88 BIRD LIFE ON ISLAND AND SHORE 
thing akin to the pheasant’s cheerful chirrup ; 
another resembles in some degree the metallic 
chirp of the Fern-bird; another used when 
leading off the young, or in anxiety about the 
nest, is a cheep resembling that of a strong nest- 
ling. The breed is, in fact, quite hardy, and 
with ordinary care can be reared as easily as 
poultry. I have seen them thriving and rearing 
ofispring in an aviary thronged with other birds. 
Though because of furtive and recluse habits the 
bird is seldom seen, its footmarks may be found 
on the mud of all suitable spots. Even on fern 
lands the breed is sparsely sprinkled over tens of 
thousands of acres. It is nevertheless rarely 
visible, never taking wing except when hard- 
pressed. Its slow deliberate flight in the open 
I have seen but thrice; on each occasion it was 
a lure to divert attention from the chicks. 
The food of the bird consists of land snails, 
worms, and the insect life of slow-flowing creeks. 
The chicks are for the first few days perfectly 
black. If caught within an hour or two of hatch- 
ing they evince no fear, and will feed from the 
hand, striking at food offered, in a most hearty 
active fashion. The Banded Rail is a species 
sure to survive by reason of its productivity, its 
habits of wandering, and its genius for conceal- 
ment. 
