The Endurance of Birds. 



239 



chopped meat, bones, and any insect food that can be obtained. 

 They are not closely related to the ostriches and emus, but their 

 loss of the power of flii^ht. their strons^;' running legs, hairy 

 plumage, and anatomical structure show that they belong to a 

 primitive type of bird. 



Two A'ictoria Crowned Pigeons from the Island of Jobi, 

 and a so-called " conunon " Crowned Pigeon from New Guinea, 

 have been placed in the \\ estern Aviary. These magnificent 

 birds are the finest of living pigeons. The plumage is slate- 

 coloured with markings of black, chestnut, and white, varying 

 with the species. They all have a large erect crest of 

 decomposed feathers . Their usual note is harsh and trumpet- 

 like, but in the breeding season they "coo" like other pigeons." 



The Endurance of Birds. 



By Weslky T. Pagi:. F.Z.S.. M.B.O.U.. etc. 



(Continued froni page 2l8). 



Quail: These are charming aviary-birds, but they do 

 best on ground which is well drained and soon dries after rain. 

 However, those whose ground has a subsoil of clay need not 

 look upon this as prohibitive to successfully keeping them, as 

 many species will do well with them. e.g. Californian. Chinese. 



Harlequin. Rain, etc.. but the Jungle-Bush, Button, Argoondah 

 and allied species are better on dry sandy ground, and if kept 



