252 CAS ARC A VARIEGATA 



lakes or pools of clear water" (W. W. Smith, 1889). There is an instance of a pair 

 having stayed in one locality for one or even two years (Henry, fide Buller, 1905), 

 though ordinarily the birds seern to flock together after the breeding season and re- 

 sort to river-mouths or salt-marshes near the coast (Buller, 1888). The periodical 

 flooding of the rivers seems to compel them to seek new feeding grounds, and short 

 migrations result, such as that described for the Lake Brunner District (W. W. 

 Smith, 1889). 



Wariness. Like all other Sheldrakes, the Paradise Duck is not only extremely 

 wary, but very intelligent, taking advantage of protection when offered it and know- 

 ing how to guard against surprise in places where persecuted. Like its relatives, it is 

 in the habit of posting a sentinel while feeding (Buller, 1888; Green, High Alps of 

 New Zealand, p. 157, 1883). During the seasonal moult it is exceptionally wary, 

 assembling near broad sheets of water, and making for the middle of the lake at the 

 least sign of danger (Travers, 1872). 



Gait. In its gait, the Paradise Duck also resembles its relative, the Ruddy 

 Sheldrake. Its walk is " distinguished and elegant, no other duck excelling it in this 

 respect" (Rogeron, 1903). 



Swimming and Diving. These birds dive when young, but when adult, only if 

 wounded or in full moult. Even at such times they are said to be indifferent divers, 

 using their wings to propel themselves under water (Buller, 1888; Travers, 1872). 

 In swimming, the stern is carried high, as in other Sheldrakes. The species seems to 

 be quite at home on the mountain torrents of the New Zealand Alps. 



Flight. The pairs remain together for at least most of the year, but Buller 

 (1888) states that in the winter a partial separation of the sexes takes place, for he 

 not infrequently saw companies of ten or more drakes with one duck, or vice versa. 

 Large flocks are not seen, but groups of six or seven are not uncommon. When about 

 to rise, the members of this species execute the same head-wagging movements 

 that are characteristic of the Egyptian Goose (Heinroth, 1911). They move their 

 heads up and down, not sideways as in the Ruddy Sheldrake, acting in this respect 

 like the Australian species. 



Association with other Species. The mere fact that there are no records of 

 any association of these birds with other species indicates that their quarrelsome 

 and intolerant disposition makes it impossible for them to live peacefully with 

 other birds. 



