J. T. Otdki—Bengalese as Foster-parents



237



plumage is not assumed until the second year. This species is more

aquatic and insectivorous than most species. It feeds mainly on

minute insects which are sifted through the remarkable bill. The

bird moves rapidly along the surface sucking up the water, which

passes out at the side of the bill, all the minute aquatic life being

strained through the prominently developed lamellae of the bill and

the bristles on the tongue.


Shovellers are difficult birds to import. I once brought some

birds home on a voyage and soon found that they became paralysed

if denied access to water. This was remedied by borrowing large

copper cooking pans from the chef and giving the birds a daily

swim. I also strewed the water with a little fine insectivorous food

which the birds greatly enjoyed.


Altogether eleven species of duck are found in New Zealand.

Of these, two are practically extinct, three are stragglers from

Australia, only five being very distinct and are not found outside

New Zealand. Of these I only saw four species. Had I spent more

time in the South Island no doubt I should have seen more.


(To be continued)



BENGALESE AS FOSTER-PARENTS


By J. T. Otaki


These birds are bred in Japan as domestic birds, in the same

way as Canaries are bred in Europe. As they have no great

attraction in themselves, aviculturists are not as a rule very anxious

to breed them in this country. The main features of these birds are

that they make wonderful foster-parents, and can be used for

rearing valuable foreign birds such as Gouldian, Parrot, Parson,

Cherry, and other valuable Finches.


This practice of using Bengalese Finches as foster-parents is

commonly adopted by breeders in Japan. I understand that it has

been tried by various aviculturists in this country for this purpose,

and in some cases has been successful and in others unsuccessful.

In order to ensure success, I would mention a few details as to the



18



