Bird Notes from the Zoological Gardens. 277


May 30. 1 Blue-capped Tanager ( Chlorophonia callophrys).* Mexico,


„ 30. 1 Northern Mocking-bird (Miniuspolyglottus). .. Mexico.


„ 30. 1 Grey Solitaire (Myiadedes unicolor)* .. Mexico.


,, 30. 1 Ariel Toucan (Ramphastos ariel). .. Brazil.



The most notable additions are those which are starred,

being- new to the collection, namely, three Andaman Banded

Crakes, one Gold-crested Mynah, one Blue-capped Tanager,

Grey Solitaire, and two Cayman Island Parrots.


The gardens are particularly interesting to bird lovers at

this time of year, as many species are nesting. Great numbers

of young Pheasants of all kinds are being reared, as well as a

good many Waterfowl of different kinds.


Two young Brush-Turkeys have emerged from their

mound, and I am informed that when only a few hours old they

could fly well, and were seen scratching up little mounds on

their own account.


The Crested Screamers (Chawia cristata ) in the old Flying

Aviary have nested, probably for the first time on record in

captivity. Three nests were built before the birds finally settled

down to lay in the one selected, which was situated behind a

large boulder. Three eggs were laid, but we have not heard of

any young being hatched. Both eggs and young are said by

those who have known the species in a wild state to closely

resemble those of a Goose.


The Laughing Kingfishers hatched and devoured their

young, as they did last year. A Weka clutch has been hatched,

the pai'ents of which belong to two distinct species, namely the

Common Weka (Ocydromus australis ) and Earl’s Weka ( O.earli ).

This is probably the first time that Weka Rails have hatched in

this country, as they nearly always eat their eggs. Mr. Blaauw

has had eggs laid by Wekas, but these have almost invariably

been eaten by the birds. One that was placed under a bantam

hatched, but the young bird was not reared.—D. S.-S.



* New to the Collection.



