163 



assemble there in great numbers in the spring, in 

 order to breed and rear their young in greater 

 security ; and on the falling of the first snows 

 in winter, they quit them in large flocks, and 

 seek the plains and the maritime mountains. To 

 their residence in the Andes, which are almost al- 

 ways covered with snow, I think may be attributed 

 that diíFefence of plumage frequently observable in 

 individuals of many of these species, of which I have 

 seen some that were perfectly white. 



Many of the birds of Chili are merely simple va- 

 rieties of species that are found in Italy and many 

 other parts of Europe. Of this number are the geese, 

 ducks, divers, plovers, herons, kites, falcons, black- 

 birds, pigeons, crows, partridges, and domestic 

 fowls.* The sportsmen enumerate sixteen species of 

 wild ducks, and six of geese. Among the former, 

 the royal duck (anas regia) is principally distinguish- 

 able ; it is much larger than the common duck, the 

 upper part of the body is of a beautiful blue, and the 



* The country abounds with an infinity of birds, particularly 

 wild pigeons, turtle-doves, and partridges, though the latter are 

 inferior to those of Europe, and with grouse and ducks of all kinds ; 

 anvong the latter is one called the royal duck^ which has a red 

 comb upon its head. There are likewise curlews, and a kind of 

 widgeon, (resenibling the sea-bird called ma/7í¿«) which has a long, 

 strait, narrow, scarlet bill, flat upon the upper side, and a stripe 

 of the same colour over the eyes ; the feet are like those of the 

 ostrich, and the flesh is very good eating. Parrots are in plenty, 

 and there are some swans and flamingoes, whose feathers are highly 

 prized by the Indians for ornamenting their heads upon public oc- 

 casions ; these are of a beautiful white and carnation, colours that 

 are in the greatest estimation among them. — Frazier^a Voyage^ 

 vol. i. 



