Avicultural Notes



107



Quaker, Grey-breasted, and Monte Video Parrakeet, which alone of all

the Psittacidoe builds itself a nest in a tree, and that a very elaborate

one. It is a gentle and tamable bird and often to be bought at

a low price.


I pass to Australia, and here I must beware of wearying you, for

Australia abounds with many genera of the Psittacidae. Some of them

are peculiar favourites of my own, and I think quite among the loveliest

of the tribe. First come several of the handsomest Cockatoo race,

others of which we have already found in the East Indian Islands.

The latter are nearly pure white; the Australian are beautifully tinted

with various shades, and are in some cases entirely coloured.


(To be continued.)



AVICULTURAL NOTES


Avicultural Reconstruction.— I have been living here for

about a fortnight, and though the park is by no means ready it is fenced

all round, and the first arrivals are enjoying semi-liberty. Besides some

mammals there are White-necked and Stanley Cranes, Emus, Rheas,

a pair of Trumpeter Swans, Ross’s, Pale-headed, Magellanic, Canada,

Bernicle, Bar-headed and Coreopsis Geese, two dozen Falcated and

Chilian Pintail Ducks, Speeifer Peafowl, Crossoptilons, and Siamese

Firebacks. It is a small beginning, but I enjoy these few birds

very much.


I expect the aviaries (outdoor and indoor) and the enclosures will

be ready for June or July. Mme. Lecallier is kindly keeping a lot of

rare and interesting birds for me until my installations are set up.

She has now a wonderful collection, especially of Parrakeets and Parrots.

—J. Delacour.


Barn Owl Hunting in Daylight. —An individual of this species

seems to have taken to hunting regularly by day in the country round,

as I saw it in daylight and also in sunshine during February and March.

This day habit of hunting is most likely due to decrease in the supply

of Mice, etc. (also referred to by Mr. Trevor Battye in the Field, p. 201),

making it necessary for individual Owls to hunt longer hours in order

to obtain sufficient. A few summers ago another Owl used to hunt



