62 Sydney Porter — Macklot’s Pitta and Notes on the Hooded Pitta


matter up, but there is no reason in the world for a drastic measure

such as this Bill and we hope all of our members will use their influence

to so modify it that the just rights of Britishers are not infringed.—

Editor.



MACKLOT’S PITTA


(Pitta mackloti)


AND NOTES ON THE HOODED PITTA


By Sydney Porter


This is a lovely Pitta which was introduced into this country

by the enterprise of that well-known and persevering collector,

Mr. Frost, who brings so many rarities from the Far East. Only

one bird, I think, was imported which, like the Giant Pitta, did not

survive long.


It is a much smaller bird than the above-mentioned Pitta and not

so striking in colour, but at the same time a very beautiful creature.


This bird was offered to me but I did not purchase it, as I was

contemplating giving up all my birds ; but as I kept my Pittas

I rather regret this now.


Macklot’s Pitta has a very wide range, being found in New Guinea,

New Ireland, New Britain, and the Cape York district of Australia,

as well as many islands adjacent to New Guinea. I believe the one

which was imported came from New Guinea.


Pittas are my favourite birds and I am seldom without several

of these lovely creatures. When tame they are unusually intelligent

and confiding, and when properly looked after are long-lived.


Most Pittas are semi-aquatic and shallow pans of water should

always be provided for the birds to paddle about in. A rich insecti¬

vorous food is necessary ; a poor quality food will not support them,

in fact they refuse to eat it. My birds are fed upon a very good food

mixed by that veteran aviculturist Mr. Frostick, and this is mixed

with grated carrot and hard-boiled egg. This, with an abundance

of live food, keeps the birds in perfect health for years. For some time



