286 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



eagles have been observed to live peacefully. The Brazilian cara-cara, 

 which has lived so long and well, has always been kept singly, in a 

 tolerably large cage, where it can move about freely : though generally 

 hardy birds, exposure to draughts and rain has been known to cause 

 inflammation of the lungs in some of them. Owls generally do not 

 object to live together, but care should always be taken to eliminate 

 bad tempered birds ; dark corners or retiring boxes should be 

 provided ; the vultures should always be kept by themselves, as they 

 are generally quarrelsome and obtrusive. The house or cage should be 

 thoroughly cleaned every day. 



Feeding. — They are all carnivorous, and as a rule are fed upon beef, 

 frogs, fish, and sometimes rats, in captivity ; meat should be given 

 with pieces of bones attached, as they enjoy picking the bones clean, 

 especially the Brazilian cara-cara, hobby, and some other species : com- 

 mon grass snakes may, now and then, be given to the crested serpent 

 eagle ; Pa lias's sea eagles also enjoy snakes in addition to fish and small 

 turtles and crabs. A small bird is bonne bouche to most of them, and 

 should occasionally be given. A quantity of shingles or small stones 

 should be kept strewn about the floor of their cages ; they swallow these, 

 especially after feasting upon a bird, and after some time eject them 

 with the feathers of the bird sticking around : all should have ready 

 access to drinking-water. 



Transport. — For exportation, tame birds that have lived for some 

 time in captivity should be preferred, and each bird separately accom- 

 modated. 



Observations on their habits. 



Owls are proverbially grave and sedate birds, and, as is well known, 

 like hiding themselves in dark corners ; if tame, they take no notice of 

 anybody approaching the cage, but sit perfectly motionless, staring 

 with dazed wild look; the quivering of the mandibles, which is now 

 and then visible, signifies displeasure ; quite different, however, is the 

 manner of an owl that has not become reconciled to captivity ; it will 

 instantly fly against the side of the cage farthest from the intruder, 

 ruffle its plumage, clatter its bill and hiss repeatedly. All the birds 

 of prey are more or less self-possessed when tame, but such as have 

 not yet become reconciled to captivity, look scared and confused, and 

 flutter themselves to death on the cage being approached ; except at 

 feeding time, none of them are ever observed on the ground ; they 

 sit without Stirling, on a perch, the whole day and night ; the same 

 bird has been observed to occupy the same spot of a particular perch 

 as long as it lived in this garden. Owls are never heard to call during 

 the day ; some falcons call at night only. 



(244) THE SPOONBILL. 

 (PLATALEA LEUCOKODIA--Z^.) 

 Hindi — Chamuch buza. Bengali — Chlnta or Sinta. 

 The characteristic feature of the bird is its broad, flat, and 

 depressed bill, like a spatula. 



