Dr. E. Hopkinson — Honey-eaters



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things we saw, especially his beautiful African Dwarf Geese and an

example of that fascinating sea Duck, the Velvet Scoter.


If anyone is contemplating making a sanctuary for birds or beasts

he should first see the Parc Zoologique de Cleres, and Mr. Ezra’s lovely

place at Foxwarren Park, in Surrey. Another keen aviculturist to whom

we are greatly indebted is Mr. Moody, the manager of the Lilford

collection of birds. We feel confident that we are not abusing our

friends’ kindness in making these recommendations, and we are sure

that the beginner would receive as much kindly advice as we did.



HONEY-EATERS


By Dr. E. Hopkinson, C.M.G., D.S.O., M.A., M.B.


The Meliphagidae, an Australasian family of nectar-eaters, make

good cage or aviary birds and now that their feeding is better under¬

stood are found to do quite well in captivity. They are never common,

but are much less rare nowadays than formerly, when the main idea

of feeding them was sugar-water with the natural result, early end.


The following list contains those which have been imported as far

as I know, and it attempts to give some idea of the avicultural status

of each species.


White-naped Honey-eater, Meliihreptus lunatus (Vieill).—Has

been in the Zoo (No. 595 of Low’s List, 1927) and also at the Berlin

Zoo. This and the next are Australian.


Strong-billed Honey-eater, M. validirostris (Gld.).—Has been

at the Amsterdam Zoo, teste Neunzig.


Waigiou Honey-eater, Myzomela eques (Lesson and Garnot).—

One “ new ”, Zoo, June, 1928, teste Beport; I saw it there.


Bosenberg’s Honey-eater, M. rosenbergi, Schl.—Two deposited,

“ new,” May, 1929, teste Zoo Beport, from N.W. New Guinea.


Cardinal Honey-eater, M. cardinalis (Gm.).—Mayer and Good-

fellow brought four from the New Hebrides in April, 1934. The Zoo

kept one, the others went elsewhere. Mrs. Shearing exhibited one at the

Bird Fancy Show in December, 1935, and took a first and special; she

took the same again with the same bird, still in perfect condition, at the

Hitchin Show, October, 1936.



