E. G. B. Meade-Waldo—The European Sparrow Oivl 65


flew into the porthole of a ship 50 miles off the coast. At present

the Zoo does not hold any specimens of those interesting New

Zealand birds, the Stilts (either pied or black), but it is hoped to get

these in future as they are fairly common in many places. The

prospects of getting “ Tuis ” or Parson Birds are much more doubtful,

and the possibility of getting “ Huias ” almost nil.


A small flock of Apostle Birds (Struthidea cinerea) from Australia

seemed quite happy in an enclosure with other birds. They have

been in the Zoo some six years, and though popularly supposed to

be most pugnacious, yet in captivity have shown quite a peaceable

disposition. Their common name of Apostle Bird is gained from their

being usually found in flocks of twelve. It is interesting to note that

wild Fantails (that quaint lively little bird with at least nineteen

names) have repeatedly nested and reared young in the Zoo grounds.


The Zoo authorities are most anxious to enlarge their collection

of birds, and the New Zealand climate is such as to render easy the

keeping of many varieties, which in other places are only half-hardy.

There are, however, obvious difficulties in the way of speedy progress,

such as geographical situation, shortage of labour and lack of trans¬

port facilities incidental to a newly developing community.


Members of the Avicultural Society and other enthusiasts having

surplus stock for disposal might do worse than arrange to send them

to the Wellington Zoo. The Superintendent would readily answer

all inquiries as to method of transit and otherwise ; also arrange

special terms with the shipping companies. Many New Zealanders

would like to see birds sent from the British Isles, to which they,

almost all of them, refer as “ Home ”.



THE EUROPEAN SPARROW OWL


(Glaucidium passerinum )


By E. Gr. B. Meade-Waldo.


Lord Tavistock’s interesting account of his little Sparrow Owl

induces me to refer to one which we had in confinement many years

ago. This one was purchased from the late Mr. A. E. Jamrach, who told

me that he procured it from the same source from which he used to



