276



Dr. L. Lovell-Keays,



opportunity presented itself, and the birds began to leave the nest to¬

gether frequently. One young bird was much bigger than the other,

and was more forward in other ways. The general body colour was

flesh-coloured with a little white down on the head. Well-marked

dark-coloured feather tracts, especially on the older bird. The older

bird was now about seven days old and the parents gave it it's first

mealworm. I had bred a few of these myself and carefully picked out

very small worms about half-an-inch long and those with soft skins.


For the next few days the babies were brought up chiefly on

small mealworms, and of course any wandering or misguided

hymenoptera or diptera that might stray into the aviary.


On May 6th Zosterops No. 1 was just beginning to open its

eyes, and there was a kind of hog’s mane along the back and sides

of its body. By May 7th the eyes of No. 1 were distinctly open.


The quills of the elder bird began to split on May 8th, and

one could see that the quills were the precursors of feathers. The

primaries were growing very fast by this time and the growth and

development of the first bird was simply amazing. The “ little

brother ” appeared to be quite two days behind it. Mealworms

were taken very freely and this date is remarkable for the fact that

small insects ceased to be the staple diet, but the birds gave the

young sop for the first time and, I believe, banana.


On May 9th sop was frequently given to the young, and

meal worms when they could get them. The feathers showed a

distinct green tinge. The second young one now began to make

up for lost time and made considerable progress, but obviously the

parents preferred the first born ; also the first born was very greedy.

I find a note stating that the sun was very hot and the wind N.E.


By May 10th Zosterops No. 1 was fully feathered and he

was looking very alert. No. 2 was just showing the quills.


On May 11th I w ? as looking at the babies from quite a

distance when No. 1 looked steadily and suspiciously at me, then

suddenly with a loud cry left the nest. No. 2 caught the infection

and blundered out after No. 1. I at length succeeded in catching

both young birds and putting them back, but No. 1 was not to be

denied his liberty, and finally got right away, but No. 2 I did per¬

suade to remain at home a little longer.



