158 On the Hardihood of Gardener Bower Birds, etc.


the winter out of doors, both their plumage and condition being

in the perfection of that of wild birds. It is true they perch a

good deal in the roosting house which is warmed, but the large

windows are always wide open, and I have seen them hopping

and bounding outside from branch to branch on the coldest da}*-

in winter in evident enjoyment.


My extremely rare Purple - breasted Parrot (Triclaria

cyanogaster ) has passed the winter in an unlieated outdoor aviary,

along with a female Red-capped Parrot, both birds having a sheen

on their plumage which is generally only to be seen in wild birds.

I so seldom saw them, that I brought them into the house in

January, caging them in the conservatory. The following day

the Red-capped Parrot had commenced to pluck her breast; and

had alieady laid bare a patch of a square inch of flesh. Either

she was indignant at being imprisoned in such small quarters, or

else the unaccustomed heat irritated her skin. I liberated her

again and she at once ceased to pluck.


My pair of Queen Alexandra Parrakeets (Spathopterus

. alexandrce ) have also passed the winter in an unlieated aviary

with a sheltered house to go into when they choose.


A pair of Red-capped (Pileated) Parrakeets are in splen¬

did condition, and are almost always out in the open in fog,

snow and rain.


A Tantalus Ibis from India is to be seen under the same

conditions, making use of a kennel to sleep in.


On the other hand, certain species of birds, such as

Curassows and Guans cannot be left out in hard weather as their

feet become frozen; and yet Pheasants and Peafowl are un¬

affected in this way, and also Rheas.


In conclusion, one knows how much better one feels for

going out even in a thick fog and a hard frost, rather than sitting

in a stuffy room near a fire; how much more brisk one is in the

morning for open windows in one’s bedroom. Many tropical

birds live at high altitudes, and experience cold nights and mists,

if nothing worse: and yet they are not always allowed even the

luxury of an open window.



