AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 237 



NATIONAL ZOO BIRD ITEMS, 



By John W. Daniel, Jr.. with photographs by the Author. 



Ornithologists visiting the National Zoo at Washington are afforded 

 the opportunity of viewing two fine living specimens of the California 

 Condor {Gymnogyps calitorniamis) . When first received at the Zoo, 

 both birds were immature, but have now attained full growth, and are 

 splendid examples of the rare and interesting species they represent. 

 During the warmer months, they have occupied a spacious wire enclos- 

 ure on the edge of a body of woods in front of the entrance of the 

 main building of the Zoo, where they have been the centre of attrac- 

 tion to visitors. They spend rhost of the time perched on the limbs of 

 a tree which their cage takes in. On warm, sunny days they some- 

 times give the visitor a chance to see the greatest wing expanse a 

 North American bird is capable of as they take their "sun baths." 

 With their wings spread out rigid and motionless in the sunshine, 

 after the manner of the Turkey Vulture, they make a very striking 

 appearance, the white under wing coverts and axillars showing in con- 

 trast with the rest of the plumage. They are very tame and gentle, 

 and great favorites with the keepers. At the sight of an approaching 

 keeper with their food, if perching, they hastily come to the ground, 

 and, with waddling strides, awarkardly follow him about as they 

 receive meat from his hands. A lone specimen of the Black Vulture 

 {Catharista limbic) occupied their cage with them and served to show 

 the difference in size between the smallest and the largest of American 

 Vultures. A photograph of one of the Condors is presented. 



A feature of much ornithological interest to be seen at the Zoo, is a 

 large structure of iron framework and wire, covering considerable 

 ground and enclosing several trees. It is known as the "flying cage," 

 and its scope is such as to allow the birds which it contains, room 

 enough to fly freely about and to enjoy as much liberty as it is possible 

 for a caged bird to experience. So far, it has contained only water 

 birds. Herons, Cranes, Ibises, Storks and Pelicans. Pools of water 

 have been provided, and the margins of these, in summer time planted 

 with tall grasses, lending an almost tropical aspect. White Ibises feed 

 around the edges of these pools and Herons perch high in the tree 

 tops. The Pelicans sit in groups on limbs which project over the 

 water, and the Cranes and Storks stride about with an air of freedom. 

 Photographs of some of these birds are given. 



