BAHAMA DUCK 
349 
Status. Although no definite information is available, it is fairly safe to say that 
in the West Indies, where noxious mammals have been freely introduced, this 
species will not be able to hold its own. Wetmore (1916) feels sure that it will dis- 
appear in Porto Rico unless properly protected. Many years ago it was classed as 
almost the commonest duck in Brazil (H. Burmeister, 1856) and this is probably 
still the case. It has been shot for the markets of Buenos Aires for many years 
(P. L. Sclater and Salvin, 1876) and can hardly be maintaining itself in Argentina. 
Enemies. In the Guianas “Sapakaras,” weasels and other destructive animals 
are said to prey upon the eggs (F. P. and A. P. Penard, 1908-10). 
Damage. None. 
Food Value. The flesh is excellent. During dry seasons when all ducks are 
forced to resort to the coast, in the Guianas, this species is said to be less oily in taste 
than the others (F. P. and A. P. Penard, 1908-10). 
Hunt. A description of the method used for hunting these birds in the Guianas 
is given by the Penards (1908-10) . Evidently the hunters go out on moonlight nights 
and creep up to some “pan” where the birds are known to be feeding. They alarm 
the birds sufficiently to make them swim together, thus obtaining easy “pot” shots. 
The ducks are hunted there even in the breeding season and bring about fifty to 
sixty cents the dozen in the markets. A higher figure is paid when they are taken 
alive. 
Behavior in Captivity. The Bahama Duck was kept by Lord Derby in his 
famous Knowsley collection, at the sale of which, in 1851, the London Gardens 
procured specimens. These latter began to breed in 1853 and have done so fairly 
regularly ever since (P. L. Sclater, 1880). They have proved to be quite hardy, for 
the average length of life of twenty -four specimens kept was almost five years, the 
maximum being fourteen years and two months (P. C. Mitchell, 1911). This duck 
has been so commonly bred that hand-reared stock was usually obtainable before 
the War at a very reasonable figure, £3 or £4 the pair. They are now selling at a 
somewhat higher figure. It is usually classed with other Pintails as being very well 
adapted to life in captivity and it breeds at the age of one year. Besides it is a very 
stylish and showy little bird on the water, in spite of its sober garments, and has 
roused some enthusiasts, like Rogeron (1903), to a high pitch of eloquence. Indeed, 
there is something about it that makes it unusually attractive, and it always looks 
neat and in trim plumage at any season of the year. One breeder at least (Gour- 
raud, 1885) found them very quarrelsome in the breeding season, but this was 
