54



Mr. W. H. St. Quintin,



a cork and has, up to the present, only been repeated on two or three

occasions.


At the time of writing (November 7th j there is no trace of

scarlet in the young bird’s plumage, and the black-cap and bib are

still very imperfect. The general colour is a cinnamon brown with

dark flights and tail and he is quite strong and independent of his

parents, although at nights he usually roosts between them.


I propose sending further notes on the changes of plumage at

a latter date, hut have written the foregoing account in compliance

with the Society’s rule that nesting notes should be sent in eight

weeks from the date of hatching the young.



BREEDING NOTES FOR 1912.


By W. H. St. Quintin, F.Z.S.


The breeding season of 1912 will probably be long remem¬

bered by most aviculturists as one full of disappointment. Besides

the never-ending rain, the absence of sun, and consequent low

temperature, was most unfavourable to young things of all sorts.


I began well by rearing five young Ravens. The old pair

brought up two last year and five the season before that, always

making a huge nest of boughs and twigs on a wine hamper lid fixed

up in a corner of their aviary, and lining it with moss and sods of

soft grass.


My Giant Kingfishers brought up two fine young birds,

hatching on the 17th May. Mr. Cosg'rave has given a full account

of the successful rearing of a young bird of this species at Lilford

last year, so I need not give my experience, which confirms his.

In my case, both parents were most devoted, and by hard work

managed to keep the enormous appetites of their young family

satisfied.


A pair of Madagascar Hemipodes, put into an outdoor aviary

on April 26th, at once went to nest and reared two young from their

three eggs. We made out the period of incubation to be 14 days.

As there was no other male available, the hen bird was unable to

gratify her polyandrous instincts, and, to my surprise, showed a



