Bird Notes Jrom the Zoological Gardens. 275


After the Rufous had left the nest the Green Doves took

to it (the old Rufous having chosen another site) but the young

ones still came back to their old home now and then, and it was

pretty to see one 011 each side of the sitting Green cock—that

good-tempered bird seeming quite to enjoy having them with

him.


I moved the young Bronzewings and Rufous when they

were about five weeks old, for they began to be in the way of the

old birds who were starting to nest again. The four young ones

are now getting quite big birds. In the Rufous the spots on the

wings have nearly disappeared, their foreheads are becoming

lighter, and in one bird especially the ruddy breast is getting

very decided.


The nesting of the Rufous has been one of the pleasantest

experiences I have ever had in rearing young birds, and is some

consolation for my many disappointments and failures. If any¬

one wants to learn patience under failure, let him take up either

photography or bird keeping: either is a good tutor. One thing

is a great encouragement to me in my love for Doves,—I feel the

general taste for them is gradually but surely growing. New and

rare species are being imported, old kinds are cheaper and

easier to get. I can see a great change even during the few

years I have been keeping doves. So I end these notes with the

hope that at no distant date my favourites may be understood

and appreciated as they deserve to be.



BIRD NOTES FROM THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.



Additions during the month of May 1904:


May 2. 2 Nutmeg Fruit-Pigeons {Myristicivora bicolor).,.

„ 2. 2 Nicobar Imperial Fruit-Pigeons


(Carpophaga insularis).

„ 2. 4 Andaman Teal ( Nettion albigulare).


,, 2. 3 Andaman Banded Crakes (Rallina canningi).*..


,, 2. 6 Great-billed Andaman Parrakeets


(.Palceornis magnirostris).

,, 3. 3 Spur-winged Geese (Pledropterus gambensis). ..



Moluccas.


Nicobar Is.

Andaman Is.


99



99


W. Africa.



