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Aviculture at the Zoo.



In the big Waders’ aviary, opposite the Eastern Aviary,

a pair of the curious Tufted Umbre or Hammerkop (Scopus

umbrella') are engaged in nesting, but seem undecided as to their

site. I have several times seen them pair; at this time they

utter a chattering scream, a point worth noting, as noisiness

when pairing is characteristic of birds of prey, and this curious

Stork has a strangely Buzzard-like plumage and a soft light flight,

more like a Hawk than a Wader.


In the small Wader’s aviary a Reeve is sitting, and the

very old and shabby-looking Lapwing who has for years been

mated to a Ruff, has made another unsuccessful attempt to hatch

out an egg. It is a pity she cannot succeed, for a Ruff-Lapwing

hybrid would be worth looking at!


Two Secretary-birds have been pinioned and turned out in

the Elands’ paddock, where they look very impressive stalking

about. I believe that this is the best way of keeping all birds

which use their legs more than their wings—that is to say, if a

large space is available ; in a small area they are better kept under

wire with full wings.


Some recent additions new to the collection, or rare, may

be noted : —


Green Troupiae (Ostinops viridis) from Venezuela. A

large species, as big as a Jay ; olive-green with yellow side

tail-feathers, and bright blue eyes. It is hand-reared and very

tame, perching on the hand. I do not know of any other having

been imported.


South-American Flamingo (.Phcenicopterus ignip a Hiatus).

Very similar to the European Flamingo, but much smaller, and

with the thighs and shanks lead-colour, only the hocks and feet

being pink. This has been exhibited before, but never in my

time.


Townsend’s Solitaire (_.Myiadesies townsendi). A plain

grey bird about the size of a thrush, with a very short bill ; a

“soft-bill” and a fine singer. It comes from Mexico, and is

known as the Clarino. Mr. W. Frost had one some time back.


White-RUMPED Lory (Eos fuscaia). A very dark Lory,

mostly black, but with some red markings, especially below, and

with a white patch on the lower back, unique among Lories. It

is new to the collection, and to British aviculture.



