312



Cori espondence.



ber of interesting Field Notes on S. Australian Birds and Dr.

Cleland writes a valuable article on the stomach contents of a

large number of birds that he has examined, a branch of Orni¬

thology that is much neglected in this country. Mr. Banfield’s

notes on the Metallic Starlings ( Calornis ) deal chiefly with their

habits and food, which appears to be exceedingly varied. Mr.

Banfield also noted that their digestion was very imperfect and

suggests that this species must in consequence play no small part

in the distribution of seeds. Mr. Bell writes a good article on the

Nesting of the White Tern ( Gygis ) which is illustrated with

photographs showing the curious arboreal nesting habits of this

species. The present number contains many other interesting

articles and notes which lack of space does not allow us to refer

to.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


THE WHOOPING CRANE [Grus americana).


Sir,—I n the present, and previous, issue of the Avicultuial Magazine?

mention has been made of this most beautiful creature, and it occurred to

me that a photograph and a few words of praise would not be out of place,,

and would perhaps be welcomed by lovers of Natural History.


In the first place, it is most gratifying to hear that a small flock of

them has been seen lately in their native home, and that they are not yet

exterminated, as we were under the impression that the few in confinement

were the only living ones left.


The photograph gives a good idea of the bird in this collection.

Purchased fully adult in December 1S92, it still looks as strong and well

as ever, and is one of the most sociable creatures one could wish for ;

being very tame and always ready to take food from the hand. It welcomes

yon with a graceful bow, and weather conditions make no difference to it.

I suspect it to be a female, since it is constantly in close companionship

with a male Canadian Crane (Grus canadensis ), but, as the bird has never

attempted to nest, one cannot be certain.


When showing off it stands upright and then takes very slow, long

majestic steps, until it reaches its imagined enemy ; after taking a good

look it turns round and regains its former position to seek for other objects

which may require inspection. The call note is quite different from that

of any other Crane, being much more musical, and not nearly so loud as

some of the other species of Crane. R- Cosgrave.



