74



On some Common Birds of the Seychelles.



(.Fregata aquila ) soared for some time above us without a move¬

ment of their huge wings.


The Seychelles Bulbul ( Hypsipetes crassirostris ) is a hand¬

some and most amusing bird. It is fully as large as a Missel

Thrush. The plumage is of russet brown and black—the up¬

standing crest black and the thick beak yellow. The bird has a

decidedly Jay-like appearance and manner.


The Bulbuls are always seen in pairs, and they are

curiously tame and inquisitive. A pair of the birds often fol¬

lowed us in the woods for some time, coming almost within

reach to examine us and scolding from time to time in discordant

voices, quite unlike that of the Bulbul of tradition. They would,

I should think, take quite kindly to captivity.


Mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) are very numerous, and come

every evening from far and near to roost in the clove forest. As

they were settling down for the night the clatter that they made

was almost deafening. These birds have been introduced.


A gorgeous Fruit Pigeon ( Alectroenas pulcherrimus) had

some years ago become almost exterminated. Now, on my

brother’s estate, where they are protected from Creole and black

sportsmen, they are quite numerous, several roosting every

night on some tall trees just beside the house. The Fruit

Pigeons are very strong flyers, and go through curious evolutions

in the air, soaring and then dropping down great distances with

closed wings.


Two species of Zosterops ( modesta and semifiavd) are

common and charming little birds, while a fairy-like little

Sunbird would visit each flower in the verandah without in the

least minding our presence.


The onty representatives of the Parrot tribe which I saw

were Madagascar Lovebirds (Agapornis cand), and these have

been introduced. There is, however, a Black Parrot ( Coracopsis

barklyi), as well as a Green Parrakeet ( Palaeornis wardi) found in

some of the islands.


Mahd abounds in exotic plants, which, after being intro¬

duced, have spread throughout the island ; several species of

birds have done the same. The following is told of the intro¬

duction of the Madagascar Weaver ( Foudia madagascariensis .)



