232 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 
months, and seen on the Lake Atitlan as late as the month of 
May. 
370. Cairina moschata (Linn.). 
All the domestic varieties in Central America seem to derive 
their origin from this species. It is found abundantly on both 
coasts, frequenting the forest swamps. At Belize it is a well- 
known bird, as the nature of that district is well adapted to its 
habits. In the Pacific coast-region it is more local, as the 
swamps are much more limited, and are of comparatively small 
extent. The bird is more frequently seen sitting on a branch 
of a tree than in any other position. During the day-time it 
remains in the forest; but towards evening it seeks the fields of 
maize, and many may be seen sitting about the surrounding 
trees, the flock at a distance looking like a troop of Black Vul¬ 
tures (Cathartes atratus). Though shy and by no means easy 
of approach, a sportsman has no difficulty in obtaining two or 
three birds between sun-down and dark, by hiding up amongst 
the trees and shooting as the birds fly round over head. The 
flesh is excellent and very tender. This bird is said to breed in 
December. 
371. Erismatura rubida (Wils.): Baird, Rep. p. 811. (N.A.) 
On the Lake of Duenas this is the only resident species of 
Duck. Its numbers diminish during the period of the spring 
migration, the immature birds at that time probably seeking 
other quarters. It is a bird more easily procured than any of the 
other ducks frequenting the lake, as its powers of flight render 
its escape less easy. Not but that it flies as well as any other 
when once fairly started; but it finds difficulty in rising from 
off the water, so much so, that, by sailing down wind towards a 
bird, it usually admits of approach to within easy shooting- 
distance. Sometimes, however, it seeks safety by diving; and 
when such is the case, its powers in this respect are so great 
that escape is almost certain to ensue. It builds in May, 
amongst the reeds on the margin of the lake, making a nest of 
the dead flag with a little down. The eggs are, as might be 
expected, by analogy with those of the European Erismatura 
mersa, rough in texture, but perhaps hardly in such a degree as 
