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


Cage No. 23. Many Budgerigars in all colours. These pretty little

birds attract much attention and the public insists on calling them

Lovebirds. We have not the latest developments in colour-breeding

these tiny Parrakeets, but have various shades of green, blue, and

yellow.


In corners of the building surmounting a planting of rubber trees

and palms rise decorative hawthorn branches, gnarled and rugged.

These show off to beautiful advantage some gorgeous Macaws. On

one we see a magnificent Hyacinthine and a Lear’s and on the other

a beautiful Military Macaw and his “ girl-friend ”, a splendid Bed

and Yellow. We call them “ Bobby ” and “ Bebe ” but Bobby often

descends to perambulate along the rail which means isolation for

awhile.


This completes the list of our Parrot-like birds in their special

building. We have a fine White-crested Cockatoo which was intro¬

duced to the Flying-cage of the Aquatic House prior to my arrival.

It probably will stay there as it is quite at home feeding on the grain

and greens furnished for the ducks and geese. On more than one

occasion I have seen it placidly nibbling on a smelt which it held

daintily in one foot. I have a great affection for this family of engaging

curiosity and only wish that I had more time for them. I still have

my lovely Spix Macaw at home (he summers at the Zoo) ; unfortunately

he is prone to nibbling his plumage and keeps an unsightly rough

patch on his “ shoulders ” and breast—an irritating habit to say the

least.


Probably by the time this article reaches the reader newer specimens

will have been added. One of the pleasures of this work is the unexpec¬

tedness of the arrival of rare birds.



Ill —The Aquatic Bird House and the Pheasants and Cranes


The birds in this group appear to be of greater interest to the

general public probably because of larger size and the fact that they

are displayed under unusually advantageous conditions. The Aquatic

House is one of the best buildings in the Park architecturally. Entering,



