GRAY-BREASTED TREE DUCK 167 



much hunted in that region (F. P. and A. P. Penard, 1908-10). The same authors 

 remark that there seems to be a high natural mortality among the young birds. 



Food Value. The flesh of this species, as of most Tree Ducks, is excellent (Leo- 

 taud, 1866; F. P. and A. P. Penard, 1908-10). 



Behavior in Captivity. As long ago as Latham's time the Gray-breasted Tree 

 Duck was frequently imported into Europe. In his supplement to the General 

 Synopsis of Birds (1787, p. 274), he has a very interesting note in which he states 

 that the species has propagated at Shonbrun in Sweden. There are no other records 

 of its breeding in captivity. 



The London Zoological Gardens first received this species in 1864. The three 

 specimens obtained at that time were still living in the gardens in 1883, giving a 

 longevity in confinement of at least nineteen years. Three in the New York gardens 

 are twelve years old. 



Frequently confounded by dealers and aviculturalists with the more familiar 

 northern form (Dendrocygna autumnalis) , this duck has nevertheless been commonly 

 exhibited in both European and American collections. The natives in the tropics 

 habitually keep them in their farmyards, but probably never really domesticate 

 them. 



