THE CUBA REVIEW 17 



Turkey: The domestic turkey is, of course, indigenous to almost all parts of 

 North and Central America. Of its introduction into Cuba there is practically no record. 

 The climate of the Island is very congenial to turkeys, hence far less trouble is found 

 in raising them than in the United States. 



Quail: The Cuban bob-white with its cheerful note is common throughout the 

 Island. He is slightly smaller and darker than the American quail, which some time in 

 the remote past migrated to Cuba. The game laws of the Is'and protect both of these 

 birds quite efficiently, otherwise they would long ago have been extinguished. 



The ubiquitous Turkey Buzzard is also common in Cuba and quite as obnoxious 

 here as he was at one time in the southern States of America. 



The little Cuban Sparrow Hawk, similar if not identical to that of the United 

 States, is also found in the Island, as is the King Bird, who retains his pugnacious habits, 

 not hesitating to tackle anything that fllies. Many varieties of the owl are also found 

 in Cuba, including the large handsome white owl. 



That most delightful of all song birds in the known world, the mocking bird of 

 America, is quite common in Cuba and remains with us throughout the entire year. For- 

 tunately, too, he is by nature probably the most domestic of all wild birds and seems to 

 like the society of human beings, his nest being found usually within small groves or 

 shade trees close to the house. 



Of all known birds this little warbler with his wonderful imitation of other birds 

 and of many animals, gives more pleasure to those within range of his voice than other 

 members of the feathered tribe. To the farmer, too, he is of great benefit since, like 

 the robin, he feeds very largely on insects. 



In Cuba we have a vine of fine, delicate leaves and small yellow flowers that will 

 quickly cover a wire fence with a mantle of green. The vine is called the "Cundeamor" 

 (the cradle or giver of love), while its fruit is of an odd shape, the size of a French 

 walnut, and in color a vivid orange. The seed of this fruit is to the mocking bird the 

 most tempting of all food, so that if one cares for the company of these makers of 

 sweet music, it is well to plant "Cundeamor" alongside his fences. 



Not only does this wonderful little songster of the tropics and semi-tropics fill 

 the air by day with sweet notes but, like the nightingale, with the rising of the moon 

 his voice rings out clear and melodious in the night air — an enchanting solo given to 

 the world free — without price. Near relatives of the polyglots are scattered over most 

 of the Southern States and are found also in Mexico and Central America. Unlike most 

 wild birds, the mocker, if caught when little, seems really to enjoy life in captivity, his 

 range of imitation increasing when caged. 



The sweet voiced Meadow Lark of the United States also is very common in Cuba. 



The wild pigeon, once so plentiful in the United States, is still found in Cuba. 

 Their roosting places are in the deep forests. The Province of Camaguey seems to be 

 their favorite rendezvous. Other pigeons found in Cuba are the West Indian ISIoum- 

 ing Dove, the Zenaida Dove, and the little Cuban Ground Dove. Another beautiful 

 representative of the dove family is the native white crowned pigeon ( Columba Leuco- 

 cephala), gentle, lovable creatures that make delightful pets for children. Two speci- 

 mens of these doves are domiciled in the Zoological Park at Washington. 



Parrots: Of course are indigenous to Cuba. Several varieties are represented, 

 the largest of which, with its brilliant green plumage and red head, can be easily tamed, 

 while its linguistic ability rapidly develops with a little patience. These birds, when 

 not mating, fly in great flocks, sometimes alighting near native homes in the forest, 

 their unmelodious chatter rendering conversation absolutely impossible. The squabs are 

 excellent eating and are sometimes used for that purpose by the natives. Another 

 Cuban parrot, the Amazona Leucocephala, makes its nest in holes excavated in the 

 upper reaches of the royal palm, fifty or sixty feet above the ground. 



A striking bird, peculiar to the coastal regions, is the Cuban Oriole; a black bird 

 with bright yellow shoulders, rump and tail coverts; the under side of the wings are 

 also yellow. As a general alarmist, he is equal to the catbird, also found in Cuba. A 



