on the Birds of Chili. 195 



86. Spatula platalea (VieilL). 



Sjjcitula platalea, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 316. 



(Rio Pilmaigueii and Rio Bueno.) 



This species is numerous in the southern provinces, and 

 generally known as the " Pato cuchara '' ( — Spoon-Duck) . I 

 found them by the Rio Pilmaiguen from December to March, 

 where they probably breed. I do not know how far north 

 they extend. 



The legs and toes are ochraceons buff colour, the web 

 between the toes being a clay-colour. Claws black. The 

 bill in most fully developed specimens is a rich black ; in 

 some (perhaps younger) birds it has a mottled appearance. 

 The iris is dark brown. The female is not quite so large as 

 the male. 



87. Tachyeres cinereus (Gm.). 



Tachyeres cinereus, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 373. 



(Corral.) 



I found some of these Ducks in the bay of Corral about 

 October and November, but I believe they are more 

 plentiful in the cold season. The local name is " Quetar " 

 or " Quaitar." 



88. Erismatura ferruginea, Eyt. 



Erismahira ferruginea, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 449. 



(Rio Pilmaiguen.) 



I met with these birds on ponds or backwaters by the Rio 

 Pilmaiguen, where they appeared, as well as I could make 

 out, about the beginning of February. They seem to be 

 incapable of flight, relying entirely on their power of diving, 

 which equals that of the Grebes. The female is perhaps 

 slightly smaller than the male. 



[To be continued.] 



