122



Bird Notes from the Zoological Gardens.



Snowdrop bulbs as if he liked the smell of them, but beyond this and

eating the Ribbon grass, the Cranes are not very destructive.


I have got so used to having Cranes that I should not like to

be without them now, they seem part of the garden. If you have

plenty of space, try one and I think you will agree with me that

they are very charming pets.



BIRD NOTES FROM THE ZOOLOGICAL

GARDENS.


Little of importance, in the way of birds, has arrived at the

Gardens during the past month, but three species appear to be new

to the collection—The Mahali Weaver, the Cuban Black Bullfinch

and the Pink-browed Rose-finch.


The Mahali Weaver-bird ( Plocepasser maliali ) of which the

Zoological Society acquired three specimens by exchange, ranges

from Aufola and Matabeleland into Eastern Cape Colony and the

Transvaal. The sexes are alike in colour, and in size it about equals

the Greenfinch. The top and sides of the head and a band

down the side of the throat are black ; the back brown, and the

underparts, lower back and tail-coverts and a conspicuous streak

over the eyes white, the wings being barred with this colour. Dr.

Stark describes these birds as inhabiting bushes and mimosa trees,

rarely being found in the open country. “ Of social habits ” he

remarks, “ it remains in flocks all the year round and breeds in

company, several nests being generally built in a single tree.” But

although of social habits he describes the males as extremely

pugnacious, constantly fighting during the spring.


The Cuban Black Bullfinch ( Melopyrrhci nigra) is very closely

allied to the little finches of the genus Spermophila and it is not

very apparent why it should ever have been separated from these.

Both sexes are alike, black, with a white bar on the wings. It

appears to be new to the Gardens, though I think I have seen it in

captivity somewhere. Three specimens have been acquired by

purchase.


Mr. St Quintin has kindly presented a specimen of the Pink-



