Breeding Successes in New Zealand



21



that she lays a clutch of clear eggs before you are certain that the

youngsters are independent. Laying eggs is not so much a strain

on the bird as is the feeding of the young.


Indian Shamas were bred again in 1936, when an aviary bred cock

bird was mated with an imported hen and reared healthy youngsters.

Shamas are most delightful birds, combining as they do a most beautiful

song, pleasing shape, and graceful movement together with rich

browm colours, black, and white. Their elongated tails give them the

appearance of monster Fantails. They are hardy birds and live out¬

doors in Auckland throughout the winter.


G. Rowland Hutchinson.



BREEDING OF YELLOW-WING SUGAR BIRD


During a trip to England at the beginning of 1935, I passed through

the Panama Canal and, while there, secured a small number of various

Central and South American birds. Most of these arrived safely in

London and were landed with a remarkable freedom of red tape and

absence of official inquisitiveness, at any rate, to one well versed in

the ways of New Zealand officials. In London they found temporary

housing in the quarantine department of the London Zoo, thanks to

the generosity of Mr. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S., Curator of Birds.


A room, 16 feet by 10 feet, with a permanent temperature ot 65°F.

was placed at my disposal free of charge, so that the South American

birds had a few days to recover from the voyage and were fed upon

an attractive shore diet. One morning, after they all had time to feed,

they were placed in several small cages on the back seat of Mr. Sydney

Porter’s car, entirely regardless of the upholstery. We left London

about midday for Derby, a distance of about five hours’ journey by

road in mid-winter. It was w ell that the birds had had ample time to

feed before leaving the warm Zoo quarters, and had full cups before

departure.


During the run north, the weather conditions became worse.

Heavy, dull clouds obscured the sky. Sunshine and cloudless skies so

lately enjoyed on the voyage were a delight of the past. Getting on to

the higher country, snow began to fall and, before long, the only spot



