157 

 The Kagu ( RhinocheUis jubatusj and Sun Bittern 



(Eurypyga helias). The fine photographs by my brother 

 (Mr. E. O. Page) reproduced herewith, figure two very interest- 

 ing and rare birds. Probably only about six or seven of the 

 first-named liave reached this country alive, and these have all 

 been exliibited at the Zoo two in 1S62, one in 1866, two or 

 three in 1884-5, and one in 1906, the latter forming the subject 

 of our illustration. The Kagu has been noted in this {see 

 Dr. McDonagh's article, " Wanderings in the Zoo " in March 

 issue) and otlier journals. The photograph is perhaps marred 

 by the figures in the background, but the photographs had to 

 be taken as opportunity occurred and the camera with the 

 birds' display attracted the crowd. A rather melancholy 

 interest attaches to the photograpli of the vSnn Bittern, both 

 specimens* dying about three days after the photographs were 

 taken, and an accident happening to the negative showing the 

 whole bird in sharp focus, have hail to be content with a some- 

 what indifferent figure, but it was most difficult to get the bird 

 in such an angle as to get the whole figure sharp, and the light 

 was poor. To see one of these birds (simph- an arrangement 

 of browns when in repose), displaying its wings with their 

 gorgeous hues (purples, etc.), to the summer sun is a sight to 

 be remembered. But this note is principally about the Kagu, 

 it is most droll to note this bird parading with a .sort of 

 ludicrous stately march, start off in a most ungainly and very 

 rapid run. The late Mr. Bartlett describes this in P.Z.S. 1862: 

 '■ With crest erect and wings outspread, the Kagu runs or skip.s about, 

 " sometimes pursuing: and driving before him all the birds that are confined 



" with him in the same aviary, evidently enjoying the fun at 



" other times he will seize the end of his wing or tail and run round 



" holding it in his bill During his frolic he will thrust his bill 



" into the ground and spread out his wings, kicks his legs in the air, and 

 " then tumble about as in a fit." 



Mr. Bartlett noticed at the time its close affinity to the 

 Sun Bittern (see inset on plate), such as the development of 



* For some time previous to their death both these specimens had 

 failed to develop the powder down on their plumage, and had become 

 infested with parasites. 



