18 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornithuhtf/y of [Ibis, 



rushes and tlie bank where they were assembled, and done 

 great execution shooting "into the brown ^'' as they rose; or 

 similarly stalked a flock, most of which were asleep. But 

 no lonoer do they pass at night over that modern Babylon, 

 the town of Buenos Ayres, M'here, like Hudson, I have heard 

 "the shrill confused clangour of their many voices from the 

 darkness over the Argentine capital."' 



Undouljtedly a handsome bird when at rest " in its rich 

 chestnut and fulvous plumage, and its pale blue bill and 

 legs/' to again quote Hudson, the charm is gone on tlie 

 wing. The head and neck seem to droop and the tail and 

 feet are similarly deflected below the level of the back, pro- 

 dncing the effect of a ponderous and laboured flight, totally 

 distinct from that of all the Anatidai I am familiar with. 



I cannot claim Hudson's knowledge regarding the 

 breeding-habits of the species. In our district it is not 

 "given to nesting, notwithstanding its abundance. Indeed, 

 incredible as it may seem, I can only chronicle half-a-dozen 

 cases, of which three occurred in marshes and as many on 

 dry land. The first-named were situated in dense flag-beds, 

 and built of dry material of the same ; the others amidst grass^ 

 Milh no lining. The marsh-birds endeavoured to entice the 

 intruder from the vicinity ; the plain-birds rose immediatelv 

 at the horse's feet and flew away. The corresponding dates 

 viiry from 14 November to 9 February, showing that this 

 species is a late breeder. Thirteen was the largest clutch 

 (much incubated), followed by one of ten (also incubated) ; 

 the remainder were incomplete. 



Like Hudson, my characterisation of the colour of the 

 eggs is white ; but a clutch in my possession certain'y tends 

 towards buff (this, though not taken by myself, Avas procured 

 by a collector in whom I have every confidence). The shape 

 is roundish, and the average measurement is 57x45 mm. 



344. Heteronetta melanocephala Vieill. Black -headed 

 Duck. 



(ylaude Grant writes : "This is bv no means a common 



