BIRD LIFE OF BARTICA 125 



Although this phase of work was wholly subordinate 

 to the scientific investigation which was the main object of 

 the Station, we were able to add over three hundred mam- 

 mals, birds and reptiles to the collection of the Zoological 

 Park. These represent a total value of well over one thou- 

 sand dollars. They were as follows : 



31 Mammals 16 Snakes 



154 Birds 8 Tortoises and Turtles 



3 Alligators 80 Frogs and Toads 



10 Lizards 13 Fish 



Without going into too great detail, a few of the more 

 interesting specimens may be mentioned. Three species of 

 opossums were obtained, several pacas, a yaguarondi cub, 

 agouti, ocelot, a very interesting wild dog, and some jungle 

 rats which have not been identified. 



Thirty-four species of living birds were sent to the Zoo- 

 logical Park, of which seven had not previously been ex- 

 hibited. The most important was a cock-of-the-rock (Rupi- 

 cola rupicola), an uncommonly fine specimen, in full adult 

 male plumage. Few cocks-of-the-rock have been exhibited 

 alive in North America, and none at all for more than twen- 

 ty-five years. The species is alleged to be delicate and short- 

 lived in captivity, but this specimen has as yet given no 

 evidence of frailty. 



The cock-of-the-rock belongs to the family Cotingidae, 

 all the members of which are rare in captivity. The pompa- 

 dour cotinga (Xipholena punicea), so far as records go, has 

 never been exhibited alive before the arrival of the specimen 

 sent to New York from the Tropical Station. This is a 

 superb species, the adult male clad in gorgeous claret, set 

 off with snow-white wings. Little is known of the wild hab- 

 its of this bird, but even less of its viability and conduct in 

 captivity. 



Rails are always welcome additions to collections of liv- 

 ing birds, because of their activity and hardiness. The white- 



