352 
ANAS GALAPAGENSIS 
tailed and thorough account of its life-history is that given by Gifford (1913). There 
seems to be no reason to suppose that in habits it differs from the Bahama Duck. 
Gifford found the species most common about the salt lagoons of the low coastal 
regions. It also frequented the fresh-water ponds and lakes, and the elevated por- 
tion of some of the islands. Some were also seen in a deep crater-lake on Tower 
Island. Only once were any seen on tidal water. The haunts vary greatly as the 
small lagoons often dry up. The birds were even seen moving about from place to 
place, flighting along the coast, one or two at a time. 
Habel (fide Salvin, 1876) found these ducks “tame enough to be killed by a blow 
of a long switch or a stone. On the approach of a person, it will not fly, but paddles 
away a short distance; and when scared will not leave the lagoon entirely, but rather 
retires to another part of it.” Gifford, who visited the islands so much later, found 
them still for the most part fearless. They would “swim towards a person, some- 
times close enough to be killed by a stone.” After the first discharge of a gun, those 
not killed would continue sitting on the water, merely bewildered. Only on Charles 
and Chatham Islands were they at times wary, perhaps because of greater persecu- 
tion. When in charge of young they were naturally more cautious than usual. 
These birds usually fly in small companies, but Gifford saw as many as a hundred 
together on South Albemarle. They associate largely with the American Flamingo, 
the Black-necked Stilt, and to a lesser extent with the Sooty Gull, the Blue-winged 
Teal (a rather common migrant), the Egret, and the Galapagos Heron. 
During the mating season a low quacking note was heard. Beyond this nothing is 
known of the voice. There is no information about the food. 
The following notes by Gifford show that the breeding season probably extends 
from October to July: October 5-6, two males with enlarged sex organs; November 
6, female with enlarged ovaries; November, males noticed chasing each other, and 
sometimes pursuing females; January 11, four shot, all but one with enlarged sex 
organs; July 28, nine taken, all with enlarged sex organs. On February 25 a fresh 
egg, evidently accidentally deposited, was found on a low laval islet in Cormorant 
Bay. No actual nest was found, but young in down were seen on March 5, 6 and 10, 
and on August 24. The clutch and incubation period are probably the same as in the 
Bahama Duck. Among the few broods of young seen by Gifford the male was not in 
evidence. 
