178 K. Plath—Birds at the New Chicago Zoological Park


so we have them her# where their gorgeous colouring attracts much

notice.


Before leaving the Perching-bird House mention must be made of

the plate-glass cage built for the Humming-birds. Eight species are

represented, Allen’s, Anna’s, Gilt-crest, Ruby, and Topaz, two species

of the Sapphire, and two species of the Emerald. This attractive exhibit

is very popular with the visitors. The cage is 13 feet across by 8 feet

high and deep and is planted with bamboo and an ass ortment of

flowering vines which impart a tropical jungle effect. The several food

bottles are hung in various locations so as to give the birds a choice

of feeding places. A mist-like spray is turned on once a day during the

winter months ; we found it best to watch during this time as the

birds sometimes became water-logged and could not rise again. The

temperature is maintained at 80°. While they require a strong light

to show up their brilliant refulgence their feeding bottles are placed

at eye level so if the spectator has any patience at all sooner or later

one of these gems will flash in front of him and display his glittering

gorget or crest. These tiny creatures display great skill in capturing

the infinitesimal fruit-flies which we release in the cage. While their

needs are great comparatively, an aviary of these feathered gems is well

worth while judging from the enthusiasm shown by the public, which

after all is the criterion.


II—The Parrot House


(Since the above was written many new birds have been received.

A bird-collection is constantly changing, being added to, etc., so it is

impossible to make a report that is strictly up to date. Outstanding is

an assortment of Mexican birds generously donated by Mrs. Hermon

D. Smith, of Lake Forest, Ill. For some unknown reason Mexican birds

are rare in collections and among the thirty birds brought in by

Mrs. Smith are several that are quite desirable. Silky Flycatchers

(Ptilogonys), which are related to the Waxwings but more elegant in

form, various Orioles, the Black-throated, Yellow-tailed, and Spotted¬

breasted, Orange-billed Arremon, Bonaparte’s Euphonia, Blue-headed

Euphonia, Mexican Chlorophonia, Spectacled Tanager, Black-headed

and Buff-throated Saltators, Mexican Cacique, Yellow-winged Sugar



