ROSY-BILLED DUCK 153 
A peculiar interest attaches to this species owing 
to the fact that it is the only freshwater Duck in the 
sub-family Fuliguline, in which it is classed. With 
the exception of the Loggerhead Duck (Tachyeres 
cinereus), found in the Falklands and the Magellan 
Straits, all the other sea-Ducks of this division in- 
habit North and Central America; so that the 
Rosy-bill appears to have separated itself widely 
from its nearest relations geographically as well as 
in habits. In appearance it is a fine bird, the black 
plumage being frosted on the upper parts with white 
in a very delicate manner, while the rosy bill and 
large carmine caruncle and golden-red iris contrast 
beautifully with the glossy purple head and neck. 
The speculum is white, the legs bright yellow. The 
plumage of the female is brown. 
In marshy places on the pampas the Rosy-billed 
Duck is very abundant, and they sometimes congre- 
gate in very large flocks. They obtain their food 
from floating weeds in the water, and are never seen, 
like the Pintails and other kinds, feeding on the dry 
land. They rise heavily, the wings being com- 
paratively small, and have a rapid, straight, violent 
flight ; they are nevertheless able to perform long 
journeys, and travel in long lines and at a considerable 
elevation. Their only language is a deep, hoarse, 
prolonged, raven-like note, uttered by the male in 
the love-season. The nest is made on swampy ground 
near the water, of dry rushes, and is, for a Duck, a 
deep well-made structure ; the eggs are oval in form, 
cream-coloured, and twelve in number. 
