6-1 0. Barnby Smith—A Visit to the Birds at the Wellington Zoo


time, but unfortunately before any eggs were laid a heavy rain-storm

raised the water-level of the stream to such a height that it was

found necessary to dig into the nest from above to avoid the risk

of one or both the old birds being drowned. Both birds were in the

nest when it was dug out. Since then no further attempt at nesting

have been recorded, but as there are still Kiwis at the Zoo the future

is not without hope. Considering Kiwis are practically doomed to

extinction, further records as to their nesting operations are most

desirable.


Amongst other birds that have recently nested at the Zoo, with

more or less success, are Paradise Duck, American Wood Duck,

Weka Rails, Red-billed Gulls, Black-backed or Dominican Gulls,

Straw-necked Ibises, Magpie Larks, Yellow-tufted Honey-eaters,

and, of course, various small families.


I saw a very fine pair of Ostriches and a Cassowary which would

be a credit to any collection. I also noticed two White-fronted

Herons in splendid health, after two years in captivity. These birds

are incessantly picking up flies and other insects, and Mr. Langridge

attributes their good health greatly to this. In various aviaries he

hangs up meat to induce flies. A fine King Penguin and three

Sclater’s Crested Penguins showed the usual inquisitiveness and

anxiety to be fed. A curious pied specimen of the Pectoral Rail

looked quite happy. If this could be got to breed there might

possibly be interesting results. Amongst Owls were the Australian

Barn Owl, a very fine specimen, the “ Delicate Owl ”, the “ Spotted

Eagle Owl ”, and, of course, the common NeAv Zealand “ Morepork ”,

which greatly resembles our Athene noctua.


The Parrots included Keas, Kakas, Cockatoos, Pennants, Rosellas,

Macaws, various small Parrakeets, and a splendid specimen of a

Tabuan Parrot from the Fiji Isles. I was disappointed not to see

either Kakapos or New Zealand Parrakeets. Both, however, are most

difficult to obtain, though further efforts to get them are being made.


Pheasants did not show any specially rare varieties, but included

a good cock Elliot’s Pheasant, sent in mistake for a Jungle Fowl.


I noticed amongst the Lesser Waders a fine specimen of the Golden

Plover, which was just losing his full breeding plumage. This bird



