ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 217 
LOGGER-HEAD DUCK. 
(Tachyeres cinereus.  Micropterus brachypterus.) 
This remarkable bird, first discovered by Pedro Sarminto 
in the Falkland Islands in 1582, is found in the Straits of 
Magellan and in Chili, where by Captain Cook they were 
called “Race Horses, on account of the great swiftness with 
which they run on the water.” and by later travellers as ‘‘Steamer 
Ducks.” From the little information that exists regarding its 
habits, we learn that the wings, which are small and weak, are 
chiefly used by the bird as paddles as it passes over the surface 
of the sea, at the rate of from twelve to fifteen miles an hour. 
It is unable to fly, but is a most expert diver, coming up many 
yards away from the sportsman, rendering it most difficult to 
shoot. Darwin states as his opinion that the wings are 
moved alternately instead of together. Dr. Cunningham, who 
studied it in its native haunts, says it breeds along the coast of 
the Falkland Islands, and that the nest can always be discovered 
by watching for the male bird, which invariably swims up and 
down in front of it. The Logger-head subsists upon crabs and 
other shell-fish, which it breaks open with its powerful bill. 
The skull of this species is so strong that Darwin had 
difficulty in cracking one with his zoological hammer. The 
breeding season is in the early autumn, the young averaging six 
to eight in number. Dr. Cunningham describes the A@icropterus 
as “‘a gigantic duck,” stating that it weighs thirteen pounds and 
over, while the total length is about 30 inches. This naturalist 
concurs with Darwin in his opinion that in their first year 
the young one possess the power of flight, which is lost as they 
grow older. 
The first example of this species was received by the 
Zoological Society from Captain Moore, of the Falkland Islands, 
and we are fortunate in possessing a pair of these extraordinary 
