2C>4 



Sonic TRecent acquisitions. 



By Wesley T. Page. F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S. 

 ( 'Continued from page IJ2J. 



The Malabar Gkeen Bulbul (Chloropsis malabaricd).* 

 This fine species is commonly sold as the Gold-fronted Chlorop- 

 sis, the better name is Malabar Harewa, they are almost as well 

 known in this country as Fruitsnckers as by the designation Green 

 Bulbul, the latter appellation being, in my opinion, the better as 

 a popular name for this country, though to call them Harewas 

 would perhaps be more correct, as they certainly are not true 

 Bulbuls. The specimen in question was brought over by Capt. 

 Perreau in the spring of this year, was for a time on deposit at 

 the Zoo, coming into my possession in late July, since when it 

 has shared one of my outdoor bird-room enclosures with an old 

 favourite, a very fine Shama. Since coming into my possession 

 it has been very fit, and has never ailed at all ; morning, noon, 

 and night, its loud and merry song can be heard, while for its 

 fearless and confiding demeanour it stands unrivalled. It was 

 amusing to watch them, when it was first introduced, a few meal- 

 worms would be thrown in, down would come the Shama and 

 stand over them glowering, with wings and tail outspread, 

 apparently bidding defiance to all, the Bulbul would drop flop 

 from the branches overhead, take a mealworm from under the 

 very beak of the Shama, hop on to the first branch, dispose of 

 it and then repeat the operation, Mr. Shama from very astonish- 

 ment unable to prevent him. In a few days the Shama got 

 accustomed to the others' audacity and then there were one or 

 two scrimmages when mealworms were about, but after a few 

 days they grew to mutually respect one another, and though they 

 do not fraternise, yet they live together in peace. 



The Malabar has a large appetite, disposes of about a 

 dozen mealworms daily, a good portion of ripe fruit and takes 

 his full share from the soft food saucer as well. 



As cage pets they are without an equal, but being large 

 eaters their cages require constant attention to keep them sweet; 

 also the cage should be of generous proportions or fits will 

 result, the bird becoming over fat from lack of exercise, a fly 



Auri/rous rnay readily be distinguished by its blue throat. 



