Breeding Notes from New Zealand and Australia 113



In a little over a week, the cock started building again, choosing the

same nesting site. A strong, oval-shaped nest was constructed and

lined with feathers. The first of four pure white eggs was laid on 17th

March, the hatching period occupying fourteen days. Twenty-two days

later, when feeding up, I apparently disturbed the clutch, as four young

birds flew from the nest—if I said fell from the nest it would be nearer

the mark. Apparently they left home two days too soon. I think their

parents held the same view, as they literally flew around me like a pack

of mosquitoes. It was most interesting to watch the old birds enticing

their youngsters back to their elevated nest. On the opposite wall were

.a few gum branches and extending from the top of these, a perch

reaching to their nest. Using the branches as a ladder, they gradually

coaxed their family up a few inches at a time and eventually got them

home. Two or three days later the young birds were quite strong on

the wing. The colouring of the young Dufresnes is similar to an adult

hen, head and nape leaden grey, eyes brownish black, beak all black

but with the lower mandible changing to crimson approximately four

weeks after leaving the nest. Two phosphorescent spots are on each

;side at the base of the beak, the back and wing coverts olive-green,

primaries and secondaries grey edged with green, and the upper tail

•coverts green tinged with red. The rump is red, the tail black, the

throat, breast, and underparts very light grey and the legs greyish-

black.


Inside of twelve days the young were independent, and the cock

bird in that time had built again. Incidentally, this nest was spoilt

by the young birds, who constantly disturbed the hen whilst sitting.

At that time I was dubious about separating the youngsters, not

knowing they were independent.


The food supply consisted of seeding grasses, soaked seed, and

.a little live food, together with the usual dry seeds.


I think the Dufresnes must be the most affectionate of the Wax-

bills, especially the cock bird, who has the untiring habit of preening

the head and nape feathers of his lawful spouse, until she becomes

practically featherless on those regions, presenting a most comical

appearance. With my previous pair, although they had a large flight

.aviary, the hen was soon in the same condition.



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