BLACK-BELLIED TREE DUCK 161 



seldom, if ever, nesting on the ground. Hollow trees, regardless of the proximity of 

 the water, seem to be the most favored location. One nest, found by Sennett (1879), 

 was in an ebony tree in an open grove, near a ranch house, nine feet above the 

 ground, and in a hollow branch. There was no lining. According to Merrill (1878) 

 the nest may be eight to thirty feet above the ground and sometimes as much as two 

 miles from the nearest water. The nest is never carefully lined with feathers. In 

 only one case, so far as I know, was the bird found nesting on the ground, the locality 

 mentioned being a cornfield (Lloyd, U.S. Biol. Survey). 



In Texas and Mexico the eggs are deposited in June and July, soon after the birds 

 arrive from regions farther south. Merrill (1878) mentions broods still unable to 

 depart for the south in November, but this must be exceptional. Grayson (Lawrence, 

 1874) thought that these late broods indicated a second nesting. Such may be the 

 case, but more likely it signifies the premature destruction of the first clutch, or 

 brood. The normal clutch seems to number twelve to fifteen or sixteen (Lawrence, 

 1874; Merrill, 1878). In color the eggs are pure white or creamy, measuring about 

 54.5 by 39 mm. There is some indication that the male at times assists in incubation, 

 for Sanford (Sanford, Bishop and Van Dyke, 1903) shot several males in the Tain- 

 pico districts, whose breasts suggested that they had been sitting on eggs. Merrill's 

 (1878) statement that the males leave the females and gather in large flocks is cer- 

 tainly erroneous. So far as known in all Tree Ducks the pairs remain together 

 throughout the nesting season, although just how much longer it is impossible to say. 

 The period of incubation is not accurately known, but is probably over thirty days. 



Status. Merrill (1878) says that large numbers were brought to the Brownsville 

 Market. It is still a common bird there, but the settlement of the tropics must even- 

 tually reduce all species of Tree Ducks. 



Enemies. Grayson (Lawrence, 1874) suggests that alligators are dangerous to 

 these birds. 



Damage. Several writers (especially Lawrence, 1874, and Sennett, 1879) have 

 spoken of the damage done by this species to the corn crops. This matter has already 

 been discussed in connection with feeding habits. 



Food Value. Excellent for the table (Sennett, 1879; Taylor, Ibis, ser. 1, vol. 2, 

 p. 315, 1860). 



Behavior in Captivity. The black-bellied Tree Duck has long been a favorite 

 with aviculturalists the world over. It is, or rather was, readily obtainable from 

 dealers in the United States. Specimens were imported into England as far back as 



