II. E. Bogers~The Australian Bird Market 105


immediately withdrew some inches and remained perfectly still on the

defensive, facing each other with wings partly open. Their feathers

were erect, heads drawn back, and beaks in readiness for a sudden

thrust; each bird kept its eyes firmly fixed on the other ready for battle.

As they faced one another they looked far grander and more attractive

than they had done a few seconds before when approaching each other

round the bush. Neither bird was anxious to fight; each appeared to

realize that it would prove to be a tough battle, judging by the very

extreme watchfulness displayed and the complete indifference that

both birds showed to me and a keeper, although we had both entered the

enclosure and stood only about 5 feet away. It is interesting to add

that the keeper, although he was not aware of my thoughts, expressed

the same opinion.


After watching them face each other for about two minutes, during

which both remained perfectly still, we decided to time them, and

although I repeatedly waved my umbrella between their beaks, and even

pushed each bird along the ground for over 2 feet (keeping them

parallel in the journey), they flatly refused to take their eyes off each

other, and remained for just over seven minutes in position, after

which they decided to postpone hostilities.


The incident suggested that when two Bitterns in the wild state

disagree they proceed with far greater caution than when opposed by

another bird of different genus — each apparently realizing that its

opponent has a sharp beak which it can use with effect. I have,

however, never witnessed a combat between wild Bitterns. Perhaps

some other reader has had this experience.



THE AUSTRALIAN BIRD MARKET


By H. E. Rogers


The Australian bird market has not yet got into its regular stride;

business is full of surprises, and one never knows what to expect in the

way of arrivals. I expect some stock from Australian ports this week,

but I have no definite news and do not like to build up hopes in vain.

The scarcity of birds, mammals, and reptiles in captivity in Australia

was never so great, but poor Bunny has come into his own, and I have



