Birds of Paradise in Little Tobago , West Indies. 279



BIRDS OF PARADISE IN LITTLE TOBAGO,

WEST INDIES.


(Caretaker’s diary, communicated by Sir Wm. Ingram.)


October 22nd, 1917.—As usual I went out this morning, and I

saw a good many birds on my way. I am watching carefully, but

up to now I have not seen any sign of nest-building.


24th. — In making my rounds to-day I saw many birds, cocks

as well as hens. They are Hying in pairs ; I take it as a sign that

they are mating.


November 7th.—I made a round of all the roads to-day. I

had the pleasure of seeing many birds wherever I passed. I again

noticed that they are in couples, flying very low; up to now I have

not seen anything of nest-building.


8th.—I saw a bit of stick in one of the hen bird’s beak. It

flew away with it. I failed to see just where it went. I shall, how¬

ever, keep a sharp look-out about the locality in the hope of seeing

something of nest-building.


19th. — I made a general round to-day. I met many birds

all where I passed, but they are in couples. I again saw another

bird with a bit of straw in its beak ; it flew with it to a tall tree, and

I lost sight of it. I have also noticed there is a difference in their

cry now.


20th.—In making my rounds to-day I noticed that very few

hen birds are about; in fact, I only saw two for the day. The

cocks are all about, but particularly in their old stand — the Parrot

apple-tree.


[Note by Sir William Ingram . — This is the tree where the

male birds assemble to go through their dancing performances. In

New Guinea the Apodas also have one special tree in each district,

where they go through their display.]


21st. — From early morning I have been out trying to see if I

can locate a nest, but with no success; the hen birds that could guide

me are not about as usual. I take it that they must be sitting.


22nd. — I made a general round to-day to see if I can come



