NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 155 
a good-sized flock is shown. Canvas-Backs, however, are 
difficult to capture unhurt, and still more difficult to keep 
alive in captivity, and for these reasons the number exhibited 
always is very small. 
The Lesser Scaup, (Marila affinis), is one of the sea ducks, 
and, like its congeners, a very expert diver. It feeds chiefly 
on mollusks, which it finds in the mud, often at considerable 
depths under water 
The Paradise Sheldrake, (Casarca variegata), of Australia, 
is a striking bird, occupying a position mid-way between 
the ducks and geese. It is interesting to note that the fe- 
male is much more attractive than the male, the head and 
neck being pure white, in contrast with the more sombre 
body. This species is very quarrelsome in captivity. 
The Ruddy Sheldrake, (Casarca casarca), is a bird of wide 
distribution, being found from the Mediterranean countries 
to Japan, and also in northeast Africa. Both sexes are of 
a uniform light chestnut, the male being distinguished by 
a black ring around the neck. The nest is always well 
sheltered, often being placed in a hollow log. 
The Common or Tadorna Sheldrake, (Tadorna tadorna), is 
a remarkably colored bird, but unfortunately difficult to 
keep alive in this climate. It nests in holes in the ground, 
preferably in disused rabbit burrows. 
The Mandarin Duck, (Air galericulata), is the Chinese 
counterpart of our beautiful Wood or Summer Duck, (Air 
sponsa). Of all living ducks, the males of these two species 
are the most gorgeously colored and plumed, and they are 
also of elegant form. Although both species are much 
sought after, the number of available specimens continues 
to be limited to a comparatively small number. 
THE PHEASANT AND PIGEON AVIARY, No. 40. 
Entire Collection is the Gift of Mr. Jacob H. Schiff. 
The Pheasant Aviary is a building like a corridor 240 feet 
long with a cross pavilion at each end. The main structure 
is divided into 22 shelters connecting with a like number of 
wire enclosed outside runways, each of which is 8 feet wide, 
24 feet long and 8 feet high. The two end pavilions furnish 
32 smaller shelters and runways, making a total of 48 com- 
partments. The shelters are divided into two stories, the 
upper series being designed for pigeons, doves and perch- 
