The Whistling Ducks. 123 



the day on the spits of grass-covered land 

 which run far out into the larger bheels. 

 One or two observers have said they are 

 more river and clear-water frequenters 

 than are others of the genus, but this I 

 have not myself confirmed. Every large 

 bheel and expanse of water which had 

 cover on it contained more or less of these 

 birds, and many a tiny tank or rush- and 

 weed-covered backwater held its flock ; 

 but I have never yet met with them on 

 the open rivers of the Ganges and 

 Brahmapootra, though I have visited 

 them often, and though these run through 

 their favourite haunts." 



The Large Whistling Duck apparently 

 always constructs its nest on trees, most 

 frequently on a branch, but sometimes 

 in a hollow. The nest is described by 

 Mr. Stuart Baker as being about eighteen 

 inches across and constructed of twigs, 

 sticks, and grass, and sometimes lined 

 with weeds. He tells us : — " The normal 

 shape of the egg is a very broad regular 

 oval, but httle smaller at one end than 

 the other. Abnormal eggs are generally 

 longer in shape, but I have seen none at 

 all pointed. They are fine and smooth 

 in texture, but inclined to be chalky and 

 not very close grained." 



