208 Mr. A. H. Holland on the Birds- of the 



They frequent the arroyos and lagoons, also feeding 

 amongst the dry thistles in the autumn. Of the breeding- 

 habits of this Duck I know nothing, though many pairs 

 frequent the reedy lagoons in spring. They appear fond of 

 feeding on mud-banks, and mix very frequently with Dafila 

 spinicauda. 



91. MaRECA SIBILATRIX (Popp.). 



Common throughout the year, living in close flocks 

 throughout the winter, and inhabiting the same lagoons as 

 long as tlioy contain enough water. They also often feed 

 on high ground amongst dry thistles, or even in the open. 

 This Duck breeds early in November amongst the rushes in 

 the water. The nest is composed of rushes and grass, and is 

 rather neat in appearance, resting on the water, supported by 

 the dead vegetation underneath, the lining being down. 

 The eggs are six in number, white in colour, and very round. 

 The native name of this Duck is " Pato overo." 



92. Spatula platalea (Vicill.). 



Very common throughout the year, flocking in immense 

 numbers during the winter, when they inhabit the edges of 

 the large lagoons. Of their breeding-habits I know nothing, 

 although these birds occur plentifully during the nesting- 

 season. 



93. Metopiana peposaca (Vieill.). 



Common all through the year, flocking during the winter 

 months. Breeds from September to November. The nest 

 is placed in marshy ground amongst scattered rushes, and is 

 composed of grass, dry rushes, and roots, the lining consisting 

 of a little down. The eggs, eight in number, are dull cream 

 in colour. This Duck also lays numerous eggs, perhaps waste 

 ones, in the nests of Fulica armiUata, Fulica leucoptera, 

 Larus maculipennis , and Chauna chavaria. In the nests of 

 the Coots these eggs were invariably found covered over by 

 the lining of the nests, but in the others they lay amongst 

 the eggs of the occupants. I have never observed any of these 

 parasitical eggs hatched, though many have had dead chicks 

 in them and many had become addled. The native name of 

 this species is ''Pato picaso." ((/. Ibis, 1890, p. 427.) 



