GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



I noticed that they were in breeding condition, and also that 

 the hens' breasts were bare of down. 



" These birds are sometimes very shy, at other times, 

 particularly at dusk, they are quite tame. In the evening 

 they sometimes 'flight,' but this habit is, at this season at 

 least, of irregular occurrence, not taking place every night ; 

 they also change their feeding-grounds during the day. There 

 are some salt pans below the dam, and a pair of Widgeon 

 often spent the middle of the day on them. When swimming 

 about their caU is a rather high-pitched quack. I have never 

 heard them quack when flying, but they sometimes make a 

 sort of short, whistling note. This (July) is evidently the 

 breeding season for these birds, but they are often to be found 

 in threes and fours. 



" Clutch of seven eggs, July 6th, 1907. Slightly incubated. 

 Average measurements of six eggs (one having been broken), 

 length 1.91 inches; breadth 1.34 inches. 



" Colour pale cream, smooth (not glossy). Shape, slightly 

 irregular ; the more pointed end is generally attenuated 

 and then rounded abruptly at the end. 



" Clutch of eight eggs, July 6th, 1907. One was examined 

 and found to be fresh. Average length 1.97 inches ; breadth 

 1.5 inches. 



" Colour smooth cream, smooth (not glossy). Shape fairly 

 regular ; slightly more pointed at one end than at the 

 other. 



" Clutch of nine eggs, 8th July, 1907 ; two eggs examined 

 and found fresh. Average length of nine eggs, 1.92 inches ; 

 average breadth 1.46 inches. 



" Colour deep cream, smooth but not glossy. Shape rather 

 variable, but all pointed more at one end than at the other ; 

 in some this is rather more marked. 



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