''Tkiw"] proceedings OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 531 



ite liidiiig- place is under the fiiiiges of bushes and trees which hang 

 over the water in many phiccs. Wlien disturbed they swim at once 

 for cover, to reach which they are sometimes obliged to cross the river, 

 and will fly if hard pressed or if the distance is considerable. After a 

 hiding i)la('e is reached they fly into the bushes overhead or swim un- 

 ensily about until forced to take to another place. A bird will often 

 sink below the surface leaving only the head exposed, but as it always 

 faces the object in pursuit its white breast is readily seen, even under 

 water. When suddenly surprised, as for instance at a bend of the river, 

 thebird divesquickly and isnot seen again. It also dives when wounded, 

 but only when escape by flight or swimming is impossible. My obser- 

 vations are to the etlect that it dives only as a last resort. 



Family ANATID.E. 



272. Dendrocygna autuninalis (Liiiii.). 



On an overflowed piece of land on tlie I'io Frio 1 saw a flock of over 

 two thousand birds of this species. Small flocks of a dozen are often 

 seen on the Escondido. Known as "Whistling Duck "from its note. 

 It is commonly kept in captivit}'. 



273. Cairina moschata (Liiin.). 



Rather unconnnon and extiemoly shy. Frequently seen in the 

 domestic state. Noted singly or in ])aiis. 



274. Anas discors Linn. 



Three individuals, one of which was shot, observed swimming in tlie 

 Escondido, December 27. 



275. Dafila acuta (Linn.). 



One si)eciuien shot and a few others seen on the Escondido in De- 

 cember. 



Family PELECANID.E. 

 276. Pelecanus fusciis Linn. 

 Common near Greytown and Bluetiejds on the lagoons. 



Family HULID.E. 



277. Sula piscator (Linu.). 



The evening before we reached Greytown, from Kingston, a pair of 

 Boobys flew around the ship as if intending to spend the nig:lit on 

 board, and, after considerable recoiinoitering, one of the birds perched 

 on the rigging at the bow of the boat, where it was caught by W. L. 

 Richmond. 



