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.
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.