108



Correspondence



in this way but up to the present have never seen the Mynah doing this.

This strikes me as interesting because the distance between the two places is

only 150 miles.


Again it may be accounted for because Mynahs are scarce here but more

plentiful in the warmer northern district, and it is possible that the changed

habit may be peculiar to an occasional member of the species rather than to

all in a district.


I trust that these sketchy notes are not boring, but knowing that extreme

accuracy on these matters will interest you I am with all humility putting

forward my suggestions and observations.


H. Maurice Peacock.


56 Renall Street,


Masterton, N.Z.


The above letter, received by the Editor, was not intended for the

Avicultural Magazine, but as it is of much interest to our members we

feel sure Mr. Peacock will not object to its publication. The Kea is a most

intelligent and inquisitive bird and we do not think it would mistake a sheep

for a plant. On the other hand, having acquired the habit of eating mutton

fat through the carelessness of the early sheep farmers, and possibly some of

the present-day ones, in exposing skins and offal, it was quick to learn that

this could be obtained by killing the living animals. But, as Mr. Peacock

says, all Keas do not acquire this taste, in fact, probably very few do. We

met a sheep farmer the other day who lived in a district in which there were

a number of Keas and he had never had the least trouble from them, although

he had lost plenty of Jambs from the attacks of the imported fox and the

native Raven. The reward of the Government of a substantial bonus for every

Kea killed is most reprehensible and may result in the extermination of one

of the most interesting members of the New Zealand avifauna. —-Ed.



THE GREEN BROAD BILL


I have just lost my hen Green Broadbill after nearly four years in captivity,

which is, I suppose, the rather modest record for this species. I am inclined

to think that Broadbills are not fit subjects for aviculture in a temperate

climate except for people who can turn them loose in hot greenhouses among

tropical vegetation. Here their gentle disposition and non-destructive

habits should make them very suitable subjects, while their surroundings

would provide them with those opportunities of bathing in damp leaves

which are essential if the beauty of their plumage is to be retained. Few

individuals master the art of performing their ablutions successfully in a dish.


Tavistock.



POWERS OF MIMICRY IN BIRDS


I have two 5-weeks-old Pekinese puppies which have been reared in a

glass house affixed to the east-wall of my house. Among other birds a house-

moulted Shama is also housed there. This bird has now incorporated with

his natural song all the whimperings of the two puppies. He has their utterings

perfectly intonated.



H. Moore.



