GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



I noticed that they were in breeding condition, and also that 

 the hens' breasts were bare of down. 



" These birds are sometimes very shy, at other times, 

 particularly at dusk, they are quite tame. In the evening 

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

 least, of 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 spent 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 sometimes make a 

 sort of short, whistHng note. This (July) is evidently the 

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

 in threes and fours. 



" Clutch of seven eggs, July 6th, 1907. Slightly 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 6th, 1907. One was examined 

 and found to be fresh. Average length 1.97 inches ; breadth 

 1.5 inches. 



" Colour smooth 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. Average length of nine eggs, 1.92 inches ; 

 average breadth 1.46 inches. 



" Colour deep cream, smooth but not glossy. Shape rather 

 variable, but all pointed more at one end than at the other ; 

 in some this is rather more marked. 



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