54



Mr. R. Phiujpps,



the more palatable leaves of others. So much damage does it do

to budding trees and shrubs and sprouting seeds that it is ruin to

the garden to allow it to enter in the spring until the vegetation

is well established, and this has been a hindrance to breeding.

Now it has been proved that it will breed in artificial structures,

which hitherto I had supposed to be unlikely, one will know

better how to act in the future.


Although very fond of tubbing, and a good tubbing too in

warm weather, after rain these birds will flounder about like

walruses, in a violent and noisy manner, amongst the wet foliage

of thick trees.


The bill and eyes of the adult male are bright yellow, the

entire upper parts of head, neck, and upper mantle of a brilliant

orange-yellow, deepening on the crown into reddish orange ; and,

when the wings are closed and braced up, a large bright yellow

shield appears above, formed by the primaries and secondaries,

most of which are of this* colour but with the ends, &c., black.


It might be supposed that such a brilliantly attired bird

could be seen at any time when confined within the limits of an

aviary, but this is far from being the case. He is preternaturally

self-conscious, instinctively feels his danger and keeps much to

the thick undergrowth, frequently cannot be seen even when not

particularly hiding, is ever alert and watchful, and scents peril

in everybody and everything ; nevertheless he is self-possessed,

and neither flies into a panic nor loses his head. For instance, a

visitor comes to see the birds ; unless I have previously taken

measures, and especially if a strange voice be raised as we

approach, that visitor will not see the male Regent. But it occa¬

sionally happens that he is in a favourite “house” close to the

entrance door, and cannot regain natural covert without flying

in front of us; and if we have entered the aviary on the quiet

he is “cornered.” Instantly (for there is possible danger in an

artificial enclosure) he sneaks out on to a small perch in a near

corner, carefully keeping some dead “trees” between himself

and us. While on the move, the glint of his yellow garments

betrays him, for he is close by, and I point him out to the

visitor. In a moment he has reached the perch, put himself

into position, and is lost to view although only some twelve feet



