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on the Tataupa Tinamou.



prolificacy of the species, and the ready way in which it breeds

in captivity. The following notes will, I think, prove more

conclusively than ever that this species is polyandrous.


When I wrote my former notes there was one bird reared

and a second brood of three, about a fortnight old, all of which

have now grown into fine birds. By July 21st another clutch of

six eggs had been laid, and the original male, which we will call

No. 1, commenced to sit. I was away from home at the time,

but sent word that the female should be driven into another

aviary in which were the four immature birds, and the new

imported male, which I have already mentioned as having

arrived on the 6th of June. This was done on July 28th.


This male, which we will call No. 2, was, and still is, an

extremely shy bird, and it would not have been at all surprising

had he shown no inclination to breed before next spring or

summer. However, they appear to have paired at once,

for on my return home on August 4th there was a nest with one

egg in it, hidden behind some rough logs. Four more were laid

on alternate days, and, on August 10th, the male (No. 2 ) com¬

menced to sit, and although such a shy bird, he sat extremely

well. When this bird came its bill was a lead-colour, either

showing that it was not in breeding condition, or that it was an

immature bird, but it soon turned red.


The same day as No 2 commenced to sit. No. 1 brought

off a fine brood of six, every egg proving fertile.


September 1st. Male No. 2 hatched four out of the five

eggs, the fifth being addled.


As I write the brood of six, hatched by male No. 1, are

grand young birds, and have now become very tame, running

towards me when I enter the aviary, and almost taking tit-bits

from my hands, although for the first week or two the young are

extremely shy/*


D. Seth-Smith.



* The old female has gone back to her original mate (No. i) and has laid still another

clutch of 6 eggs upon which the male has commenced to sit. (Sept, nth.)



