162 
Capt. C. C. Abbott on the Birds 
some kind. Seven is the usual number of eggs, though sometimes 
eight and nine are found. When the bird leaves the nest, she 
covers it up in the same manner with grass or down (according 
to whether she has finished laying or not) as I have stated is 
the case with the Upland Goose. 
43. Micropterus patachonicus, King. (Flying Logger- 
head.) 
The Flying Loggerhead is not uncommon in the Falkland 
Islands. It breeds in the same places as the Common Logger- 
head, but rather frequents the freshwater ponds near the sea, and 
is a difficult bird to approach from its wariness. I never shot 
but one example of it; and this I had not an opportunity of 
comparing with the non-flying species. I observed, however, 
that it was a much smaller and lighter bird, and that the wings 
were more developed, although still small for the size of the 
body. I have seen the Flying Loggerhead take long flights. I 
once found a nest of this Duck with seven eggs in it. They 
were hard set. The bird flew out of the nest on my approach, 
high up in the air. The eggs were of the same size and colour 
as those of the common species. 
44. Podiceps calipareus, Less. (White Grebe.) 
This Grebe is found only in the interior of East-Falkland 
Island, on the small inland ponds. It never flies on being shot 
at; and I have never seen it on the wing, though it must take 
long flights, as I have seen seven or eight of them in a pond 
one day, and next day they had all disappeared. I know 
nothing of their breeding, not having found a nest. I have, 
however, shot the young birds in their immature plumage. 
45. Podiceps rollandi, Q. et G. (Black-crested Grebe.) 
This Grebe is rather common, being found in both fresh and 
salt water, though more frequent on the freshwater streams. I 
have often hunted for their nests, but have never been successful 
in finding one. At Port Louis, in January 1859, I found a pair 
of Grebes in Fish Creek, and, wanting specimens, I fired at one, 
which I only succeeded in wounding. It went on to some stones, 
and on my approach took to the water. As it did so, two small 
dark objects fell from its back into the water and floated ashore. I 
