174 Messrs. S. Roch and E. Newton'ora Birds , 
on forehead red ; a dark patch on the side of the former; legs 
reddish flesh-colour ” —S. R. 
^ . Gallinula pyrrhorrhoa, A. Newton, P.Z.S., 1861, 
pp. 18, 19. G. chloropus, Harth (non Linn.), p. 81. 
Not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Tamatave. It is 
possible that this species may have been introduced into Mauri¬ 
tius from Madagascar. 
69. Nettapus auritus (Boddaert), Hartl. p. 82. 
This pretty little Duck is very numerous on the lakes near the 
coast, and affords both excellent sport and an excellent second 
course. They are generally wild, but sometimes allow a canoe to 
approach within gun-shot. They sit low in the water, like the 
true Diving Ducks. Upon being disturbed, they fly with great 
rapidity. On one occasion a pair were observed sitting on a low 
tree overhanging the water. If wounded, they are difficult to 
pick up, from their expertness in diving. 
70. Anas xanthorhyncha, Forster. A. flavirostris, A. Smithy 
Ill. S. Afr. Zool. pi. 96. “ Rahak.” 
The only specimen preserved was brought to Dr. Roch at 
Tamatave. We afterwards saw the species up the country, at 
Ampasimpotsi, about seventy-four miles from the coast. 
71. Dafila erythrorhyncha (Gmelin), Hartl. p. 82. 
“ I shot three specimens of this species at Nossi-be, where 
they were seen hovering over the rice-fields in tolerable numbers. 
Their flight was much more rapid than that even of Nettapus 
auritus. I think I also saw them on the great plain near 
Mooramanga.”—S. R. 
72. Dendrocygna viduata (Linn.), Hartl. p. 83. “Thar- 
kika,” “ Churu-ru.” 
Found from the coast to the great plain near Ambohitroni, 
sometimes in large flocks of from twenty to sixty. They were 
very tame, and easily shot. 
“ The latter of the above two native names, by which this 
bird is more generally known, is probably taken from its note. 
On shooting one of a pair, the survivor would commonly return 
