THE GOOSE AVIARY, No. 3.
There are no birds which take more kindly to captivity, or which better
repay their keep and their keepers, than the ducks, geese, swans and
pelicans. The only drawback to the maintenance of large collections of
these birds in this latitude is the annual struggle with our arctic
winter. On account of the fierce winter storms to which we must pay
tribute, many species of swimming birds require to be taken out of their
aviary, and housed in sheltered buildings, with moderate warmth. For
this reason the pelicans, tree-ducks of all species, and all species
from the tropics, must necessarily be absent in winter from their summer
quarters.
For the accommodation of a large, systematic collection of wild geese,
an aviary two hundred and fifty feet long by one hundred and forty-three
feet in width has been constructed in the north end of Bird Valley. To
secure as much space as possible, the entire width of the open valley
has been taken into the enclosure.
The Goose Aviary consists of a pond containing three islands, two of
which are subdivided by low fences of wire netting into twelve separate
enclosures. The collection of geese has become so large and important
the original Duck Aviary has been taken for it, and the Ducks will
hereafter be found on the Wild-Fowl Pond and in the Flying Cage.
The Geese.—The collection of wild geese, in the Goose Aviary, is
unusually large, there being generally about twenty out of the
thirty-five known species. Among these one of the best known is the
Common Wild, or Canada Goose, (_Branta canadensis_). Once common
throughout many parts of the United States, continual persecution by
sportsmen and market hunters has so generally reduced its numbers that
now it is of comparatively rare occurrence.
This exceeding rarity made the arrival of nine superb wild specimens on
November 8, 1900, on the Wild-Fowl Pond, a most interesting event. Seven
of the birds, including a fine gander, through the artifice of a trap,
were induced to remain with us, and have taken up a peaceful abode on
the little lake, with others of their kind presented by Mr. A. B. Frost.
The African Spur-Winged Goose, (_Plectropterus gambensis_), although of
large size, is more properly a duck than a goose. A long sharp spur
arises from the bend of each wing, which the birds use in fighting with
each other for their mates.
The Gray-Lag Goose, (_Anser anser_), is, perhaps, the most interesting
of all geese, as being the wild species from which our domestic birds
are descended. The white color and large size are the chief differences
between the domestic and wild birds.
The White-Fronted Goose, (_Anser albifrons_), is worthy of special
notice because it is the handsomest of the ten species of North American
geese. The breeding grounds are far to the north, and in Alaska the
nests are mere hollows in the sand, lined with moss and down.
The Bar-Headed Goose, (_Eulabia indica_), inhabits the mountains of
Central Asia, nesting always over a mile above the sea. It is perhaps
the handsomest of all geese.
The Swans.—Usually at least six out of the seven known species of swans
may be seen on exhibition here.
The Mute Swan, (_Cygnus olor_), is the commonest swan in captivity, and
is the one made famous in European history and legend. It may always be
known from the other species by the black knob at the base of the bill.
It breeds freely in captivity and the young birds are known as cygnets.
The Trumpeter Swan, (_Cygnus buccinator_), being the largest bird in the
aviary, and also snowy white, is therefore the most conspicuous. Several
fine specimens are shown on the North Island, living contentedly with
other species. Some of these specimens were captured in Idaho, when
young enough to take kindly to captivity.
The Black Swan, (_Chenopsis atrata_), of South Australia and Tasmania,
is as glossy black, excepting its primaries, as other swans are white.
It is a large and handsome bird, and much sought by all persons who form
collections of water fowl.
The Coscoroba Goose, (_Coscoroba coscoroba_), is a fair connecting link
between the swans and the ducks, partaking about equally of the
characters of each. In size and color it is very much like our snow
goose, (_Chen hyperborea_), but it is peculiar in possessing very long
legs of a bright pink color, by which it is quickly recognized. Its
bill, also is pink, and the tips of its primaries are black. The
Coscoroba Goose is a native of southern South America, and a few years
ago specimens were so rare in captivity that a pair sold for $300.
THE FLYING CAGE, No. 4.
This mammoth bird-cage is one of the wonders of the Zoological Park. It
represents an attempt to do for certain large and showy water birds,
precisely what has been done for the hoofed animals, the beaver, otter,
and other species—give them a section of Nature’s own domain. In this
they can fly to and fro, build nests and rear their young in real
freedom.
Near the lower end of Bird Valley, as a sort of climax for the Goose
Aviary when seen from the north, rises a lofty, web-like structure, in
the form of a huge, gothic arch. It is 55 feet in height, 75 feet wide,
and 152 feet long. The whole structure consists of a series of
steel-pipe arches and purlins, the former eight feet apart, over which
wire-netting has been tightly stretched.
The wire-netting seems peculiarly open. It is of the kind known as
chain-netting, which offers the least possible obstruction to the eye.
This cage is so large that a very respectable block of houses, three
stories high and of ample dimensions, could stand within it without
touching the wire. It completely encloses three forest trees of very
considerable size, two hickories and an oak; and it contains a pool of
water a hundred feet long, and shrubbery in abundance.
[Illustration: CEREOPSIS GEESE.]
The idea of a very large cage for herons and egrets, is not new, for
there are in existence several other flying cages, somewhat smaller than
this. The first was erected in the Rotterdam Zoological Garden by its
Director, the late Dr. A. Von Bemmelin, whose experiment proved very
successful. Others are at London and in Paris Jardin d’Acclimatation.
The Flying Cage is the summer home of a mixed flock of such large and
showy water birds as are most inclined to fly about within it, and
afford students and the public an opportunity to study their movements
and attitudes. Save for such allowances as must be made for accidents
and epidemics, this enclosure will contain the following noteworthy
species, along with others of less importance:
The American Flamingo, (_Phoenicopterns ruber_), is, in appearance, a
connecting link between the herons and ducks, resembling the former in
the great length of its legs, and the latter in the duck-like bill and
webbed feet. When the plumage of this species is perfect, it is of a
beautiful scarlet color throughout, excepting the primaries, which are
black. In captivity, the color fades somewhat. This bird is found in the
Bahama Islands and Cuba, but in Florida, where once it was fairly
numerous, it no longer exists. Fortunately, this remarkable bird takes
kindly to captivity, and the Zoological Park is never without a
good-sized flock. Their strange form, showy colors and droll attitudes
render them unusually interesting to visitors.
[Illustration: WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS.]
[Illustration: ROSEATE SPOONBILL.]
With the birds of the above species are shown a few specimens of the
European Flamingo, (_P. roseus_), which is almost white. The only parts
which show the characteristic scarlet of this genus, are the wing
coverts, which are pale red, or pink.
The Scarlet Ibis, (_Guara rubra_), is for its size the most showy bird
in existence, not even excepting the birds of paradise. Excepting the
black primaries, every feather on the adult bird in perfect plumage is
of a brilliant Chinese vermilion color, visible in nature for a long
distance. The immature birds are mottled and patched with white. This
species once came as far north as southern Florida, but now it is found
only from Cuba southward. They frequent the mud banks at the various
mouths of the Orinoco, and not long since were quite abundant on the
coast of British Guiana.
The White-Faced Glossy Ibis, (_Plegadis guarauna_), is not a rare bird
in captivity, and it will doubtless be possible to maintain this species
perpetually in the Flying Cage and Aquatic-Bird House.
The Wood Ibis, (_Tantalus loculator_).—The Park obtains its supply of
birds of this species from Florida, where they breed, in very greatly
reduced numbers, on the headwaters of the St. Johns. This bird is a very
satisfactory member of avian society. Although amply large to lord it
over the other birds of the cage, he quarrels with none, but peacefully
goes his way, feeling with the point of his beak along the sandy bottom
of the pool for something edible, or standing in quiet meditation on the
bank. Notwithstanding its common name, this bird is not an ibis, but a
true stork. In its black and white plumage it is quite a handsome bird.
Although not so fond of using its wings in captivity as are herons and
egrets, the Wood Ibis is for many reasons a very welcome tenant.
The White Stork, (_Ciconia ciconia_), is as large as our wood ibis,
which it strongly resembles in form and habits. This bird is literally
the household bird of Germany, and its place in the family has now
become of more importance than its place in nature. Throughout Holland,
Germany, and very nearly the whole of eastern and central Europe, the
White Stork is so prized and protected by the people that it has
attained a state of semi-domestication. Nesting places are prepared for
it, usually near or even upon human habitations, and it enjoys an
immunity from molestation quite like that of the adjutant in India.
The Great Blue Heron, (_Ardea herodias_), is frequently called the “blue
crane”; but the latter name is a misnomer. It properly belongs to our
sandhill crane (_Grus canadensis_). Just why so large a number of people
should be so persistent in this error is a psychological problem; but
the fact remains that people will not say “heron.”
This Great Blue Heron is the largest and most noteworthy bird of our
northern marshes. Thanks to the fact that it bears no desirable
“plumes,” and its flesh is not edible, it has been permitted to live.
When not molested, it becomes quite trustful, and when wading along a
shore, fishing for minnows, it affords for the field-glass or the camera
a very interesting subject. In summer these birds are quite numerous in
the marshes along the Shrewsbury River, between Sandy Hook and Long
Branch, and they are an unfailing source of interest to excursionists.
It is sincerely to be hoped that the evil eye of “Dame Fashion” will not
fall upon this bird, and cause its extermination.
The Great White Heron, (_Ardea americana_), is taller than the great
blue heron, and it is the largest of all the white herons and egrets.
Like the whooping crane, it is now a bird of such exceeding rarity that
the procuring of a specimen may be counted a stroke of good fortune. In
eight years the Zoological Park has secured only three specimens, all of
which came from southern Florida.
The Little Blue Heron, (_Florida caerulea_).—The immature birds of this
species are snowy white, and so closely resemble snowy herons of the
same age, that only one well acquainted with both can distinguish
between them. They are, however, separately recognized by the fact that
the snowy heron has black legs, and a black bill, whereas the legs and
bill of the Little Blue Heron are pale yellow. This species is still
common in some parts of its Florida home, and occasionally a specimen
strays as far north as Staten Island.
The Louisiana Heron, (_Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis_), once very
numerous in Florida, is still found there, but in greatly reduced
numbers. It ranges from Central America and the West Indies northward to
the Gulf States, and occasionally to Long Island. The general coloring
is dark blue, but a prominent distinguishing character is the chestnut
brown on the sides of the neck.
The Black-Crowned Night Heron, (_Nycticorax nycticorax naevius_), is one
of the commonest herons about New York City and occasionally nests in
the Park itself. It breeds in large colonies, and feeds chiefly at
night. Its note is a hoarse _quok_, very much like the bark of a dog.
The Snowy Heron, or Snowy Egret, (_Egretta candidissima_), when fully
adult, is the most beautiful white bird in all the avian world. Its form
is the embodiment of symmetry and grace, its plumage is immaculate, and
the filmy “plumes” on its head and back are like spun glass. Its black
legs and bill merely serve to intensify the whiteness of its feathers.
The vanity of woman has been the curse of the Snowy Egret. Its plumes
are finest during the breeding season, and it was then that the hunters
sought them, slaughtering the old birds in the rookeries by thousands
(when they were abundant), and leaving the nestlings to die of
starvation. If all women could know the price in blood and suffering
which is paid for the accursed “aigrettes” of fashion, surely but few
could find any pleasure in wearing them. It is strange that civilized
woman—the tender-hearted, the philanthropic, and the
ever-compassionate—should prove to be the evil genius of the world’s
most beautiful birds.
In the United States the Snowy Egret now exists only by accident, and
the “plume hunters” are pursuing this and the following species in
Central and South America, to their most remote haunts, sometimes even
at the risk of their lives. Fashion has decreed that the egrets must go.
[Illustration: BROWN AND WHITE PELICANS.]
The American Egret, (_Herodias egretta_).—Much to the misfortune of this
species, it possesses about fifty “aigrette” plumes which droop in
graceful curves from the middle of its back far beyond the tail and wing
tips. For these beautiful feathers this bird has been pursued by plume
hunters almost to the point of total extermination in the United States.
The White Pelican, (_Pelecanus erythrorhynchus_), is one of the largest
birds of North America and by reason of its size, its pure white
plumage, its enormously long amber-colored bill and gular pouch, it is
one of the most showy birds in the aviary. As consumers of fish they
stand pre-eminent among birds, and their only rivals in the Park are the
sea-lions. The specimens exhibited were collected for the Society in
southern Texas.
The Brown Pelican, (_Pelecanus occidentalis_), when adult, is a handsome
and showy bird, and one which not only is easily reconciled to life in a
comfortable aviary, but positively enjoys it. The specimens in our
collection were collected for the Society on Pelican Island, Florida,
and their interesting home life at that place may be studied from the
series of photographs on exhibition in the Aquatic Bird House. When
their daily allowance of fish appears they crowd around their keeper,
and with wide-open pouches earnestly solicit contributions.
THE AQUATIC BIRD HOUSE, No. 5.
This building is the result of an attempt to solve an old problem in a
new way—the care of large migratory water birds in the most uneven
winter climate on earth. In comparison with the care in winter of
flamingoes, large herons, egrets, ibises, and the like, the housing of
perching birds, birds of prey and the parrots, presents few
difficulties. But the wealth of fine water birds in North America alone,
and the interest attaching to them, seem to justify the labor and
expense that have been involved in this building and its appointments.
Practically all of the birds to be seen in this building in winter are
mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
THE OWL CAGES.—After the completion of the Eagle and Vulture Aviary, the
ten large cages on the exterior of the Aquatic-Bird House, which have
been occupied temporarily by the birds of prey, will be used for the owl
collection.
The Giant Eagle Owl, (_Bubo bubo_), is a true giant among the owls. It
is found throughout continental Europe, keeping mostly to the deep
forests, and feeding on grouse, rabbits, etc. It is unusually long-lived
in captivity, and breeds freely.
The Milky Eagle Owl, (_Bubo lacteus_), has the same general characters
as its congener, but its feathers are of a beautiful, soft gray. It is
very rare in collections.
The Great Horned Owl, (_Bubo virginianus_).—These nocturnal birds of
prey inhabit heavily wooded regions, feeding on mice, and poultry when
it is obtainable. The bright yellow iris, the conspicuous feather horns,
and the apparently pivoted neck are curious features of these birds.
Their reputation for wisdom is founded only on their external
appearance, for in reality they are rather dull birds.
The Snowy Owl, (_Nyctea nyctea_), of the Arctic regions, migrating in
winter to the northern United States, sometimes remains for several
seasons in succession so far north that no specimens are obtainable.
During 1899, 1900, and the first half of 1901, not one specimen could be
procured, but in the late autumn of 1901 a southward migration began. On
June 1, 1911, the Park exhibited six fine specimens, one of which was
almost pure white. During the three hottest months of summer, these
birds would suffer considerably, so during this period they are confined
in a cool, dark cellar, thus keeping in perfect health and comfort
throughout the year.
[Illustration: GREAT HORNED OWL.]
[Illustration: SPECTACLED OWL.]
The Screech Owl, (_Otus asio_).—This little horned owl is our commonest
species, and frequents the neighborhood of dwellings and orchards. Being
nocturnal it is more common than is generally supposed, and its curious
cry, which is not a screech, but a musical, quavering series of notes,
is the cause most frequently leading to its discovery. Its two phases of
plumage, red and gray, occur independently of sex, age or season. Its
food consists of mice and insects.
The Barred Owl, (_Syrnium varium_).—This owl is more diurnal than its
nearest relatives, and often hunts its prey in bright moonshine. Its
deep, penetrating call, “woo-o-o, whoo-o-o,” is one of the most weird
and striking cries of the bird world. Another peculiarity, common to all
owls, but more noticeable in this less nocturnal species, is the
absolutely noiseless flight. The soft, downy feathers of the owl permit
it to wing its way through the air with as little noise as a falling
leaf.
THE EAGLE AND VULTURE AVIARY, No. 11.
[Illustration: EARED VULTURE.]
[Illustration: LAMMERGEYER.]
The Eagle and Vulture Aviary stands in an open glade, but well
surrounded by forest trees, in Bird Valley, between the Aquatic Bird
House and the new Zebra House. It is a commodious and pleasant
installation, well adapted to exhibit the Society’s collection of
rapacious birds. Its length over all is 210 feet. It has seven very
large flight cages and six smaller ones. The largest cages are 24 feet
wide, 33 feet deep and 31 feet high. In the rear of the great wire
structure will stand a very comfortable brick building to serve as a
winter shelter for the tropical birds of the collection; but it will not
be open to the public.
Now that our eagles and vultures are to be brought together, visitors
will find that the collection is a large one, and contains many fine
species.
The Condor, (_Sarcorhamphus gryphus_), of the Andes, is the largest of
the birds of prey, having a wing-spread of over nine feet. It feeds
entirely on carrion, rarely attacking living animals. In the male, the
head is adorned with a large fleshy comb, much like that of a barn-yard
cock. The Society at present possesses several specimens of this great
bird.
The King Vulture, (_Gypagus papa_), is as its proud name implies, the
one member of the Vulture Family which really is clad in royal robes,
and color-decked to match. Its range extends from Mexico and Central
America to Trinidad and Brazil. The visitor should not fail to see this
gorgeously caparisoned body of white, cream-yellow and black, and head
of orange, purple and crimson.
Black Vulture, (_Catharista urubu_).—These ill-favored but very useful
birds are quite abundant, and even semi-domesticated, in some of our
southern cities. This is due to the protection accorded them, because of
their valuable services as scavengers. They are said to devour every
particle of exposed organic refuse, and in a warm climate these services
are of more value than we in the north can realize.
The Yellow-Headed Vulture, (_Cathartes urobitinga_), of northern South
America, is a much handsomer bird than its two preceding relatives. It
has much the same feeding habits, but is very rare and delicate in
captivity.
The California Condor, (_Gymnogyps californianus_).—This is one of the
rarest, and to all Americans the most interesting, bird of prey in the
Park. The species is confined to a very small area in the rugged
mountains of southern and lower California, and beyond all doubt, the
skin-collecting ornithologists will exterminate it within the next
twenty years, or less.
The Griffon Vulture, (_Gyps pulvus_), and the Kolbe Vulture, (_G.
kolbi_), are Old World birds and although more closely related to the
eagles than to the vultures of the New World, resemble the latter in
general habits.
Differing strongly from its congeners in general appearance, is the
Eared Vulture, (_Otogyps auricularis_). This rare bird is a native of
North Africa, where it feeds on such carrion as it is able to find. Its
bare, wrinkled head and neck and great bill give it a decidedly gruesome
appearance.
The Red-Tailed Hawk, (_Buteo borealis_).—The “Hen Hawk,” or “Chicken
Hawk,” is one of our commonest birds of prey. It hardly merits its
common name, as its favorite food is mice and other small mammals. This
is the hawk seen, in the fall of the year, going south in flocks,
sometimes of one hundred or more.
One of the most splendid members of the collection is the Harpy Eagle,
(_Thrasaetus harpyia_), of South America. The remarkably large legs and
claws indicate the great strength which enables the bird to prey upon
sloths, monkeys, and other fairly large animals.
[Illustration: KING VULTURE.]
[Illustration: BLACK VULTURE.]
The Lammergeyer or Bearded Vulture, (_Gypaetus barbatus_), is now
probably extinct in Europe, but is still found in parts of Asia. It
feeds largely on lambs.
A nearly cosmopolitan bird is the Golden Eagle, (_Aquila chrysaetos_).
It is equally at home in the highlands of Scotland and the mountains of
North America, nesting on the highest cliffs.
The Bateleur Eagle, of Africa, (_Helotarsus ecaudatus_), has narrowly
missed the distinction of being the most beautiful of all birds of prey.
Its plumage is charmingly colored but it is out of proportion. Its tail
is so absurdly short that its wings quite conceal it, and make it appear
as if altogether tailless.
[Illustration: HARPY EAGLE.]
[Illustration: GRIFFON VULTURE.]
Bald Eagle, (_Haliaëtus leucocephalus_).—The appearance of the adult
Bald Eagle, our National emblem, with its conspicuous white head and
tail, is familiar to all; but the immature birds, as shown by several of
the specimens, lack the white in their plumage. These birds are found
usually near water, and their food is chiefly fish. These they sometimes
catch for themselves, but if ospreys are found in the vicinity, they are
watched by the eagles, and often robbed of their hard-earned prey.
Perhaps the fiercest among all the hawks is the White Gyrfalcon, (_Falco
islandus_). A native of the far north, it descends to a more equable
clime only when forced to do so by scarcity of food. It is so swift of
wing that it is able to capture a duck in full flight.
Sea snakes form the rather unusual food of the White-Breasted Sea Eagle,
(_Haliaëtus leucogaster_), of the East Indies, while the
strikingly-colored Vulturine Sea Eagle, (_Gypohierax angolensis_), a
native of Africa, feeds on fish, crabs, and the fruit of the oil palm.
THE WILD TURKEY ENCLOSURE, No. 33.
At the northern end of Squirrel Ridge, where the Alligator Walk
intersects the Rodent Walk, an ideal quarter of an acre, of oak and
hickory trees, underbrush, and bare rock, has been dedicated to the king
of game birds.
The Wild Turkey, (_Meleagris gallopavo silvestris_), is a bird of
magnificent size and presence, and the splendid metallic luster of his
plumage—a mixture of burnished bronze copper, lapis lazuli, and fire
opal iridescence—backed up by a great bulk of savory flesh, all combine
to make this the finest game bird on earth. It was once fairly abundant
throughout the eastern United States, and still is found in
Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, Virginia and other southern states as far
west as Texas. Three other species of _Meleagris_ are now recognized—one
in Florida, one in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, and the
fourth in Mexico, extending to western Texas and Arizona.
THE LARGE BIRD-HOUSE, No. 7.
On the northwest quarter of Baird Court stands the largest and the most
generously equipped home for perching birds now in existence. This is
not an unnecessary boast, but merely a brief statement of a fact which
the visitor has a right to know. It was designed on our long-established
principle that every captive wild creature is entitled to life, exercise
and happiness. Our principle of very large cages, with many birds in
each cage, is just the reverse of the views that have prevailed in the
older zoological gardens, even down to the present day. To an important
extent, the cage equipment of this building represents a new departure.
There are many zoologists with experience longer than ours who believe
that small birds thrive better and live longer when installed in small
cages, with only one or two birds in each.
[Illustration: WILD TURKEY.]
The Large Bird-House, specially designed for Passerine birds, was
developed on the strength of experiments previously made in the
Aquatic-Bird House, and in community cages outside. After three years’
experience with the new building, and a careful tabulation of diseases
and death rates within it, we are able to state that this installation
is a complete and gratifying success.
The Large Bird-House is an L-shaped building, with an all-glass house in
its angle. The main hall extends east and west, and it is 60 feet long
by 50 feet wide. This great room contains the foreign song-birds, many
tropical doves and pigeons, and such tropical varieties and oddities as
the great crowned pigeons, tinamous, toucans, giant king-fishers and
hornbills. In the great central flying cage there is perhaps the most
remarkable _omnium-gatherum_ of small tropical birds—swimmers, waders,
upland game birds and perchers—ever brought together in one cage. The
bottom of the L is the Parrots’ Hall, 65×30 feet. It contains the
parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and a few other species.
[Illustration: SERIEMA.]
[Illustration: SECRETARY BIRD.]
In the angle of the main building stands a structure almost wholly
composed of metal and glass, which is known as the Glass Court. It was
designed especially for North American song-birds. The visitor should
not overlook the fact that there are cages filled with birds all along
both the eastern and western sides of the Large Bird House.
Nearly all the cages of both the exterior and interior of the Main and
Parrots’ Halls, are accessible from the back by passage-ways; a
convenience that greatly facilitates the work of the keepers in caring
for their various charges.
The capacity of this installation as a whole may be judged from the
following memorandum of cages:
APPROXIMATE SIZES OF CAGES OF THE LARGE BIRD-HOUSE
_INDOORS._
Main Hall Central Flying Cage 15×36×20 feet high 1
Side Cages 5×5×9 35
End Cages 5×12×9 2
Parrot Hall Side Cages 6×8×9 21
Glass Court West Cages 8×9×9 6
East & North Cages 5×6×8 16
_OUTDOORS._
Northeast Cages 7×12×10 2
East Cages 6×8×10 10
Southeast Circular Flight Cage 20×20×2 1
South Cages 6×8×10 3
Large Western Cages 15×15×15 3
Smaller Western Cages 6×9×10 14
Total number of cages 114
Regarding the state of health and spirits of the birds in this building,
the visitor must be left to judge for himself. It is only fair to state,
however, that the death rate here and indeed amongst the birds of the
Park generally, is _very low_.
In view of the great number of avian species inhabiting the Large
Bird-House, it is a practical impossibility to give more than a general
outline of the groups and leading features of the collection.
As the visitor enters at the south door, nearest the Lion House, he is
greeted by a discordant chorus of ear-piercing shrieks and squawks,
joyous but very raucous, and at times too persistent. Loudest are the
voices of the gorgeously-plumaged Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, (_Ara
ararauna_); the Red-and-Blue Macaw, (_Ara macao_), and the Great Green
Macaw. Around their cages there is no such thing as stagnation or
somnolence. The soft-hued Rosella Parakeets, the flock of mostly-green
Cuban Parrots, the Leadbeater Cockatoos and the White Cockatoos all join
in their voices, to the limit of their respective abilities, but against
macaws which can be heard a mile, their best efforts seem tame. The
members of the Order _Psittaciformes_ (as above) have been beautifully
colored by Nature, and their harsh voices seem strangely out of harmony
with their plumage.
The indoor cages along the western side of the Large Bird-House (both
halls included), contain an extensive series of tropical Pigeons and
Doves, which are well worth some attention.
The most startling exhibit in this group is the Bleeding Heart Pigeon
(_Phlogoenas luzonica_), from the Philippines, whose creamy-white breast
seems to have been recently stabbed with a stiletto. It is no wonder
that now and then a sympathetic visitor seeks the curator, or a keeper,
and reports that a bird has been injured, and is bleeding from a wound
in its breast.
[Illustration: GREAT CROWNED PIGEON.]
The Flying Cage in the center of the Main Hall contains a pool of
running water, some small trees, an imitation rock, and the floor is
covered with a comfortable layer of sand. Hopping or flying about, and
perching on the trees, is a really remarkable medley of birds. There are
the Wood Duck and Mandarin Duck, Black Skimmers, Common and Sooty Terns,
several species of Teal, Curlews, Gallinules, Coots, Lapwings, Snipe,
Ruffs, Quail, Francolins, Senegal, Turtle, Wonga-wonga and other Pigeons
and Doves, Skylarks, Robins, Orioles, Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Java, Fox,
Tree, and other Sparrows and Weavers.
The south side of the Main Hall is devoted to miscellaneous rare birds
from the tropics, regardless of the Orders to which they belong. The
largest are the Great Crowned Pigeons,—Victoria and Common,—the oddest
are the Concave-Casqued Hornbills and the Toucans (eight species). The
Rufous Tinamou, of South America, is a species which, through lack of
use for its wings, is rapidly losing the power of flight. The Giant
Kingfisher is the “Laughing Jackass” of Australia, and its cry is
strangely like the mirthless horse-laugh of a man who has few smiles and
seldom uses one. The Himalayan Jay-Thrush is so confirmed a murderer of
birds smaller than himself, it is necessary to quarter that species with
other birds abundantly able to defend themselves against its attacks.
[Illustration: SULPHUR CRESTED COCKATOO.]
[Illustration: TOCO TOUCAN.]
On the northern side of the Main Hall there will be found a very
interesting group of Cuban birds, another of birds of the Bahamas, a
fair-sized collection of Finches, Weavers, Canaries, Trogons, and other
small species of foreign lands. Here also is the rare and
beautifully-plumed Greater Bird of Paradise, (_Paradisea apoda_).
The visitor is reminded that for all cages that contain more than one
species, the picture labels quickly furnish a key for identification of
each.
In the Glass Court and around it, the Curator of Birds, Mr. C. William
Beebe, has scored a gratifying success in the installation of the Order
_Passeres_. The birds are arranged by Families, and _all of the
twenty-one families of eastern North American perching birds are
represented_. These Families are as follows: Flycatchers, Swallows,
Wrens, Mockingbirds and Catbirds, Thrushes, Kinglets, Vireos, Waxwings,
Shrikes, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, Warblers, Pipits,
Horned Larks, Sparrows, Honey Creepers, Tanagers, Blackbirds and
Orioles, English Starling, Crows and Jays. It is only those who have
attempted to form and install such a collection who can appreciate the
effort which that collection has cost, or the difficulties involved in
the maintenance of so large a number of insect-eating birds. The birds
in this section of the Bird-House are especially interesting to the
teachers of pupils of the public schools of this city.
The large circular flying cage, at the outer corner of the Glass Court,
is filled with Robins, Bluebirds, Thrushes and Woodpeckers which winter
there very comfortably, because they are fed and watered, and sheltered
from the worst storms.
Along the western wall of the Large Bird-House, outside, fourteen large
cages are filled with members of the Crow and Blackbird Families
(_Corvidae_ and _Icteridae_), such as the Ravens, Crows, Jays, Magpies,
Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Cowbirds and Grackles, beside which appear our
old friends the Yellow-Shafted Flicker and Red-Headed Woodpecker.
The following is a systematic enumeration of the Orders of birds
represented in the Zoological Park on April 1, 1913:
LIST OF BIRDS, APRIL 1, 1913.
ORDERS. Species. Specimens.
Rheiformes Rheas 2 2
Struthioniformes Ostriches 2 2
Casuariiformes Emeus and Cassowaries 2 3
Tinamiformes Tinamou 5 5
Galliformes Quail and Pheasants 88 204
Turniciformes Hemipodes 1 2
Ptericlidiformes Sand Grouse 1 1
Columbiformes Pigeons and Doves 57 183
Ralliformes Coots and Gallinules 15 35
Lariformes Gulls and Terns 17 54
Charadriiformes Plovers and Sandpipers 18 48
Gruiformes Cranes, Seriema 13 30
Ardeiformes Ibises, Storks and Herons 35 85
Palamedeiformes Screamers 3 4
Phoenicopteriformes Flamingoes 2 5
Anseriformes Swans, Geese and Ducks 72 712
Pelecaniformes New World Vultures 9 30
Cathartidiformes Cormorants and Pelicans 8 27
Serpentariiformes Secretary Birds 1 2
Accipitriformes Hawks and Eagles; Old World 28 48
Vultures
Strigiformes Owls 20 47
Psittaciformes Parrots, Macaws and Cockatoos 86 194
Coraciiformes Kingfishers and Hornbills 12 15
Trogoniformes Trogons 1 1
Cuculiformes Touracos and Cuckoos 10 18
Scansoriforme Toucans and Barbets 8 13
Piciformes Woodpecker 9 26
Passeriformes Thrushes, Sparrows and all 378 1242
perching birds
Totals 903 3038
WILD-FOWL POND,
_Heretofore Called the Aquatic Mammals’ Pond_.
As the birds on this pond have been transferred from the Duck Aviary,
the interest of this exhibit is of special character, and greatly
enjoyed by hosts of visitors. This is the nursery of the ducks and
geese, where, in the tangle of long grass, briars and underbrush along
the east side of the pond, the nests are built in early spring, the eggs
are laid and patiently incubated. Finally the broods of ducklings are
led to the water, to feed to repletion, throughout the summer, on the
worms, bugs and insects so dear to the appetite of these amusing little
fellows.
Cope Lake is the especial province of the nesting pairs of Canada geese,
and sometimes as many as eight golden-colored goslings are hatched in
one nest on the small island.
The Mallard Duck, (_Anas boschas_), is one of our finest swimming birds,
the joy of the sportsman who finds it in its haunts, the delight of the
epicure who finds it on the bill of fare. Sluggish indeed must be the
blood which does not beat faster at the sight of a flock of wild
Mallards, free in Nature, and ready to leap into the air and away at the
slightest alarm. After the pintail and the wood duck, this is one of the
handsomest ducks of North America, and also one of the finest for the
table. Its range covers practically the whole of the western continent
down to Panama, and even extends to the Azores, north Africa, and
northern India. The drakes are readily recognized by the splendid
irridescent green of the head.
The Green-Winged Teal, (_Nettion carolinensis_), and Blue-Winged Teal,
(_Querquedula discors_), are very delicate birds, and therefore rather
difficult to maintain in captivity. A flock of each will be found in the
Flying Cage.
The Pintail Duck, (_Dafila acuta_), is specially commended to the notice
of visitors because of its great beauty, both in color and form. Its
colors form an exquisite harmony of soft brown and gray tones which
fairly rival the more gaudy color-pattern of the wood duck. The species
is yet found occasionally along the Atlantic Coast, but like all other
edible birds, its numbers are rapidly diminishing. A large flock of
these birds will be found on the Wild-Fowl Pond.
[Illustration: DUCKS FEEDING: WILD FOWL POND.]
The Gadwall, (_Chaulelasmas strepera_), is a handsome gray bird, well
known to gunners along the Mississippi Valley, but rarely seen along the
Atlantic coast. Its chief breeding grounds are in the great marshes of
central Canada.
The Baldpate, (_Mareca americana_), one of the finest of water-fowl, is
now so scarce that it is difficult to obtain specimens for exhibition.
These birds are poor divers, but gain a good livelihood by feeding on
floating sea lettuce, disturbed from the bottom by the better equipped
canvas-backs and redheads.
The bill of the Shoveller, (_Spatula clypeata_), has become so
specialized for mud-sifting that it has actually assumed the shape of a
shovel, and is out of all proportion to the size of the bird’s body. The
sides of the bill are equipped with bony plates, through which the mud
is strained, the particles of food being caught and swallowed.
The Canvas-Back (_Aythya vallisneria_), and the Red-Head, (_A.
americana_), two prime favorites with the sportsman and epicure, are
exhibited on the Wild Fowl Pond. Of the latter, a good-sized flock is
shown. Canvas-Backs, however, are difficult to capture unhurt, and still
more difficult to keep alive in captivity, and for these reasons the
number exhibited always is very small.
The Lesser Scaup, (_Marila affinis_), is one of the sea ducks, and, like
its congeners, a very expert diver. It feeds chiefly on mollusks, which
it finds in the mud, often at considerable depths under water.
The Paradise Sheldrake, (_Casarca variegata_), of Australia, is a
striking bird, occupying a position mid-way between the ducks and geese.
It is interesting to note that the female is much more attractive than
the male, the head and neck being pure white, in contrast with the more
sombre body. This species is very quarrelsome in captivity.
The Ruddy Sheldrake, (_Casarca casarca_), is a bird of wide
distribution, being found from the Mediterranean countries to Japan, and
also in northeast Africa. Both sexes are of a uniform light chestnut,
the male being distinguished by a black ring around the neck. The nest
is always well sheltered, often being placed in a hollow log.
The Common or Tadorna Sheldrake, (_Tadorna tadorna_), is a remarkably
colored bird, but unfortunately difficult to keep alive in this climate.
It nests in holes in the ground, preferably in disused rabbit burrows.
The Mandarin Duck, (_Aix galericulata_), is the Chinese counterpart of
our beautiful Wood or Summer Duck, (_Aix sponsa_). Of all living ducks,
the males of these two species are the most gorgeously colored and
plumed, and they are also of elegant form. Although both species are
much sought after, the number of available specimens continues to be
limited to a comparatively small number.
THE PHEASANT AND PIGEON AVIARY, No. 40.
_Entire Collection is the Gift of Mr. Jacob H. Schiff._
The Pheasant Aviary is a building like a corridor 240 feet long with a
cross pavilion at each end. The main structure is divided into 22
shelters connecting with a like number of wire enclosed outside runways,
each of which is 8 feet wide, 24 feet long and 8 feet high. The two end
pavilions furnish 32 smaller shelters and runways, making a total of 48
compartments. The shelters are divided into two stories, the upper
series being designed for pigeons, doves and perching birds of various
kinds. Each bird in this aviary can at every moment of his life choose
according to his needs from the following series of accommodations that
are available to him: An open, sunlit yard, a storm shelter with an open
front, or a closed room with one small door and a large window.
[Illustration: PHEASANT AVIARY AND WILD FOWL POND.]
This beautiful and generous installation, 240 feet long, with 48
runways, accommodates the true Pheasants of the world, the largest group
of birds of the Pheasant Family (_Phasianidae_), which in turn is one of
the grand divisions of the sportsman’s own Order _Gallinae_, or upland
gamebirds. Of the whole Order _Gallinae_,—which includes the Grouse,
Ptarmigan, Partridges, Pheasants, Turkeys, Guinea-Fowls, Jungle Fowl,
Quails, Brush-Turkeys, Curassows and Guans—the group of the Pheasants
can justly claim the distinction of possessing the most beautiful birds.
Indeed, I think there is not to be found in the whole avian world a
group of game birds all the members of which, taken species by species,
are so gorgeously apparelled as these.
In this brief notice of what is really one of the finest pheasant
collections in the world, it is not possible to do more than direct the
visitors’ attention to its chief items of interest. It must be stated
well in advance, however, that these are birds of very shy and retiring
habit, which owe their existence as species to the success with which
they retreat from danger, and conceal themselves from man and beast.
These birds must not be forced to spend all the daylight hours in their
runways; for some of them could not long survive such exposure and
excitement. To preserve their lives, and keep them in health, they must
have the privilege of retiring into their shelters whenever they desire.
But they roam in and out, and by the exercise of a little effort in
returning to them, the interested visitor will find no great difficulty
in seeing all the species.
There are few species of pheasants whose members are sufficiently
peace-loving that many individuals can be kept together without deadly
combats. Of most species save the golden, silver and ring-neck, the
cocks are so quarrelsome that even two can not be kept together; and
this fact constitutes a handicap upon those whose duty it is to maintain
the full strength of the exhibition. If a rare and quarrelsome male
pheasant dies unexpectedly, it is not always possible to fill the
vacancy on short notice.
Out of the half-dozen species which claim first place in an enumeration
based on beauty and luxuriance of plumage—the Amherst, Reeve, golden,
silver, impeyan, Argus or Soemmerring—it is difficult to choose. Each
has its share of strong points, and it seems as if there is no “finest
of all.” Let us take them as they come to mind, for by reason of the
changes so often necessary in the runways, it is inexpedient to attempt
an end-to-end enumeration.
[Illustration: MANCHURIAN EARED PHEASANT.]
The Golden Pheasant, (_Chrysolophus pictus_), is a universal favorite;
and it well deserves its wide popularity. Although small, it is as
beautiful as the most entrancing sunset ever seen. It is very alert and
_chic_, it is so good tempered that we can have the rare pleasure of
seeing a whole flock in one runway, and it is a good breeder. To crown
all these fine qualities, it is so hardy, and so competent a “rustler”
in seeking food that under fair conditions it is easily transplanted
from its native home in western and southern China. It has been
introduced and acclimatized with gratifying success in Oregon,
Washington, southern British Columbia near the Pacific coast, and
elsewhere. In the shooting season, the shops of the taxidermists of
Vancouver and Portland are filled with these gorgeous creatures, which
appreciative sportsmen have found “too beautiful to eat.” One might as
well try to describe a sunset as to pen a mental picture of the
wonderful combination of golden yellow, orange, lapis-lazuli blue and
deep crimson that appear in the plumage of this gorgeous bird.
The Amherst Pheasant, (_Chrysolophus amherstiae_), is the nearest
relative to the golden species, and also a strong candidate for first
honors on the score of beauty. As far as you can see the cock bird, you
can recognize it by its marvellous cape of pure white feathers marked
with semicircles of black and steel-blue, which reaches from its eyes
far back upon the shoulders. It is also easily recognized by its
enormously long tail, the middle feathers of which are conspicuously
marked by a regular series of diagonal bars of black laid on a light
ground color. This bird is of small size, and fortunately for the
public, it breeds in confinement with sufficient readiness that a good
supply for exhibition purposes is thereby maintained.
[Illustration: INDIAN PEACOCK.]
The Silver Pheasant, (_Gennaeas nycthemerus_), of China, is Nature’s
“running mate” for the golden pheasant, not only in the rocky hill
forests of southern China, but in acclimatization, in captivity, and
everywhere else. Wherever you see a golden pheasant, look for the Silver
also, with its showy, snow-white tail, and white mantle of feathers
which covers the whole upper two-thirds of the bird from its ears to its
tail. Its dark-colored under surface serves well to accentuate the
whiteness of its other parts. It is a larger bird than the golden and
Amherst pheasants, but it is so good tempered that every summer two or
three cock birds are kept in the great Flying Cage along with many small
and defenseless birds which might easily be molested. In parks which are
not visited by great numbers of people, both this species and the golden
are easily domesticated, and permitted to roam at will.
The Reeves Pheasant, (_Syrmaticus reevesi_), of northern China, is a
most beautiful species, closely related to the Japanese, Elliott, Hume
and Soemmerring pheasants,—all of them fine, showy birds. Like the
Amherst, the Reeves Pheasant has a very long tail, which in fully adult
or old male birds often attains a length of five feet. When you see in
captivity a pheasant with an enormously long tail, it is safe to assume
that it is either an Amherst or a Reeves.
The Soemmerring Pheasant, (_Phasianus soemmerringii_), sometimes very
aptly called the Copper Pheasant, is a native of Japan, and a bird of
which any country might well be proud. In size, form and length of tail
it matches the common ring-necked pheasant. Its head and neck plumage is
of a warm copper-bronze tint, but its most beautiful colors are found in
the elaborate cross-bar markings of its tail. The pattern of the latter
reveals first a strong cross-bar of chocolate brown, above that a broad
band of fawn-color, and this blends into a mottling of black on
cream-color, edged across with black.
The True Ring-Necked Pheasant, (_P. torquatus_), of China, brings to
view a question that frequently is asked regarding the English Pheasant,
(_P. colchicus_), which is the common species of southeastern Europe and
Asia Minor, and of Great Britain and other continental areas by
_introduction_. We are asked, “Has the English Pheasant a white ring
around its neck, or not?”
The answer is, _the true, pure-blooded_ English, or Common Pheasant,
(_P. colchicus_), has _no ring_ around its neck; but so many persons
have crossed the true Ring-Necked Pheasant, of China, with that species
that in many flocks of the former species the majority of the
individuals are of mixed breed, with necks perceptibly ringed, yet
passing as English Pheasants. As a matter of fact, in the world to-day,
pure-blooded English Pheasants are rare. Both the English and
Ring-Necked species have been successfully introduced into several
portions of the United States.
While on this subject, we will here record the fact that the name
Mongolian Pheasant, as often applied to the Ring-Neck, is a misleading
error. The real Mongolian Pheasant, of Turkestan, (_P. mongolicus_), is
a species of such extreme rarity that it is almost unknown, alive, in
the United States. A fine pair of these birds is now on exhibition at
the Pheasant Aviary.
The Argus Pheasant, (_Argusianus argus_), is a bird with a great
reputation for beauty, but as seen alive in zoological collections it
does not always come up to expectations. Both its secondary
feathers—which when fully developed are of enormous length—and its
primaries, are extremely beautiful; but unfortunately those beauties are
not visible until the bird is dead, and its plumage displayed in a
manner very rarely adopted by the living, captive bird. But the eyes on
the huge secondary feathers are wonderful, and each primary is a dream
in ecru and brown tints, laid on in a most elaborate pattern. The Argus
Pheasants are most shy and wide-awake birds, inhabiting the dense, hot
and moist jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, and are
almost impossible to shoot. They are snared by the Dyaks and Malays, and
after the skin has been removed and carefully preserved for museum
purposes, the flesh is as fine eating as the breast of a quail and quite
as palatable. A few successful attempts have been made to breed this
species in captivity.
The Impeyan Pheasant, (_Lophophorus impeyanus_), is the neighbor of the
Himalayan tahr, the burrhel, the ibex and the markhor, and the delight
of every sportsman who dares the rocks of “the Roof of the World” in
quest of Himalayan big game. Its beauty is due chiefly to its metallic
colors, and the splendid iridescence of its plumage. Its home is in the
world’s most gigantic mountains, and it is not uncommon for a bird that
has flown out from a mountain-side and been shot on the wing to fall
2,000 feet, and beyond human reach. No wonder this bird is popular with
Anglo-Indian sportsmen.
The Pheasant Aviary is a _double installation_, and as an aviary for
Pigeons and Doves it is quite as perfect as it is for Pheasants.
During the year 1910 and part of 1911, the pheasants of the Old World
were studied in their haunts by Mr. C. William Beebe, Curator of Birds.
By reason of a cash gift to the Zoological Society made by Col. Anthony
R. Kuser, he was enabled to make the expedition. The results will be
embodied in an elaborate monograph, which probably will be published in
the near future.
THE OSTRICH HOUSE, No. 43.
_This entire collection presented by the late Charles T. Barney._
Originally it was our intention to devote this fine building solely to
the great “running birds,”—Ostriches, Rheas, Emeus and Cassowaries; but
the pressure for space has been so great that this intention never has
been carried into effect, and we fear it never will be. There are so
many cranes, seriemas, tropical vultures and other large birds which
appeal for space in these very pleasant and healthful quarters, we have
felt compelled to set our original plan half at naught. It seems
probable that some of the feathered interlopers now in the Ostrich House
will remain there, indefinitely—or at least until we erect a Crane
Aviary.
Architecturally, the Ostrich House is the counterpart of the
Small-Mammal House, the two being identical in size and form, and
connected by a handsome pavilion. Each building is 170 feet long, and 54
feet wide. The Ostrich House contains 13 cages, each 10×12 feet, by 8
feet in height. A flood of warm light pours through a glass roof into
these cages, and makes them as light as the yards without. It is no
wonder that birds thrive in this building. Movable partitions were
provided, so that a few of the cages might be subdivided whenever
necessary. This provision has proven of much practical value.
Each interior cage connects with a spacious outside yard, in which the
big birds spend the warm months. The yards are enclosed by wire fences,
and to the eye of the visitor they are open from three directions.
The members of the Subclass _Ratitae_,—once called the Cursores, or the
“running birds,”—are the present-day giants of the avian world. We have
reason to be glad that all these splendid birds did not disappear from
the earth before ornithology took form as a science. Undoubtedly, they
mark the end of the line of birds of their kind, for the far-reaching
destructiveness of civilized man has already put a period to the natural
evolution of animal life. To-day, the preservers of wild life are
engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with the annihilators, over the
preservation of a remnant for those who come after us.
The African Ostriches are now very prominently in the public eye, not
because of their relationship to the Dinornis and Aepyornis of the past,
but by reason of the value of their plumes in enhancing the
attractiveness of woman. And surely, no plume-bearing bird ever enlisted
in a better cause, or on a more satisfactory basis; for to-day the plume
crop is being grown and plucked and marketed with almost as much
certainty as the annual crop of wool. In the United States, the most
important plume-producing ostrich farms are situated in southern
California and Arizona, where the industry is quite successful. So
valuable are the adult birds that it is possible to purchase specimens
imported from Africa for less money than would be necessary to procure
them in the United States.
[Illustration: NORTH AFRICAN OSTRICH: MALE.]
A full-grown male African Ostrich stands 8 feet in height, and weighs
about 300 pounds. Its value on arrival in New York, before
acclimatization and moulting into perfect plumage, is from $200 to $250.
The female lays about 90 eggs in a year, each of which is equal to about
20 hen’s eggs. The time of incubation is about 40 days. In captivity
only about 60 per cent of the eggs hatch, and of those not more than
one-half live to attain full maturity. The plumage of immature birds and
adult females is gray, but that of the adult male is black on the body,
and white on the wings and tail.
The South African Ostrich, (_Struthio australis_), differs from the
species found in the north. The color of the naked skin of its neck and
thighs, and the front scales on its metatarsus, is distinctly bluish,
and dark. This is the species of the southern half of Africa, now so
successfully farmed in Cape Colony for its feathers that the annual crop
is said to yield about $5,000,000. And it is this species which is kept
on the ostrich farms of California and Arizona.
[Illustration: RHEA.]
[Illustration: CASSOWARY.]
The North African, or Sudan Ostrich, (_S. camelus_), is the species
first and longest known. Its neck, thighs and front metatarsal scales
are of a decided pink color. Originally the range of this species
extended from north Africa well into southwestern Asia, embracing
Arabia, Syria and Mesopotamia.
Generally speaking, the African Ostriches originally covered all the
open, sandy plains of Africa; but they never inhabited the regions of
dense forests. To-day their total inhabited range is small, and rapidly
becoming more so. It is highly probable that within the life period of
many persons now living, wild Ostriches will totally disappear from the
earth.
The Common Rhea, or South American Ostrich, (_Rhea americana_),
represents a group of ostriches much smaller than those of Africa, and
found only on the open plans of Argentina and Patagonia, below the great
equatorial forest belt. There are three species in the group. In general
terms it may be stated that an adult Rhea is about two-thirds the size
of an adult African ostrich. It is with great difficulty that these
birds are reared to maturity in the United States.
[Illustration: EMEUS.]
The Common Emeu, (_Dromacus novae-hollandiae_), of Australia, is the
neighbor of the kangaroo and wallaby, and in form is as odd as are the
majority of the birds and mammals of that continent of strange
creatures. Its body suggests a pile of gray-brown hay elevated on
stilts, to one end of which a hay-covered neck and head have been
attached. The bird-lover should make much of this creature, for in its
home country it has been almost exterminated. Fortunately, in climates
reasonably well suited to it—but not in or near New York—it is possible
to breed this bird in captivity. In size the Emeu is next to the African
ostrich.
The Ceram Cassowary, (_Casuarius casuarius_), of the Island of Ceram,
Malay Archipelago, represents a group which contains a number of
well-defined species which are scattered through the northern cape of
Australia, New Guinea, the Aru Islands, Ceram, and other islands of
Malayana east of Celebes. They are all distinguished by their glossy
purple or black body plumage—which looks far more like coarse hair than
like feathers—their huge legs, and their helmeted heads. The differences
between species are based chiefly upon the bright orange red and purple
colors of their upper necks and wattles.
In size the Cassowaries are all of them smaller than the emeus. In
captivity they are the best of all the large cursorial birds, and live
longer than either ostriches, rheas or emeus. They are essentially birds
of the thick forests rather than open plains, and can not bear the
glaring light and heat of midsummer that is the delight of an ostrich.
In captivity they are very apt to be quarrelsome toward each other.
Miscellaneous Birds in the Ostrich House.—At present these are so
numerous and so important it is necessary to mention a few of them, even
though the labels may be supposed to speak for them. They fall into
several groups, chiefly birds of prey and cranes.
One of the most remarkable creatures in the entire collection is the
Secretary Bird, (_Serpentarius serpentarius_). It is well known as a
snake killer, its attacks being made with the feet alone, and never with
the beak. Its long legs are remarkably powerful, and capable of dealing
a crushing blow, always aimed at the head of the victim. Although it
does not resemble the hawks and eagles in general appearance, it is in
reality one of this group, and might well be described as a “hawk on
stilts.” The snakes, frogs, small animals and birds which form its diet
are generally swallowed entire. The long cockades of black feathers
falling backwards at each side of the head are said to have suggested
the name Secretary Bird, from a fancied resemblance to a quill stuck
behind the ear of a clerk.
The Brush Turkey, or Telegalla, (_Catheturus lathami_), is a bird of the
dark tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia. For many years it has
been regarded as a zoological wonder, because of the remarkable manner
in which it nests and produces its young. Instead of building a small,
hollow nest, and hatching its eggs by the heat of its own body, it
pursues the plan of the crocodile! Choosing an open spot in the forest
it builds a huge mound, and as the structure rises, it lays its eggs in
the heart of it. Turning its tail to the mound-site, this absurd little
bird—no larger than a barnyard hen—scratches about right and left,
gathers a big footful of small dead sticks, grass and dirt, and fiercely
flings it backward upon the pile. A Brush Turkey in good working order
can fling a bunch of jungle debris fully ten feet. Usually the finished
mound is about three feet high by ten feet in diameter on the ground,
and contains two or three _cart-loads_ of sticks, leaves and grass. The
eggs are deposited in a circle, well separated from each other, and each
newly hatched bird must scratch out or die. Of course, the eggs are
incubated by the heat of the sun and the fermentation of the mass. When
hatched, the young chicks are able to fly.
[Illustration: LITTLE BROWN CRANE.]
[Illustration: DEMOISELLE CRANE.]
THE CRANES.
At present the Cranes of the Zoological Park are divided between the
Ostrich House and the Aquatic Bird House, and their environs. In summer
there are exhibits of these birds in the outdoor yards adjacent to each
of those buildings. Recently, a number of species have been acclimatized
in the Crane Paddock, and are to be seen there winter and summer.
The Whooping Crane, (_Grus americana_), is the largest, the handsomest
and the rarest crane species in America. Its great size and its
pure-white plumage—except its primaries—render it conspicuous from afar,
and its voice will carry half a mile. The arched secondary wing feathers
of the adult give the bird a very jaunty appearance. This species is so
rare that thus far we have been able in eight years to secure only three
specimens. The Whooping Crane nests in summer in the Arctic regions, but
in winter it ranges as far south as Mexico. Our specimens of this bird
will in summer be found in the large paddock immediately north of the
Aquatic Bird House, with the next species.
The Sandhill Crane, (_Grus mexicana_), is smaller than the preceding
species, more common, and is frequently seen in captivity. Its color is
slaty-blue. It is found in the southeastern United States, but once was
fairly common throughout the Mississippi valley. In captivity this bird
often indulges in some very droll antics—at times actually dancing. The
adult males are often quite pugnacious, and inclined to attack those who
go near them, and all visitors are warned not to go within striking
distance of them. Children especially should not be permitted to climb
over the guard wires, and approach close up to the cranes’ fences.
[Illustration: ASIATIC WHITE CRANE.]
[Illustration: PARADISE CRANE.]
The Sarus Crane, of the plains and sand-bars of northern India,
(_Antigone antigone_), greatly resembles our sandhill crane, but is a
much larger bird. This also is a quarrelsome species, and in captivity
individuals are inclined to be cruel toward each other.
The Asiatic White Crane, (_Sarcogeranus leucogeranus_), is like a modest
understudy to our whooping crane, in all respects save the elevated
tail-crest. It is a bird of wide distribution.
The Paradise Crane, (_Tetrapteryx paradisea_), of the open plains of
Africa outside the deserts, is a slaty-blue bird with a head so puffed
out with side feathers that it looks almost reptilian. Its tail-feathers
taper out to infinity, and gracefully droop quite to the ground. The
little African Demoiselle Crane, (_Anthropoides virgo_), is so
diminutive, so dainty in appearance and so gentle-spirited that its
young-ladylikeness has been proclaimed in its name. Of all foreign
species of cranes, it is the one easiest to procure, and the most
satisfactory to keep in collections. It never quarrels, it is very
sociable in its habits, and thrives in captivity.
[Illustration: WHOOPING CRANE.]
[Illustration: CROWNED CRANE.]
The Crowned Crane, (_Balearica pavonina_), also of Africa, is, perhaps,
the most beautiful of all living cranes. It is of medium size, royally
colored, and strikingly set off with a conspicuous crown of stiff,
quill-like feathers that stand as erect and regular as the aigret of an
Indian prince.
[Illustration: ADJUTANT.]
[Illustration: JABIRU.]
[Illustration: MASTIGURE.]
[Illustration: HORNED RATTLESNAKE.]
[Illustration: HOG-NOSED SNAKE.]
[Illustration: GECKO.]
[Illustration: TREE FROG.]