SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



131 



PHOTO BY C 



PICTIRE LM:EL. 



it must be remembered that this cage is used for a large number 

 of birds in winter only — a non-breeding season. However, even 

 indoors, the magpies in the flying-cage have built nests and laid 

 eggs, and were not molested. In spring all of the birds are placed 

 in the immense outdoor Flying Cage, where every facility is of- 

 fered to induce them to breed. 



To appreciate the test which the large indoor cage has success- 

 fully stood for two years, a few of the birds living in it will be 

 mentioned, and their diversity in habits and food will indicate the 

 remarkable degree in which the dispositions of these birds have 

 changed to enable them to live in intimate and friendly relations 

 with species with which in a wild state they would never asso- 

 ciate. 



On the topmost boughs of the cedar-trees the wood ibises are 

 generally balancing their ungainly forms, while near by are the 

 favorite perches of night herons, little blue herons, and also 

 the cormorants, when they are not taking their turn in the pool 

 and swimming from end to end under the water. At times the 

 brown pelicans dispute the possession of the topmost branches, 

 but generally are contented to perch on lower perches in com- 

 pany with the American and snowy egrets and Louisiana herons. 

 About half way to the top of the tree are branches regularly en- 

 gaged by mandarin and wood ducks, and they are seldom dis- 

 turbed when in possession of these favorite perches. Possibly the 



