18 On the Xesting c^r. of the Cape Widgeon. 



they sometimes " flight," but this habit is, at this season at 

 least, of somewliat irregular occurrence, not taking place every 

 night ; they also change their feeding-grounds during the 

 day. There are some salt-pans below the dam, and a pair of 

 Widgeon often spend the middle of the day on them. When 

 swimming about their call is a rather high-pitched quack. I 

 have never heard them quack when flying, but they some- 

 times make a sort of short whistling note. This is evidently 

 the breeding-season for these birds, but they are often to be 

 ound in threes and fours. Unfortunately the island on 

 which was the nine egg clutch has been invaded by some 

 local people who now hold periodical picnic parties there. 

 These worthies signalised their arrival by burning down a 

 large patch of what I believe to be Flamingoes' nests. The 

 Widgeon nest was deserted and I have not had an opportunity 

 of seeing the young ones. 



The irides of these birds vary from light hazel and yellow 

 to deep orange. 



The bill is a deep waxen seinitransparent pink, base and 

 edge of upper mandible black, an indistinct streak of turquoise 

 extending from the base about two-thirds of the length of the 

 culmen. This streak gets darker immediately after death, the 

 whole bill becoming dull purple in about an hour. 



Clutch of seven eggs, July 6th, 1907. Shghtly incubated. 



Average measurements of six eggs (one having been 

 broken) : length 1*91 inches ; breadth 1-34 inches. 



Colour pale cream, smooth (not glossy). Shape slightly 

 irregular ; the more pointed end is generally attenuated and 

 then rounded abruptly at the end. 



Clutch of eight eggs, July Gth, 1907. One was examined 

 and found to be fresh. Remainder 8th July, 1907, very 

 slightly incubated. 



Average length 1*97 inches ; breadth 1'5 inches. 



Colour cream, smooth (not glossy). Shape fairly 

 regular : slightly more pointed at one end than at the 

 other. 



Clutch of nine eggs, 8th July, 1907 : two eggs examined 

 and found fresh. 14th July : no further additions to the nest : 



