48 A. F. Moody—Notes on the Birds at Lilford , 1930 and 1931



Backed Goose (Sarcidiornis melanonota), five Upland Geese, a pair of

Eagle Owls, and from six fertile wild-taken Eiders’ eggs, five young.


In spite of our best efforts to the contrary, several hybrid Ducks

were produced and reared, namely a full brood of nine Scaup X Canvas

Back, and a pair of Falcated X Shoveller.


During this season the Bing-necked Parrakeets flying at liberty

increased by five.


Three beautiful Bed and Blue Macaws at liberty did not nest for

some weeks, however, they took possession of, and jealously guarded,

a hole in an elm-tree.


A pair of Blue and Yellow Macaws [Am ararauna), confined to an

aviary, laid, and dutifully sat upon, a first and second clutch of infertile

eggs.


Two further additions have been a pair of Mexican Thrushes

(Turdus tristis), and a pair of South African Thrushes (Turdus

olivaceous). The former somewhat resembles our English Song Thrush

except that the sides and breast are uniform, the throat only being

pale and spotted ; said to be a songster of some merit, the only sound

I have heard proceed from the species is a sweet and rather Blue-bird¬

like note.


The Africans differ in the sexes by the male being olivaceous above,

dull orange beneath. The female resembles a female Blackbird, and

in the distance might easily be mistaken for one.


Trumpeters of two species (Dusky and Grey-winged) have been

added, as have Lesser White-fronted Geese, the rarest, smallest, and

most attractive of the British Grey Geese.


Comparatively new arrivals also include a pair of Dusky Thrushes

(Turdus dubius), Black-billed Tree Duck, Boseate Spoonbill, Scarlet

Ibis, Great White Herons, Orinoco, Semi-palmated, and a pair of the

beautiful little Maned Geese (Chenonetta jubata) from Australia.

Beferring to this last-mentioned assortment, most are well known,

including the large Egrets. Before leaving the latter, however, I may

state they arrived in the spring, completely moulted out during the

summer, and although not allowed to fly, very ornamental they looked

wading about the shallows or perching upon the low trees of an island.

One noticeable peculiarity of these snake-necked birds while enjoying



