ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 133 
nest is formed of the down plucked by the bird from its own breast. Its 
food consists of the small fish, crustacea, molluscs, &c., which abound in 
the flats and swampy places.” 
The above notes are taken from Mr. Gould’s magnificent 
work on the “Birds of Australia,” and form the bulk of our 
information respecting this Sheldrake. These birds have been 
procured at from £6 to £8 the pair, but they are not often 
offered for sale, which is a matter for regret, as in all likelihood 
they would breed under favourable conditions ; which would 
probably entail a separate “run,” their disposition, like that of 
all the Sheldrakes, being somewhat pugnacious. 
A few pairs were imported in March, 1892, and ten years 
later a trapper arrived from Australia with about 100 couple. 
One of our great dealers told me that at first they sold for £20 
a pair, but gradually the price declined to 40s. Mr. Blaauw has 
kept them in Holland for several years, but has not succeeded 
in making them breed, though they are hardy birds, Mr. Blaauw 
having had a male since 1889. 
Male.—Size somewhat superior to that of the “ Paradise 
Duck,” which it resembles in its general appearance. Head 
glossy black, terminating abruptly in a sharply defined white 
ring round the neck, below which extends a broad band, six to 
eight inches in depth, of bright orange-brown ; back and breast 
clear dark-ash colour, finely pencilled with hair-like white lines ; 
shoulder white ; flights green and black ; wing-coverts orange- 
brown ; tail black; bill and feet black; eye brown, encircled 
by a band of paler feathers. 
Female.—Similar but smaller ; markings less distinct, a 
ring of whitish feathers round the base of the bill. 
Young.—No information. 
Egg.—wWhitish buff; thirteen in number. September. 
Incubation, thirty days. 
