 

 winter found in very large flocks. Common at Baradero in 

 April. Iris wood-brown. 



105. Dafila bahamensis (Linn.) ; Scl. et Salv. /. s. c. 

 Not common ; and this year I have obtained no specimens. 



Generally found to the south of Buenos Ayres. 



106. Mareca siBiLATRix (Pocpp.); Scl. et Scl. P.Z.S. 1876, 

 p. 395. 



Mareca chiloensis, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 635. 



With the exception of Metopiana peposaca, this is the Duck 

 most valued for the table. From its note it is generally called 

 the "Whistler" amongst Englishmen, and by natives "Overo" 

 (speckled), from its beautiful mottled plumage. The greater 

 part that come here are winter visitors ; but a few breed 

 amongst the reeds and coarse grass in some of the extensive 

 marshes. Like Metopiana peposaca, it prefers large lagoons 

 to the small pools and streams frequeuted by the smaller 

 ducks, and is generally shy and flies very high. Common at 

 Baradero in April. 



107. Metopiana peposaca (Vieill.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 

 1868, p. 146. 



Common in the winter. The strongest and highest flyer 

 of all our Ducks. 



108. Erismatura ferruginea, Eyton ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 

 1876, p. 404. 



Resident, but scarce. From the shortness of its wings it 

 is scarcely able to fly. 



