Revieivs.



217



THE EMU. *


Although not strictly an avicultural journal The Emu

contains abundant material of the greatest interest to those whose

acquaintance with the Australian avifauna is perforce confined

to caged specimens. Of late years many Australian species have

been imported alive into this country, so that birds from that

region are to be found in many private aviaries.


In the number for October, 1910, there is an extremely

interesting article by Mr. S. W. Jackson on the habits of the

Tooth-billed Bower Bird (Scenopczetes dcntirostris). Snails are

apparently its favourite food, and, from an examination of the

stomach contents, no less than four new species of Molluscs have

been described, apart from snails however, it also feeds on

insects, seeds and fruit, and should therefore adapt itself fairly

readily to captivity.


I11 common with other species of Bower Bird, the Tooth-

bill has * play-grounds ’ to which he frequently resorts at certain

times of year, and which are decorated with many kinds of leaves.

Mr. Jackson studied its habits carefully and found that it only

used the leaves of certain trees, and although the leaves used were

of various sizes and shapes, yet they were obviously not picked

at random but carefully selected. The play-grounds are not used

during the breeding season, when, as Mr. Jackson remarks, it

has other and more important business to attend to.


Mr. Chandler communicates some notes on the Pardalotes,

with especial reference to their nesting habits and the plumage

of the young; and a most interesting illustration shows a flock of

Wild Lorikeets (Trichoglossus nova-ho Handies) coming down to

feed at a ‘ bird-table,’ while their human provider ladles out a

syrup of milk and sugar on to a plate. These birds, which are

entirely wild-bred, have lost all fear, and settle on the arms, head

and shoulders of their benefactress.


The December number is a special part devoted to the

annual meeting and excursions in connection with it. We are

pleased to note that the A. O. U. is in a flourishing state both as

regards its membership and finance, and, in fact, with so many



* The Etnu, Oct. & Dec., 1910, Jan., 1911. Quarterly 4/-.


London Agent: K. H. Pokier, 7, Princes Street, Cavendish Square, Loudon, W.



