COURTSHIPS OF LABRADOR BIRDS 



lacking in their case. A study of the courtship 

 of this very similar yet very different bird is 

 much to be desired, and might throw consider- 

 able light on the relationships or evolution 

 of the two species. 



There is no more unusual and bizarre sight 

 in the bird world than a dozen or more beautiful 

 whistler drakes crowding restlessly around a 

 few demure little females, and displaying these 

 antics of head, neck, and feet, while ever 

 and anon their curious love-song pierces the air. 



At Esquimaux Point on June 2nd, as I was 

 standing on the rocks on the shore, I was startled 

 by the loud quack or croak characteristic of the 

 female black duck, and looking up I saw two 

 large black ducks, evidently males, in close 

 pursuit of a smaller female. They doubled and 

 twisted in a manner wonderful to see, as the 

 duck appeared to be straining every nerve to 

 elude the drakes. At last one of the drakes 

 gave up the pursuit and disappeared over the 

 low forest, whereupon the other drake and 

 duck sailed away together, as if it had all been 

 arranged beforehand, straight to a secluded 

 pool out of sight behind the rocks. The whole 

 affair was of short duration but very exciting 



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