14 MAY 1892, Page 15

THE DIFFERENT INFANCY OF DIFFERENT BIRDS. [To THE EDITOR OF

THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sra,—Can you or any of your readers throw any light on the curious difference that exists between the young of the various species of birds ? While some kinds, such as pheasants, par- tridges, chickens, &c., are able to run about and maintain themselves as soon as hatched, other kinds, from eagles to sparrows, are hatched unfledged and helpless for a more or less lengthy period.

I have never seen this question raised, much less explained ; but it appears to me a very interesting one, because, so far as I know, this difference in dependence on the parent is peculiar to birds, and is not found in any other order.—I am, Sir &c., E. A. T.