Page:Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas.djvu/54

Rh 212. Cygnus americanus, Sharpless.

Early in January, 1878, a fine specimen was brought into Brownsville alive by a Mexican, who said that it was caught on a lagoon by one of his dogs. It must have been wounded, though I could see no sign of this. Either this species or the Trumpeter Swan is said to be not uncommon near the coast during winter.

213. Anser albifrons var. gambeli, Hartl.

The first of the Geese to return in the autumn, usually about the first week in October. Comparatively few of this or the other species of Geese remain throughout the winter, but during the migrations this one is only surpassed in numbers by the Snow Goose. I have seen a flock of at least two hundred pass over Fort Brown as late as the 18th of April.—(A. gambeli,, Ibis, 1866, 42.)

214. Chen hyperboreus, (Pall.)

Very abundant, especially on the salt prairies near the coast.—(, Ibis, 1866, 41.—, B. Rio Grande, 62.)

215. Branta canadensis, (Lino.)

Not rare, but the least common of the Geese in this vicinity.—(Bernicla c.,, Ibis, 1866, 42.)

216. Branta hutchinsi, (Sw. & Rich.)

More abundant than B. canadensis, but less so than A. gambeli.—(Bernicla h., Ibis, 1866, 42.)

217. Dendrocygna autumnalis, (Linn.)

This large and handsome bird arrives from the south in April, and is soon found in abundance on the river banks and lagoons. Migrating at night, it continually utters a very peculiar chattering whistle, which at once indicates its presence. Called by the Mexicans patos maizal, or Corn-field Duck, from its habit of frequenting those localities. It is by no means shy, and large numbers are offered for sale in the Brownsville market. Easily domesticated, it becomes very tame, roosting at night in trees with chickens and turkeys. When the females begin to lay, the males leave them, and gather in large flocks on sand-bars in the river. My knowledge of the breeding habits is derived from Dr. S. M. Finley, U. S. A., who had ample opportunity of observing these birds at Hidalgo. The eggs are deposited in hollow trees and branches, often at a considerable distance from water (two miles), and from eight to thirty feet or more from the ground. The eggs are placed on the bare wood, and are from twelve to sixteen in number. Two broods are raised, and the parent carries the young to water in her bill. Twelve eggs received from Dr. Finley average 2.11 by 1.53, with but little variation in size: they are of the usual duck shape, and in color are a rather clear yellowish-white. The birds leave in September, but a few late broods are seen as late as November. The soft parts in a full-plumaged living male were