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.