ANAS PCECILORHYNCHA ZONOBHYNCHA 169 



records the shooting of another specimen at Tougyi, Burma, in 

 December, 1911. 



Nidification. — In China this duck breeds principally from the end 

 of May to early July. Styan took its eggs in May in the Yangtse 

 Valley and again in July, though the eggs were then hard-set. At 

 Foochow at Swatow, La Touche found it common and breeding on a 

 rocky island outside Swatow Bay in May, Jane and July. Eggs 

 taken in the latter months were so advanced that they hatched in the 

 boat as they were being taken away. La Touche says that the nests 

 " were found hidden among the low brushwood and rank grasses on 

 the summit of the island." 



In Japan it breeds from April onwards until early July. I have 

 had fine series of its eggs from Owston, and the earliest clutch was 

 taken on the '27th April and the latest on the 3rd July. 



The nests were described as being just like those of the Mallard, 

 fairly compact and well-built, with a dense lining of down, this 

 increasing greatly in amount after the first few eggs were laid. 

 They were placed on the ground in amongst weeds and grass and 

 generally well-concealed. 



My eggs average about 570 X 39-5 mm. ( = '2'24 X 1'55 inches). 



The usual number seems to be eight to ten in a clutch, but both 

 bigger and smaller clutches are often found. 



General Habits. — These appear to be very similar to those of the 

 Indian Spot-Bill, but instead of being entirely restricted to islands, 

 swamps and rivers, this form is also found on and near the coast. 



According to Gee and Moffett it is often tamed by the Chinese and 

 hybrids between it and the domestic duck may often be seen. 



