Correspondence 147



believe it is almost settled that our summer meeting will be held at the

London Zoo and it is probable that the meeting, which will be held in

: the morning, will be followed by a lunch. If this materializes we shall

once more be indebted to the London Zoological Society for the use of

! their accommodation.


Jerome Lambert.



CORRESPO NDENC E


Madam, —The question of Keas being sheep-killers or not is still a vexed

one, from an article in another paper recently. All aspects must be studied

before any decision may be made. Anatomically the Keas’ “ Cruel Beak ”

needs mention. Regrettably the Kea (for the Kea) has a very long upper

mandible, which may look dangerous. In truth, Keas have not a strong beak

and are actual “nibblers”. A Kea’s beak, in captivity, fails to make an

impression on hazel-nuts, walnuts, and brazil-nuts. Compared to other birds,

the Kea’s feet are weak and the claws are by no means fearsome. Meal¬

worms, which are attractive to most insectivorous birds, are just ignored by

the Kea.


If one can, by aid of a pair of forceps, persuade a Kea to pick up a meal¬

worm, the grub is dropped at once. A handful of mealworms will walk away

among several Kea’s feet, and meantime these birds are expectant for some¬

thing, either the aforesaid forceps or a bunch of keys or peanuts, etc.


In conclusion, one of the Keas here was a bit damaged in a high wind.

The birds pinch fingers if caught, and to save my delicate hands the man who

looks after them actually put his finger in the lion’s mouth and allowed

the bird to hold his finger while I examined it.


W. L. English, M.B.


High Street,


Haslington, Crewe.


21st March, 1938.



NAMES WANTED


Madam,— Could some member of the Avicultural Society tell me some¬

thing about a very nice little Finch which I acquired recently, called, I think,

the “ Black and White Crested Finch ”, and which is new to me.


It was one of a small lot received some months ago by one of the dealers,

two, from the same consignment I imagine, having been shown at the last

Crystal Palace Show. I should be interested to know what is its country

of origin (it looks South American), and what are the sexual differences.

The bird I have is a male, having a sweet though, so far, short song, and is

an elegant and taking little fellow with his slender black vertical crest and

neat black cravat and facial bands. He seems quite hardy and easy to keep.



