McDichestcr Memoirs , Vol. xlviii. (1904), No.%''^. 35 



think a thousand to be well within the limit of the 

 numbers present. Even at times like these the birds are 

 always fighting. They cannot remain alone, yet they must 

 wrangle amongst themselves. One bird would in some 

 manner offend his nearest neighbour, who at once would 

 respond with a bite. The bird so attacked would promptly 

 confer a like attention on the next of kin ; and so in a few 

 moments a general engagement would take place in 

 which perhaps iifty birds might be taking part. When all 

 were tired out, a general truce would follow for a 

 short time, this being quickly succeeded by another 

 skirmish. 



There still appears to be considerable difference of 

 opinion amongst zoologists whether this species moves its 

 wings simultaneously. or alternately when moving along 

 the water. Darwin {loc. cit.) writes concerning the move- 

 ments of this bird as follows : . . . " but I am nearly sure 

 that the steamer moves its wings alternately, instead of both 

 together." I have paid great attention to the movements of 

 this species of duck, and have made some experiments with 

 the living birds. My opinion is that under ordinary 

 circumstances a steamer duck when alarmed proceeds 

 along the surface of the water by using both wings 

 simultaneously. If the bird is suddenly alarmed, by a 

 dog or a person appearing within arm's length, it uses 

 both wings alternately, exerting itself to its utmost to 

 escape. I have never observed the young birds of this 

 species fly. According to my observations they always 

 proceed along the surface of the water exactly like the 

 adult birds. These observations extend from December 

 to March. 



The nest, which is usually hidden in some diddle-dee 

 bushes not far from the water's edge, is made of grass, 

 stems, and twigs. Seven is the largest number I have 



