HAWAIIAN DUCK 
49 
examined by Henshaw (1902) and were found crammed with two species of small 
fresh- and brackish-water shells {Melania newcombii and Hydrohia porrecta). I have 
referred above to their feeding in rice and taro patches. R. C. L. Perkins (1903) says 
he has frequently found their crops filled with rice, and he states that they are partial 
also to various kinds of mollusks, to the larvae of dragonflies and to such other ani- 
mal or vegetable food as is accessible. 
Courtship and Nesting. The nesting-time is very irregular, as might be ex- 
pected in so uniform and semi-tropical a climate. In some localities at an elevation 
of 4000 feet, flappers are in fine condition in August, and on New Year’s Day, 1893, 
a pair was shot which had just hatched a large brood of young. The majority, how- 
ever, breed between March and June (R. C. L. Perkins, 1903). Rothschild’s collector 
took nestlings on Oahu on May 6. 
So far as we know the breeding habits are similar to those of the jNIallard, but 
apparently no nests or eggs have ever been described. The birds retire to the small 
streams of the interior to breed (Henshaw, 1902). R. C. L. Perkins (1903) says that 
he shot a duck and drake together, and on gathering them up found that they had 
already hatched a large brood. This would seem to indicate that the sexes remain 
together and that both take part in rearing the young. Indeed, this is not surprising, 
when we remember that in nearly all species that lack definite eclipse-plumage 
changes, the pairs remain together during the breeding season. 
Status. This species has greatly diminished in numbers since the intensive 
cultivation of sugar-cane and coffee began. It is now probably on the verge of ex- 
tinction. The Norway rat, accidentally introduced, made such ravages on the sugar- 
cane that the mongoose was imported in the hope of relieving the situation. This 
animal, the greatly increased number of sportsmen, and the paucity of large areas of 
open fresh water in the islands, have all contributed to bring about the present 
unfortunate state of affairs. It seems unlikely that the species can survive many 
years. Bryan (1915) said that it was very rare, except on Kauai, and in a letter 
written to me in August, 1920, the same authority has no further information. He 
does say, however, that this duck is at present protected by Territorial law and 
even the killing of specimens is prohibited. 
Food Value. The Hawaiian Duck is a good table bird and was formerly shot 
in great numbers by sportsmen, chiefly about the ponds in the plains, but to some 
extent in the mountains also. In the old days it, together with gallinules and coots, 
was eaten by the natives who held it in high estimation. 
Behavior in Captivity. So far as I know this species has never been imported 
alive into either America or Europe. 
