324



Mr. R. Phiixipps,



ally shy nature still asserts itself in certain little ways, such as

their refusal to stay on or go to the ground should any one be

present, or to remain on even the highest perch should any one

endeavour to go beneath them. More than once, when rushing

out with long stick or hand-net to drive in a youngster from cold

or wet, the male would invariably keep to the side of the nestling

utterly ignoring my wild gesticulations and brandishing of fear¬

some weapons—he had long since found out that I didn’t matter.


Several birds, some very small, live in the aviary with

them, but not one has been hurt, for there is a sufficiency of

space; though in a small place there might be danger; but they

were never vicious and spiteful like the Madagascar species.

They seem to be honest, straightforward, good-hearted fellows—

and especially were they straightforward ,, for when they used to

go for a bird they would go for him very straight indeed, with

mouth wide open, and without any misleading hesitation or sen¬

timental indecision whatever. But this phase likewise seems to

have passed away with their nervousness ; probably enough, both

had origin in the same cause.


In 1896, I wrote two papers on the Lovebirds (O.S. II., pp.

49 and 128)—the true Lovebirds of the genus Agapornis —which,

notwithstanding one or two blemishes, fairly described the

peculiar nesting habits of the Lovebirds so far as they were

known, and to them I refer those of our readers who are un¬

acquainted with the private life of these little creatures, so insipid

and uninteresting when kept in tiny prisons, as at the Zoo. for

instance, so full of quaint interest when free in a large place.

Protection from the weather is imperative ( A. cana may be a

possible exception, but I doubt it), but, during the warmer

months, free access to the open air, especially to a well-wooded

natural aviary, is of the first importance if their natural habits

are to be brought out.


To the account above referred to I may add that ten species

of Lovebirds (A gapornis') are now known to scientists, of which

living examples of only four have found their way to this country ;

a recent report that the Masked Lovebird, A. perso?iata, had

arrived was unfounded.


Since I wrote in 1896, the Red-faced Lovebird has nested



