2g6 Nesting of the Rufous-throated Tree Partridge.


11til I noticed one of the birds busy going in and out the nest and

on the 13th a third egg was laid. On the 15th one of the three

eggs in the nest was brought outside by the birds and broken, and

on the same day I noticed a soft egg which had been laid some

distance from the nest. O11 the following day another egg was

laid in the nest and one bird began to sit. On the 23rd I found

another egg laid outside the nest and I began strongly to suspect,

what afterwards proved to be the fact, that both my birds were

liens.


A few days later the bird that had been laying outside

elongated the nest on the entrance side, bringing a good deal of

dried grass for the purpose, and soon afterwards joined the other

bird in sitting in the nest. Both birds continued to sit like

stones for some time and when I finally disturbed the nest I found

four eggs in it.


These eggs were white and measured 1.6 by 1.2 inches.


I was, of course, greatly disappointed that my birds were

not a true pair, as their nesting habits and the habits of the young

seem little known.


The Rufous-throated Tree Partridge comes from Mount

Mooleyit in Tenasserim, and should any member of the Avi-

cultural Society happen to be passing in that direction and be

able to bring back a cock, I will gladly let him have one of my

hens in the hope that successful nesting results may ensue.


In conclusion, I may mention that these Tree Partridges

are absolutely hardy (sleeping out in the open during the most

severe weather without suffering) and they are easily kept on

grain, without any insect food, although they much relish this

whenever they can get it.


They are very active and sprightly birds and scratch about

constantly with the greatest vigour, far more than any other Tree

Partridges I know. They seldom perch during the daytime but

always roost a good height from the ground.



