46



Correspondence



market. I was fortunate in getting several genuine males from one

dealer and several females from another for males. Although males

in full plumage are usually larger, more handsome, and more brilliant

on the ear-patch, breast-patch, and flight feathers than females,

immature birds are difficult to sex when dirty. I have, however, never

heard an adult female sing the rich sustained Black-cap song of the

male, and have never heard a male call in the high-pitched voice of the

female. Cocks caged in pairs, when in high condition, fight brutally,

and cocks and hens when first introduced skirmish ; but once this is

over they usually hold up their heads for a tickling process which seems

to give them great pleasure. I was glad also to see again and have some

Red-breasted Marsh Birds ( Leistes superciliaris) and their counter¬

parts, Military Troupials ( T. militaris). One bird appeared to be

T. defillippi, having a light streak at base of mandible in addition to

superciliary streak. Can anyone tell me whether a hen of T. militaris

ever has a bill as short and as stout as that of Leistes superciliaris, as

I have a bird which I take to be a large Leistes out of colour that was

sent me for a hen Military Troupial ? I think it must be over fifteen

years since I bought either of these birds alive, but I never remember

a hen Military Starling having a bill as thick as a Marsh Bird. When one

lives away from London it is very difficult to settle these points to one’s

satisfaction.


Allen Silver.



ANDEAN GEESE


Sirs, — On January 10, 1921, the male in the London Gardens gave

an outburst of affection to the female, which was interesting to watch.

When she was standing quiet he kept walking from side to side, passing

in front of her each time, his neck fully erect with short beak resting

on throat feathers, and at intervals spreading out the tail and uttering

two distinct notes frequently — a guttural “ ka ” and a sound best

described as a “musical gobble”. The female frequently replied to

the latter ; but did not make a “ ka ” in reply to the male, although

she appeared to appreciate it, the scene lasting an hour.


Of the four species of Chldephaga seen alive — Upland (C.magellanica),



