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FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

NATURAL HISTORY

Bound aV

IA.M1N.M,

t917

BIRD-nOTES.

tup: .journal of THK FOREKiN BIUP CLUB,
FOR THE STUDT OF ALL SPECIE8 OF HIR1>S
IS FREEDOM AND CAPTIVITY :: :: ::

VOLUME VII— NEW SERIE8.

" B// iiiiitunl coiijidence <ni<l unitual aid.

Great i/eeds are done and (jreal dixc-n-eriex made

Editki) hv

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.

AL'THOK ok ■■ AVAKIKS AND AviAKY LlFK." EtO.

ASHBOURNE.

J. H. Henstock, "Avian Press,"
1910.

iVl3»eo--VYxa^ a

Contents.

PAGE

TriLE Page i'

Secretary's Report iv

Index to Contbibutors vii

List of Plates v

lM,rSTHAT[ONS IN THE TeXT, vi

The Magazine i

(teneral Index. 296

Inset Pink- Payes.

Ill

iv Secretary's Report.

Secretary's Report.

With tliis issue Vol. VII is completed. During the year
the war has raged, bnt in spite of the arduous and pre-occupied
times, a high standard has been maintained. Members will, I
think, agree that 1916 compares favourably with former years.

When the next roll appears many names will be missing
of those who have given their lives for King and Country.

The Council wish to thank all who have contributed to the
success of the past year, either by writing articles, generous
donations to the Illustration Fund, or by introducing new mem-
bers, and trust that many more will so assist during 1917. The
Honorary Editor's task has been a heavy one, and lie deserves all
the help you can give.

May we remind members that the prompt payment of
subscriptions will greatly help the Honorary Secretary, whose
spare time to give to the work is very limited indeed, owing to
the war.

Twenty-nine new members have been added during the
year, and if all members will do a little (what they can), the
coming year should be as. if not more so, successful as the past.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS.

December, 1916.

List of Plates.

Opposite page

Half-masked Weaver Displaying ... ... ... 1

Spot-winged Weaver at nest ... ... ... 2

Xest and Eggs of Spot-winged Weaver .. ... 3

Xest and Eggs of Orange Weaver ... ._ 25

Necklace Dove Brooding Young ... ... ... 63

Sunbirds fcoZoi»'e(/ p^o/c ) ,.. ... ... 73

Rare-eyed Thrush ... ... ... ... 81

Eastern Variegated Laughing Thru-shes ... ... 137

Hybrid Squamata x Californian Quail ... ... 148

Snaps in ^Ir. Bright's Aviai-y Xo. 1 .. ... 1,58

Eggs and Nest of Little Grebe ... ... ... 165

Little Grebe on Nest ... ... ... 166

Grebe Skinning in 1005 — California ... ... 167

Snaps in Mr. Bright's Aviary No. 2 . ... ... 183

Flamingoes— Poltiinore Park .... ... ... 189

The Waterfowl — Poltimore Park ... ... ... 206

Jackson's Whydah on its Dancing-ground .. .. 211

Nest and Eggs of Jackson's Whydah ... ... ... 212

Ked-collared Whydah feeding young on Nest — .. 237

Nest and Eggs of Red-collared Whydah ... ... 239

Hen lled-collared Whydah feeding young ... ., 240

Nest and Eggs of Black-tailed Hawfinch _ ... 259

Nest of Red-shouldered Whydah ... ... ... 261

'S^Y. C. F, Crow's Aviaries ... ... ... ... 270

Mr. G F. Crow's Aviaries and Outside Sittiiig-rctuni ... 272

Crimson-ringed Whydah's Nest ... ... ... 279

Crim.son-ringed Whydah dis]>laying .. ... ... 280

Criuison-riiiged Whydah displaying ... ... ... 281

■ui List of Illustrations in Text.

Illustrations in Text.

Page

Nest and Youug of Diamond Doves ... ... ... 18

Alexandrine Pairakeet ... ... ... ... 26

Brush Bronze-wing Dove on Nest ... ... 27

Gralahs' Nesting Sites (»rtr«mZ) .. ... ... 44

Trapper, Net and Tame Decoy Galah ... ... ... 46

Albino Galah ... ... ••• ... ... 48

Where Galahs Nest ... ... ... ... ... 51

Zebra Finches and Nests ... ... — ... 54

Black Seed-Finch entering Nest ... ... ... ... 55

Barred Gnll — Summer Plumage .. .« .- 64

Barred Gull— Winter Plumage ... ... ... ... 65

Rufous-backed Mannikin .. ... ... .- 76

Himalayan Whistling Thrush ... ... ... .». 78

Herring Gull— "Ari" ... ... ... 92.94.96

Amazon Rail ... •• ... ••• ...110,111.112,113

Diagram of Nets .- ... ... ... 169

Nest of Pekin Robin .. ... .. ... 176

Nest and Eggs of Pekin Robin ... ... ... 177

Jackson's Whydah Dancing - ... ... 213

Veteran Cockatoo— " Cocky Bennet" ... ... 224

Fieldfare (J) ... - ••• ••• 230

Fieldfare (?) prepared to attack ... ... ... 231

Bearded Tits in Nest ... ... — ... 232

Nuthatch walking Head-downwards ... .- ... 233

Crimson-crowned Weaver ... ... ... ... 239

Red-collared Whydah— 12 months old ... ... .. 239

Ground Plan. Major Perreau's Bakloh Aviaries ... ... 243

Interior View— Mr. Grossmith's Aviaries ... ... 248

Ground Plan^Mr. Grossmith's Aviaries ... ... ... 249

Exterior Views— Mr. Grossmith's Aviaries ... ... 250,251

Red-shouldered Whydah ._ .. ... — 26<7

Ground Plan— Mr. C F, Crow's Aviaries ... ... 271

Alphabetical List of Contributors. vii

Index to Contributors.

* Denotes Correspondence. § Denotes Cuttings.

Arnold R.

Pin-tailed Parrot-Finches, 103.

Baii^y. W. Shore

Nesting of Half-masked, Golden, and Spot-winged Weavers, 1.
Breeding Season, 1915, in Boj-ers House Aviaries, 25, 53.
The Amazon Rail, 109.
My Ijaughing Thrushes, 137.
Grebes, leS.

*Successful Nesting of Jackson's Whydah. 207.
The Breeding of Jackson's Whydah, 211.
Some British Birds In My Aviaries, 229.

The Breeding of a Hybrid Crimson-crowned Weaver x Red-
collared Whydah, 237.

Nesting of Black-tailed Hawfinch and Red-shouldered Whvdah,
259.

The Crimson-ringed Whydah, 279.

Barrett, Chas.

Bird Trappers of the Riverina, 43.

Bati Y, Lt. W. R.

*List of Birds seen in Flanders. 161.

BouRKE, Hex. Mrs. G.

My Sunbirds, 73. l'

Bright, H. E.

Early Notes of the Season, 182.
'Nesting Notes of the Season, 207

,,/t/ Alphabetical List of Contributors.

Brook, E, J., F.Z.S.,

*A Substitute for Fruit, 162.

*Aesting of Red-collared Lorikeets, B.H. Conures, and Yellow
Grosbeaks, 207.

Breeding Red-naped Lorikeets, 214.

Chaavneh, Miss E. F.

*Nesting of Yellow-winged Sugar Birds, etc., 186.

COLTOX, R.

§Field Notes, New South Wales, 71.

§A Colony of Birds, 107,

§ Death of a Veteran Cockatoo, 224.

Crow, C. F.

My Aviary and liJirds, 270.

Dawsox, Rev. C. R., M.A. (Oxon).

Some Colony Birds, «1, 1P»0, 151, 178, 208 224.

DAWsox-SMrni. F.

The Story of My Black-headed Gull, 61.
All -\bout "Ari."— A Herring Gull. 01.
Bird Life On Achill Island, 114. 142.

Dewar, D., LC.S., F.Z.S.

Bird Catching In India. 120. 139, 168.

DrxLEATH, The Lady

*Xesting of Jays, etc., 135.

Editorial

Sexing Occipital Blue-Pio.s. 20.
Lavender Finch. 20.
The Prospect, 21
Jardine's Pigmy Owls, 72

Alphabetical List of Contributors. ix

Nesting Notes. 72, 134, 158, 205.

Errata, 72, 102, 185, 277. 293.

Nesting and Rearing of Cacatua galeritu, 102

Long-lived Finches, 133

An Aged Shamah. 134

Black and Yellow Hawfincli, 134.

Mr. Bright's Aviaries. 158.

Young White-eyes, 150.

Mr. G. E. Haggie's Results, 159.

Yellow-wing Sugarbirds, 185.

Red-Vjeaked Weavers, 185.

Redstart, 185.

Ruficaiida Finche.s, 185.

^\r. Pullar's Results, 205

Mr. C. F. Crow's Successes, 200

St. Helena Seedeater x Canary Hybrids, 20G

Park Lodge Recent Happenings, 206

Obituary 210

The History of the Budgerigar. 210

Red-throated Pipit in Devon, 278

A Success and a Disaster 292,

Breeding Brainble Finches. 293

A Retrospect, 294

Fasfy, W. R.

*nhie Budgerigars, 235

Fd.^rF.H. Theo.

*Occurrcnce of the Red-throated Pipit in Devon. 278.

Fkkvii.i.k, Mi.ssM. N. dk
The Talebearers, 22.

X Alphabetical List of Contributors.

GoRiuxGE, Rev. R. E. P.,

British Bird Calendtir, 188.

Gray, H., M.R.C.V.S.,

Post ]\[ortem Reports, 24, 107, 13G, 23G, 294.

Harper, E. W.. F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.,
§ Wholesale Flycatching, 187.

HoPKiN,soN, E., D.S.O , M.B., M.A., etc.,

The History of the Budgerigar, 67, 124, 148. 200.
*rhe History of the Badgerigir— Corrigenda, 277.

Lovei.l-Keays, Dr.. L,,

A Roadside Tragedy, 160.

Low, G. E.,

*Dai]delion Leaves for Softbills, 258.

Mar.sdex, J. W.,

*Breeding Blue Budgerigars. 215.
Pr()ducing a Blue Budgerigar, 186.

M.D.. U.S.A.

The Delicate Life-thread of the Young Grey Parrot, 197.
M.P.
^ O Dawn Among the Birds of an Egyptian Garden, 199.

Page, Wesley, T.. F.Z.S.

My jMalabar Mynahs, 3.
The Endurance of Birds, 16, 31, 97, 216, 290.
Foreign and British Birds at the Holborn Town Hall, 74.
*Nesiing Note 135
British Bird Calendar, 136.
Visits to Members' Aviaries, 173, 195, 248.

Patekson, Rev. J. M.,

*Trying for Blue Budgerigars, 234.

Alphabetical List of Contributors. xi

Pkrreau, Major G. A.. F,Z,S,

Birds in and about the Station (^iakloh), 13.
Bakloh Aviary Notes. 241. 265, 280.

Perreau, Mrs. 6. A.,

Nesting of Red-billed Babblers and Tailor Birds. 265.
Breeding of Pied Bush-Chats and Tailor Birds, 280.

PuLLAR, Laurence, E.,

Breeding Results in My Aviaries, 247.

PULSFORD, A.,

*TrjMng for Blue Budgerigars, 234.

QuiNCEV, Fe -Lt. R. S. ok Q.,
An Unique Hybrid, 264.

Rattigan, G E.,

Nesting and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity, 28, 58.
Field and Avicultural Notes, 163.
Pheasant Rearing under Broodies, 190, 218.

Raynor, Rev. G. H. M A.,

British Bird Calendar, 136

Rekve, Capt. J. S., F.Z.S.,

British Bird Calendar, 188.
Re\ lEWER, The

'• A Veteran Naturalist," Tegetmeier, 72.

" A Bird Calendar for Northern India," Dewar, 105.

Samteeson, Lady E..

♦Breeding of Blue-breasted Waxbills, etc., 257.
•Nesting Notes. 1916, 258.

Scott. Mrs. J. E.,

♦The Season 1916. 277.

Scott. Lt. B. H., R.F.A.,

'Birds in the Firing Line. 69
Stray Notes 262.

-l^

fij Alphabetical List' of Contributors.

Sll-VKR, A.,

*The Hen of the Black-tailed Hawfiiu-li. -i."..

Smith, J..

* Breeding Many-colour and Stanley Pai-rakeets. 2:*/).

Stewart, B. Tiieo..

The Bare-eyed Thrush, 80.

Story, Mrs. Alice,

The Amethyst-rumped Sunbird, 103.

Tavistock, The Marquis oe

Psephotus Parrakeets at Liberty, 7, 36.
The Endurance of Birds, 146.

Thomasset, Bernard C,

My Aviary and Gouldian Finches, 41, 55.
Indigo X Nonpareil Bunting Hybrid. 5*2

Thomcson, C. W.,

Beautiful Bird.s, 21)4.

TOMUNSON, M. R.,

♦Rearing of a Hybrid Rosefinch x Greeiiliiich. 206.
*A Reputed Hybrid Roselinch x Greentiiich, 256.

Waddell, Miss E. G. Peddie,

*Early Nesting of Red-collared Lorikeets, 6'J.
*Rearing of Red collared Lorikeets, 186.
Breeding of Red-collared Lorii^eets, IHl*

Whistler, H., LP.,

An Indian Nest of the Norfolk Plover or Stone-Curlew, 118

Bird Note^.

I'liutc III \\ . Shore Baity,

Half-masked Weaver Cock displaying.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

The Nesting of Half- Masked Golden and Spot-
Winged Weavers. — Three Failures.

I5y \V. Shore Daily.

I have written ''B.X." so many times this season about
the happenings in my a\iaries, that it is with some diffi-
dence that I venture to seiid this record of three failures to
raise youtig amongst my collection of Weavers. The first
failure might, with a little more luck, have ended in success.
This was witli my pair of Half-masked Weavers {Hyphaii-
lorui:, vitclliinis). The male of this \ariety is one of the
most pleasingly coloured of the Hyphantliorniiic group. The
general body colour of the male is greenish-yellow, a narrow
band on forehead, and the throat black, crown of head rich
chestnut, also a considerabk^ patch of the same colour borders
the black patch on throat. The hen is greenish-yellow, and is
hard to distinguish from some of the other females of this
group.

On the I oth of April, I turned this pair of birds,
into a roomy out-door aviary with a pair of Golden Weavers
iSiiogra galbuln), a pair of Red-collared Whydahs, some
cock Crimson-Crowned Weavers, and a few other birds. The
cock was in full breeding plumage at the time, which the
other males were not, and he easily dominated them for the
first month or so, but had to take a back seat later, when
the larger birds came into colour.

The first week in June, I noticed the hen insjiccting
one of the nests, of which, by this time he had woven several.
Her choice was a particularly well woven one and suspended
from the branch of a spruce-tree. She made no attempt
at lining it, and on June loth, her first egg was laid, fol-

2 Half-Masked, Cwldcu, ani Sp-t-Wincred Weavers.

lowed the next day by a second. The egps were white, heavily
marked with larg-e crimson spots. The hen sat steadily while
the. cock ke])t !j,uard. On examining the nest on the 23rd of
the month. I found that the eg\2;s were still unhatched, and
on removing them to see if they were feriile, 1 managed to
break one which contained a live young one, apparently just
ready to emerge from the shell. The other e^'g was replaced
find was hatched out the next day, after an incubation period
of thirteen days. For the first week the hen alone fed it,
mealworms being her favourite food. Afterwards the cock
took a most active part in the feeding operations and would
take in mealworms as fast as I cared to give them to him.
With both parents feeding it, the youngster grew apace, al-
though, of course, th's could only be told by ("ee'i-ig i' through
the small opening in the nest. On July 9th I saw the male
bird feeding it on the ground, it evidently had left the
nest early that morning. The next day the old birds failed
to greet me on my morning visit, and I at once knew that
something must be wrong. A diligent search by my man and
self, failed to find any trace of the birdling and it is a mys-
tery to me to this day, as to what could have happened to
it. It was rather unfortunate as I am now unable to. de-
scribe its nestling plumage.

Failure No. 2 : All this time the cock Golden Weaver
nad been unmercifully bullied by the Ila'f-masked, .'dthough
he wars considerably the larger bird. He now, howe\er, began
to assert himself in his own corner of the aviary, and by
the first week of July, had suspended a series of nests from
the wire roof. The hen lined one of these with a little wool
and a few feathers, and deposited therein three eggs, which
were olive green, heavily covered with small red spots and
splashes. When she had been incubating a couple of weeks.
[ examined the eggs and found all to be infertile.

She nested again in August, and Septem.ber, three eggs

being laid on each occasion, all of which were clear. The

Golden Weaver is a handsome yellow bird having a little

black on forehead and a black throat, the crown of the head

is a bright yellow. The hen is also brighter in colour than
any of the other Weavers 1 have seen.

Bird Notes,

Spot-wiuged Weaver at iiebt. Phvto by w. s/iore Bailj/.

Bird Notes.

Photo hy \V. Shore Ba'ihj.

Nest and eggs of Spot-winged Weaver.

Half-Masked, Golden, and Spot-Winged Weavers. 3

My third failure occurred late in September, when
insect life was getting scarce and the nights were cold. This
was with an unknown Weaver hen, that I have called the
Spot-winged Weaver (Perhaps our Editor can give us its true
name). This bird very closely resembles a Napoleon or
Taha hen, but is about twice the size. It is, however, rather
warmer in colour on the back than are P. afra and P . taha,
and it has two distinct lines of white spots across the wing
coverts. These are plainly shown in the photo. I got this
bird some time ago from Air. Ycalland, as a cock, and he
informed mc that several had sceJi it but ha'd been unable
to name it. Possibly all mistook the bird for a male out of
colour.

In the middle of September I saw one of my cock
Tahas paying the bird a good deal of attention, and from this
I imagined that my ideas as to sex must be wrong. Sure
enough by the 1 7th of the month she, had constructed a
dome-shaped nest in some wild convolvulus, and had laid
two eggs therein, which were white, lightly marked with faint
red spots, large editions in fact of the Napoleon Weavers.
She sat very steadily, the cock taking no notice of her what-
ever. On the 1st October a young one was hatched, I had
removed one of the eggs for iny collection. The hen fed
steadily for five or six days, like all the other Weavers prin-
cipally upon mealworms, which unfortunately, at this time, were
hard to get. Whether I was too meagre with the supply,
or whether my photographic efforts were too much for her I
can't say, but on October 7th, I found the nest empty and
my hopes of breeding an interesting hybrid dashed to the
ti;round.

My Malabar Mynahs.

Bv Weslkv T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.

Before I sp<'ak of \w\ present pair 1 had better de-
scribe their plumage, and give a few notes of them in their
native haunts.

Ailtili MtiL- : Above ;i^h\ ->;icy, sulTiist-il with losy-Iiiown <i;i ilu- ii[)|)f.'r
1)111 k win^-< uvcris bl;i<ki>li grey; nights blaik, (•dgccl witli :i purplish

4 My Mr/ lobar Mynafis.

shren ; tail ftMtluTs hlnckisli-grcy, with ashy marj^ins, and rlie-,tiuit tips ;
feather, ut lu'ail and iiecl< rufons-l)r(iuii. with asii\-ij;iey 'Ciitres : tore-
head, l(iie-cri)wn, cheeks, chin, anil u])|)i-r throat hoary-wliite, lititred \\\\\\
:'sh\ : h_)rcs and sich- ol face rufous-brown ; car-co\-erts asiiy ; front of neck
ruddy-brouii with ashy-streaks : rt'niainder of under parts hrij^hl inna-
mon. bill Idue at base, then j,M-ei-nish and ycdlow at tip: leg.-, olive; iri.S'
of eye t,'ri-yi>h white.

Adult I'diKilc ■ Similar in p,ittern to the ni.ile. witli the various
rolour areas ol a i)aler hue, le,s hoary-white about the head and ^'reyer ;
leu's dusky-yellow ; iris white.

)■('////,!.■. In nestling- plumage llie\- are mo4l> ,giey, wi'li ,i v,)sy lingc,
liglitei on the lorehcad. c heeks, i liin, throat, and undeipart.-. : the abdomen
very slightly tinged with rufous (the rufou. tinge is very .slight], flights
and taii feathers bhickish : Ijill pale greyish-yellow : legs greyish-brown ;
-mailer tlian their parents, 'both as to length and bulk.

Habits aiicl Raiio;^: It ranees o\er India, Burma, and
("ochiii Cl-iina. From Hume, ( )atcs. and Jerdon, we ti^athor
that it ap]>ears to prefer partly cl?a-ed country and an eleva-
tion ol froir 2,500 to 4,000 feet. It faxour.s lo;'alitic.s \vh?re
the trees .stand a])art from each other. Its cliaracteristics
appear to be very Starlini^-likc- as would be expected. It
feeds 01^ fruit, berries and inse t^. It nests in lioles in trees
(tlead or li\'ini.;), and if not satished with the entrance to the
c;i\il\ it has chosen enlarges it to its liking. The faxourSte
site ic one difficult of ac^ccss and usually 20ft to 50ft. abo\-e
the ground. The bottom f)f the cavity is lined with tine
twigs. ])ark, grass stems, roots, and leaves, the cup-like de-
pression in which the eggs are deposited being very shallow,
often not more than ;^,in. deep. The clutch varies from three to
four, and the colour of the eggs is very pale l^hie <>r green.
The breeding season is May and June, It gathers in flocks
of from 40 to 50 individuals and seeks its food about e(|ually
in trees and on the ground.

As will be seen from the following notes, its dcmeanoui
in continemenl is very similar to that of its native wilds.

/// Coiifiin'iiwnt : My pair, together with tuo young"
in adult plumage, came into in\- i)ossession by our member
Miss Baker asking me to give them a home, when bereave-
ment compelled the dismantling of her a\iary for a time.
Th(^y have now have been in my possession about four years;
and during this period have nested twice successfully, viz.:

A'ly Malabar Mynahs. 5

in 1913. one vouiil;' bird was fully reartxl, and again this
season two young have been suecessfully reared. I have
found rliem rather apt to desert tlieir young when all but
read}' to lea\-e the iicst.

The Malabar Mynah is a delightf\d bird in a roomy
a\-iaiy, and a deeided ornament thereto. Their |)luniage is
suflieienth (ontrasty lo make- them striking objects, and they
have suffieient vix'acily to keep them nearly al\\a>s in tlu'
pit tur( . In fact, they arc incessantly on the move, yet ail
the period they ha\'e been witli me, they have never bullied
anything, not even a Waxbill. True, like all .Starlings they
caimot be said to poss:'ss a song, but tJiey have voices!
And well one knows it during any short period of excitement;
1 ran heai' them as i write this, but distance softens, the
sound. Their demeanour I need not undulv eidarge upon, as
it is typically that of a Starling, but while without any par-
lieularly showy characteristics they are withal birds of interest
and character.

As regards nesting, they inxariably chose a small barrel,
with a siuall hole, and as high up as they could get, merely
gathering together therein a c-ollection of grass, bents and
featlu-rs, the de})ression in the middle being little deeper than
the- thickness ot the eggs. I always wondered how the eggs
yield an\' result, lor when one entered the axiary one always
seemed to see the two j)irds together, yet invariably, what-
ever happened the eggs always did hatch oat -all this
made it impossible to tell when iiK ubation he^^an or
ended, and often th;' first imimation one got of se.i-
ou> nesting was the hissing call of their i allow voung
for food ; later this " hissing call " developed into a
petulant noisy ( ry ot a ( hallering chara( ler. The eggs are
almost I ledge-Sparrow -blue, but of a |)aler hue. a slight
greenish ting'c. S(jme might call them sea-green. >\idi very
few niaikings at the thic k end ; some eg,L;s have no markings
.It all. and in none ot the eggs I have- ex.imined have tin.
markings been either numerous or pronouiK ed . Willi these
general notes of their nesting clenieanour 1 will [jass on to
the actual success brought off during the season 191 5.

Ir. the early spring pairing look place, and practically

(j My Ala In bar Myiiahs.

every unoccupied barrel or log in ihc a\iary, not less than
lol't. high was entered and examined, and all their energy
seemed to be so spent. in no rase did they look upon a
barrel liaving a perch fixed at the entrance hole, bui 1 saw
thern carry nesting material into each barrel, which Siarlin.g-
intelligence declared to be suitable for a domicile. What
feverish, excitement tlie birds displayed while this was going
on! What an amount of noisy for and against! What an
amount of loud, clamouring scolding went on iii the course
of the day! It was when the latter ceased that 1 always
suspected serious business had been begun. It was in early
June that I received the first palpable evidence that sd'ious
eflort had been made, which consisted of picking up three
callow-young, several days old, under the bushes (neither
voidings from the nest nor dead nestlings are simply dropped
out, they are always carried some distance from ihe nest
receptacle and only dropped when the foliage obscures them
from view). They had been fed— not a very encouraging be-
gjnnmg I

At the end of July this oxjierienc^ was 'epeated, save
that the young birds were over a week old and beginning to
feather, yet in neither case was I actually aware whiclr barrel
was Starling Castle,

At the beginning of August I noticed that the cock bird
was always perched like a sentry on a barrel, i ift. up, hang-
ing against one of the aviary internal standards, and a little
later I saw him taking food into it, evidently feeding his
partner on the nest. But still 1 often went into the aviary
and saw both of them fooling about, and did not expect any

. result, therefore it was with great surprise that a little
later I heard the "hissing-call" of callow-young. Gradu-
ally the hissing ceased and gave place to a louil querulous
chattering call, and 1 knew all was going well. Thus three
weeks riin their course and then came a week of compara-
tive silence, a silence which always precedes failure or final
success. In this case the '" Fates " were favourable and exactly
twenty-four --lays after I first heard the "hissing call ' two
fine young birds left the nest, and are only just (September
i6th) independent.

My Malabar Mynahs. 7

As regards food, the adults (the young also now) take
milksop freely, also inscctile mixture (containing a good dash
■of grocer's currants), ripe fruit, and live insects. The young
were fed on live-food entirely for the tirst week, and, as meal-
worms were not pljntiful, they had to do with wasps' grubs
and gentles. It was amusmg to watch them, when the li\e-
food wai; thrown down; in a Hash the Malabars were on the
spot, and one of them never left it till the wants of their
progeny were supplied; they made alternate journeys to the
nest wiih food, thus alternately feeding their precious babies
and standing guard over the live-food till they had satisfied
their own and fannly's rcqunenients; and all and sundry were
welcome to the leavmgs ! Durmg the second and third weeks
of their progeny's existence, ripe fruit, and milk sop was
taken to them in gradually increasing quantity, and once the
young had left the nest, the parent birds were willing to feed
on whatever food was available, but 1 always decrease live-
food gradually.

I have found this species quite hardy — the present is not
my first experience with them, and 1 have always found them
unafiected by the worst \agaries our winter infiicts upon them.

I have written at greater length thaq 1 intended, but
ha\e striven to avoid mere "packing," and trust I ha\e suc-
ceeded, foi space in " Bird Notes/' is loo precious for such
indulgence.

I may add (December 27th), that both young are still
living and have successfully moulted, but both are much darker
than their parents, and have as yet only indications of the
hoary grey of the fully adult bird.

Psephotus Parrakeets at Liberty.

iiv Till-: .M.\RgLi.s of TAVisroc k.

Two obstacles ha\e alua>s interferetl with the success
of my experiments with Pscpliotiis Parrakeets, septic fever
and Uwls. The first of these migiit be overcome, or rather
averted by rigorous measures of quarantine, but the second
would be likely to trouble aimosl anyone who cared to risk

8 Pscpliotiis Parrakccts at Libert v.

his Ijirds by following- in my footsteps. 'I'his is unfortunate
for if you except Blue-bonnets which have practically
none of the manners of tyi)ical Pseplioti (nor indeed any
manners at all to boast of), there are no other Australian Par-
rakccts so attractive, so iiarmliess, or so easy to start, and what is
far more important, to keep, as the beautiful swift-flying
members of this section of the Platyccrciuae . First get your
birds into show-condition and properly paired up — not a diffi-
cult matter with ordinary care and attention — then release the
cock on a fine still day and lie sure that his mate remains
in full view, in a place where he will not be afraid to \isit
her. Finally, a few days later let the hen gO; cjuietly out to
join him. After that, provided you allow them a constant
supply of seed, the pair will give no further trouble as long-
as they arc both alive, and whether they are feeding on the
lawn, or sunning themselves in a tree-top, or darting through
the air with musical whistles, they will be a constant source
of beauty and interest, strangely in harmony with their alien
surroundings.

In giving an account of my experiences with Pseplwtus
Parrakeets, I will begin with Red-rumps, as they are the
the best known and the easiest to obtain.

Red-rumped Parrakeet: {P. hacinatouotus): Beiifg
at that time quite inexperienced in the ways of Parrots, 1
treated the first four Red-rumps 1 e\ er got for turning out
exactly as I should have treated so many Finches, viz.; kept
them in an aviary with a dummy trap-tray for a few days
and then released the lot full-winged. Three departed at once
and were seen no more. The fourth, a cock, was less ven-
turesome than his companions, and stayed, and in due course
I procured him a mate. The pair lived happily in the garden
for several months and in April nested in a small knot hole
in the trunk of an oak tree — small, but alas ! not too small to
allow a squirrel to enter and slay the hen and her newly-
hatched young. For a few days the disconsolate widower riew
about calling: then he \anished, ne\er to return. That is
always the way with Red-rumps. Like other true Pseplioti
they are the best of stayers as long as they are in pairs,
but once the cock has lost his mate you nmst ei'tlicr provide

Psephoius Parrakeets at Liberty. 9

him with a substitute or hv prepared to lo3e him within a
few days. The substitute, it must be i:onfesscd, is <ircepted
promptly and gladly, but yet there is something very touch-
ing about the littl? birds' de\otioii. The tim? of year makes
no difference; only let him be depri\ed of the jKirlner from
whom, excepting when nesting, he was ne\er fo-r a moinent
se[)arated, and neith-vr the home which pleased liim so well
nor the food on which he is dependent, can keep him : a
few days ot una\ailing search and fruitless calling, .ind ilun
he starts on his last long journe\'. in C[uest of the missing-
one, a journey \\hich in winter, at any rate, is ended by
starvation and djath — for Red-rumps, unlike the larger broad-
tails never learn to keep themsehes entirely on natural food.
A single hen Pseplwtus generally stays a little longer than
a cock, but she, too, always goes in the end.

After the loss of my hrst pair, I tried several other
Red -rumps but sooner or later a tragedy invariably occurred,
sometimes when I seemed just about to achieve success.

Once a pair nested in a hole under the roof, but thes
were flooded out and the eggs spoiled. They tried again in
a difl'erent place, but about the time the eggs were due to
hatch, the (-o<-k coiUrac ted septic: fe\er through feeding in an
enclosure containing some di.ieased birds. His death caused
the hen to desert her eggs, and by the time I had procured
her a fresh mate, the moult had begun and all chances of
breeding were over for the season. During the winter an
Owl took the cock Red-Rump, and a successor met with the
same fate. The thrice-widowed hen wandered far aitd wide
in search of a companion and one day she ne\er came back.

After so ntany failures 1 ni-arly decided to give tip Red-
rumps, but when a breeding pair wc'ie offeretl me some
month^ later. I resolved to haw one more {y\ . The cock
met with the u^ual end. and after his death the hen took up
with a Many-coloured Parrakeet {P. multicolor ) wi;li whom
she spent the winter. When Spring came round they nested,
but without result, and, as in any case 1 dul not want h\-brids,
1 caught up the Red-rump and ga\e the .Many-colour a mate
of his own species. In the autumn 1 got a cock Red-rump
and lei the hen out with lujn, and this tunc botii birds sur-

10 Pscphotus Parrakccts at Liberty.

\ivccl. A second pair 1 lunu'd (nil were not so torlunatc,
as tlu' hen killed herself 1)> llyini; aL;ain^l a window, and her
mate, an exceptionally lin.' Ijird. went away before we were
able to catch him up or pro\ ide him with another wife. "A
few days before his departure I witnessed a rather amusing
little scene at one of the fcediiig-trays. All three Rcd-rumns
were sitting in a tree together and. after a time the hen ilew
down to iK-gin her meal, leaving her husband ask'cp abo\e
her. A moment afterwards she was joined by the odd co.k,
who was just beginning to think of making himself agrecab'e
when Xo. i woke up, realised the situation, and hastily evic-
ted his rival. Having driven him well away, he returned to
to his wife, displayed to and then fed her; the amusing par-
was that he had been too lazy to bestow either of these little
attentions upon her, since the early days of their courtship some
months before ; neither did he repeat them till some months la.er
when she was about to nest. It was clear that he was only urged
to these demonstrations of regard by the sudden fear that if
he did not make himself extra nice to her, the lady's ati'ec-
tions might be bestowed elsewhere! How faithfully the follies
and weaknesses of mankind are son:etimes reproduced in the
bird creation !

In April the hen Red-rump established herself in a
small hole in the branch of one of a clump of lime trees,
which stood by themselves on the top of a hill. I expected
the usual fiasco, but this time my fears were not realised,
for although a Little Owl constanth- visited the clump, be
kindly refrained from repeating the crimes of his
brethren.

At first the cock Red-rump came to feed alone, but after
five weeks his mate began to accompany hmi more and more
and more frequently as the family had less need of brooding.
Then came a time (I suppose the young had just left the
nest) when the old birds behaved in rather a curious way,
coming and going independently of each other, but remaining
on the best of terms on the few occasions when they liap-
pcned to meet. After about ten days of this, two fine young-
sters were seen following their parents. Very soon afterwards
the hen went to nest a second time in the suane hole and

Pseplwtiis Parrakects at Liberty. 11

eventually reared a brood of four. The young Red-rumj)s
were a pair and usually, though not always, to be seen to-
gether. The cock quickly tired of feeding them and drove
them oft" if they got in his way, for Red-runips. like Roscllas,
do no! believe in coddling their children. Barnard, Mealy
Rosella and Adelaide fathers, on the other hand, are very
meek and long-suftering, feeding their young long afier the
latter are well • able to fend for thcmschcs and submitting
to a lot of worry from them while engaged in the care of a
second brood.

Many-coloured Parrakeet {P. multicolor) . 1 have
have never been lucky with this species. When a numlK-r of
these birds were imported a few years ago I turned four
pairs with cut wings into a grass quadrangle in the centre of
the hou.se. This plan answers well enough with Blue-bonnets,
but it is not to be recommended with the other Psephoti, and
is far better to keep the birds until they are in thoroughly
good trim and then release them in pairs, full-winged. Some
of the Many-colours died of chills, others missed their males
and wandered when they were beginning to fly. and one hen
died of cerebral hemorrhage after she had been at liberty
several weeks. A pair, however, stayed well for a time, and
even attempted to nest, but an Owl killed the female, and her
mate strayed away in search of her. In the end I was left
witli a (Solitary cock, who paired with a Red-rump, as I have
already related. He was a pretty liitle fellow and more than
a match for any Parrakeet of his size in battle. 1 kept hun
nearly a year and grew very fond of him as he was quite
tame, and was often to be seen ruimmg about the lawn in
front of the stables, feeding on daisy and plantain leaves.
The true Psephoti spend a lot of time on the ground when
at liberty in this country, much preferring short turf to long
seeding grass, a preference which is shared by Australian
Finches, when kept under similar conditions. The large
Broadtails, however, comparatively seldom leave the trees,
unless perhaps during the breeding season, when the cocks
liave to eat a lot of greenstuff to supply their growing fami-
lies. One day in late June when the vve;ither was bright and
warm, and the sweetest and juiciest of natural food everywhere
in abundance, the Many-colour was picked up paralyzed in

12 Psc pilot us Parrakects. at Liberty.

l)i)tli li.Li^ and (.lit'd a short tiiiic lalc-r. He piovctl to be
•iUtTcriiiL; from ccrchal lu-nioi rliaL;c. < )](1 writers tell us that
P. multicolor is so suhj^'ct lo this disease that ii is almost
useles; to attL'iiip; to keep it. 1 <;'nainly uouitl not endorse
this statement, as I lia\c liad (|iiite a h)t of .Many-colours at
ditferent times, and ha\ f only lost two fro.n the aiiinciit in
(|Uestion. Still, it is ratlier strange that both of th.'se should
ha\" sueeumbed when (IxinL; at complete liberty \ 'I'here is
another disease to which .Man\-colotir> are dist;<.'^sin_:;"ly l.able,
\dz. : septic fc\'€r ; they sometimes contract it in the most
unexpected fashion.

After my failure witli biids at liberty I put a pair
of Many-colours into a h\'^. c lean, new aviary, of wliich they
were the first and only occuixints. They did well f(tr some
weeks; then the cock died suddenly of septic fever — no other
birds were lost at the time. I got another cock and tried
the pair in a small indoor a\"iary kepi: scruj)ulously clean;
again septic fever carried off the male bird, but the lien
strangely enough sur\ived.

IIooDKD l-'.ARK.^KKKr.^ {P. IcucullaiusJ (llss'/nTs. I
ha\e had for .several years. They are a little delicate on
first arri\al and in-ed to be kept warm, and free from
draughts and sudd/n changes of temjierature. Among a lot
of nevvly-inti)orted young birds there arc generally a certain
proportion tuiable to ily well: these it is almost useless to
buy, e\en though they are plum|) and lively. 'I'he long
journe) and the hardships they ha\ e undergone seem to lunc
fatally injured their \itality, and, though they may li\e for a
year or moje, they will never i)ei ome good birds, and will
probably end by becoming deplorable objects, with scarcely
a feather on them -not because they pluck their plumage, but
because iht y ha\ e not strength to renew it during the process
of tliC' moult. IJoodetl Parrakeets seldom suffer from disease,
bill tlu- hens are e.xceedingly liable to become egg-bound, the
danger being increased by the persistency with which they
cling to the Australian breeding season — October. Not one
hen Hooded in ten can successfully lay her full clutch at a
tcjnperalure below 60 degrees — anyhow in captivity — and the
dangei of egg-binding is not,, in my experience, materially

Psrphotus Parrnkccfs at Liberty. 13

dccrenscd 1iy allowiii.^ a l^ird full lib;Tty. In spite (jf the
uncomprnmisinj^'^ beha\ioiir oF 1'. dhsunl's {ciicall'itiis) . I
do not think it is at all fair xu say that Au^trali.m !)irds.
gene-rally, arc troublcsmiu- about breeding at the wrong time
of year. As a rule thc-y arc extraordinarily ready to adapt
themselve? to our seasons, and the Emu is the only (Jther
inveterate offender 1 have met with in '.he matter of winter
nesting.

'I'hc majority of our first ronsignmeni of Hooileds were,
I regret to say, lost owing to our ignorance of th:.' pro])er
treatment of newly imijorled Parrakeeis, and out of the original
seven only two rorlcs survived the first three months. These,
however, did well, and agreed perfectly together even when in
breeding condition, thus shr)wing that co(-k Pseph'Jt'y like
the cock Platyccrci, can remain on good terms so long as
thcr.^ is nc hei^ with them. In October I exchanged one of
th<;- male birds for a female. She nested very soon afte/ she
came, and. as I omit:ed to heat the aviary sufficiently, died
eg.L'-bound after la\ ing three eggs.

A year later I kept another pair of Hoodeds in an out-
door aviary, which was \ery sheltered, but dark and sunless.
.Again tlu hen nested in the autumn and she died in laymg
her sixth and last egg. The cock passed tire winter wi:houi
artificial heat in the company of another hen wliicii I tlid
not alhnv to breed during the cold weather. .She laid five
eggs late in the follo\sing summer, but failed to hatch them.

7'o he <-i)n<ladc(l.
♦

Birds in and about the Station.

\\\ .M.\K)R (]. A. ri.RRi;.\r. F.Z.S.

Tm Indian J^•\K.\I)1SI■: I"[.\ ( .\i( iikk (Cont'uucil from

Vol. VI.. page 339).

I rather thuik that tiie jjlumage has been described in

15ir(l Notes " before, but an abbreviated, and I fear, rather

mutilattrd descriptif)n from (Jales nay not be out of place.

Voung birds and females have the crest, lop of head, and

nape metallic blue-black; the throat and sides of the head and

neck asiiy-brown; breast pale ashy; the rest of the lower

14 Firds in and about flic Station.

plumaij^e wlii'c the rcma'ndcr of th? upper p'umage c'e^tnut. Ar
sccniid auluinn moult the whole head be:-omes glossy black
and the middle pair ol' tail feathers grow to a great length,
these are east in I\Iay or June. At third autumn moult the
whole lowei plumage becomes pure white and the long chest-
nut tail feathers arc grown again and retained. At the
fourth autumn moult the bird is adult; head, crest and neck,
are metallic blue-black, the rest of the plumage white, most of
the feathers of upper plumage are black shafted, the wing
feathers have black near the shaft. The middle pair of tail
feathers are greatly elongated, and fall in a graceful
curve when the bird is at rest. The bill, gape, and margin
of eyelids are cobalt-blue, bill darker at the tip. All the
above except where otherwise mentioned applies to cocks.
Length from 9 to 21 inches, tail from 4.^^ to 1 6.\ inches. I
have seen a white cock without his long tail as early as
mid-August : this is exceptional, but all lose their tails before
they lea\'e us. Not having seen the birds in winter, I do not
know whether their tails grow again at once or at the advent
of spring.

Thf: Yeli.ow-ijellifd Flycatcher {Ch'lidorlivnx h\p-
oxanthiim) is called a Fantail by Jerdon and it seems a pi'^y
to have dropped this name, as it is descriptive. According
to Ijlandford it is usually seen in small Hocks him'.ing about
trees. 1 have only seen it in single pairs in early spring at
not less than 5,000 feet. It frecjuents trees, making short
sallies uU(j the air in true Tlycatchcr fashion, but after settling
twists and turns in true Fantail fashion. It does not do
nearly so much running along branches as the bush-loving
Fantail {Rlii pidiira) but is very nearly as restless and cheery.
It has the advantage of being far more brightly coloured.
Also if one can take a native's word (1 fear I don't as a
rule, as regards birdsj it ought to be easier tc^ meat off. I
was trap])ing near Dalhousie in February (not this year)
aboui a mile from camp when I caught one of a pair. I
wanted the other, so kept my first capture with me to give
me a hand. As an assistant catcher it was a fraud, as its
partner took no interest in its whereabouts, but it gave me
an interesting morning. It took broken mealworms at once,

Firds in and about the Station. 15

which rather surprised me. as it is decidedly one of those
"hairy-nosed cusses" and seemed to be even ta-^-kling the
soft food. However as its quarters were rather cramped even
for a small newly-caught bird, and as 1 wanted to stay out
I sent him into camp with my man with full instructions as
to treatment. Later on I caught the other and sent that
up by a coolie. My man was out getting milk or something,
and the coolie tried to put it in, apparently did not shut the
door, and both birds got away. My man swears the first
bird was eating soft food and I was almost inclined to be-
lieve him in this case. The bird had been caught in a tree
spring net trap, lured by a mealworm, and it was ravenous.
It was snowing when I pitched my camp, which', by the
way was not a pretenti;)us alVair, a b-vouac tent for myself
and a disused cowshed for the birds, my bird-man, and a
servant. Coolies J picked up from a village fairly near, the
headmen of which were only too ready to come up in the
evening to chat with the mad sahib and drink his whiskey
and ginger-wine. It was a most enjoyable three days trip.
I did not catch so very many birds, but what I got lived
well and gave no an.xiety. There were no casualties (at any
rate fron^. feeding) even among Red-headed Tits, birds with
which I had previously experienced the greatest difficulty in
meating olf. Wliat these Fantail Flycatchers existed on up
there at that time of year I do not know. In the afternoon
when the sun came out my second capture (not then caught)
seemed to be getting a certain amount of small insects over
a small stream, but there, had been precious little sun fcji
three days before. .My second capture was made in a flue
net, a mealworm quite failing to tempt it, f)r else the fate of
its partnei' had juade it wary. \'\v not had a chance ^ince of
catching this bird; they are not common, and trappi.ig trips
are still rarer, if one leaves out single days.

Colouration: forehead and broad supercilium and whole
lower plumage bright yellow, u[)per-parts brown a!ul oli\'e-
i)rown. the feathers of the greater-coverts and tlu- tail (ex-
cept the middle ])air| ha\c while tips, the tail feathers are
while shafted. When seen from above and on the wing the
white tips are very conspicuous. Length about 4.7. tail 2.3
inches.

{lu be continuid).

IT) The Endurance of Birds.

The Endurance of Birds.

Hv Wksi.kv T. Pagk, F.Z.S., Etc.

Over two VL'ars ago I promised several prominent mem-
bers of F.B.C". to write a paper on this topic, and also to
give a list of su"h sp-eriss as I had kept out of doors with
success. Moreoxcr, I promised Dr. Amsler when I asked him
for th- result of his experiences in out-door bird-keeping
(\()l. \'., X..S., p. 358) that I would supplement it with my
own later — I have rather shrunk fr!)m doing so. as I acutely
feel my incompetence for ih? task, yet it has always been a
pet fad of mine, and in the early days of my bird-keeping it
was. a^ it is. with so many others, a ca.se of keeping them
out of doors or not at all ; bu". if the members generally
will respond and gi\L' their experiences, much valuable data
should rL'Sult. 1 jiropose to give a list first, and leave notes
till afterwards, as this article must perforce run into several
instalments. All in the list that arc unqualihed by any sign
against tlum, save the one which indi;a::es successful breeding,
I personally consider ab olutely hardy under the conditions I
have kepi them, which will be clearly stated later.

The localities co\ ered by these experiences are : the
environs of IMrmingham ; \arious districts of London, and
Mitcham.

* Have successfully reiircd young in my aviaries.

a .^re best kepi in an n\iai'y which permits o!' them being driven in at

night and during periods of inclement weather,
j Are best taken indoor:^ for the winter months.
^ Have made no attempt to keep these outside duiing the winter.

Accentoi . ^European. Bullfinch. J<^os\-winged -Afghan.

*.Ierdon's Hunting. Black-headed.

Avadavat. *CJommon Jiedj. ,, Cliinese.

♦Green. .. CJirl,

Bengalese.* ,. Corn.

Blackbird *Europeaii. ., oHair-crested.

Red-uKiged. ., Indigo.

BlackcapD ,. Lapland.

Black-headed Sibia. ., .Meadow.

Brambling. ., Nonpareil.

Budgciigar* ,. DRainbow.

Hulbiil. Him. Black, ,. Red-headed.

Red-eare.l. ,, Reed.

Kcd-venteil. ., Ruddy.

^\ hitc-i heeked. ,, Snow.

W'hite-e.ired. ,, bellow.

Bullfinch.. Ucseri. ,, .. -breasted.

♦European. Cape Canary.

The Endurance \of Birds.

f.'ardinal. *{jreeri.
., Pope.

,, *Red-cre.ste(i.

,, Virginian.

,, D Yellow-billed,

'•huftinch. European.

Madeiran
Cockateel*
' (inihasou .

DL(int;-taiic;a.
('onurc. Hlack-hcddcd.
Cactus.
., Golden-crowned.

HaH-nioon.
,, Jcndnya.

,, White-eared.

(■(.i(l(.i; }?leu*a
C'inv-Hird, Bay- winded.

„ Silky
I utthroat*
Dliayal BirdD
Dove. Aurita.

*Aust. Crested.
,, *Barbary Turtle.

Bar-shouldered.
,, Bronze-necked.

*Bronze-winged.
,, oCape (Masked).
♦Diamond.
*Dwarf Ground.
♦European Turtle.
,, *Green-winged (Ind.)
*Hall'-rollared Turtle.
,, * Jamaican Pea.
., Nocklace.

♦Partridge fRed Ground).
♦Passerine.
♦Peaceful.

♦Picui Csteel-barred).
Plumed Ground.
Scaly.
,, *Senegal Turtle.
,, *Talpocoti.
,, \'inacoous Turtle.

,, White-w inj^cd.

♦Zebra.
I'.uphonia. tBlue-headid.
fDwarl.
f.lamaican.
•j-Violet.
F'inch. ♦.Mario. '

D Aurora
., t Bar-breasted Fire,-,
., ♦Oil).
,, nBichencj's.

DBl.'iek-faccd Quail.
Black-hcidcd Lined.
Bluish.
,, Cherry.

♦Chestnut-breasted.

Pinch, Crimson.
., ♦Cuban.

♦Diamond.
., Diuca.

., DDufresne's.
,, ♦Fire-,
,, DFire-red.
,, DGold-fronted.
,, ♦Gouldian
,, ♦Green Singing.
,, ♦Grey.
,, ♦Grey Singing.
,, ♦Guttural.
., Heck's L.T. Grass-.
,. ♦Jacarini.
,. D Lavender.

D Lavender-backed.
,, D Lined.

,, *Long-tailed Grass-,
,, Masked Grass-

nMelba.
♦Olive.
., n Painted.
,, Parrot.
., *Parson.
, , D Parva .
., PectoraL
,, ♦Pelzeln's Saffron
,, Pileated.

nPintailed Parrot
,, Plumbeous.

nQuail.
,, o Reddish.
,, ♦Red-headed.

□ Ringed.
,, ♦Ruficauda.
,, ♦.Saffron.

♦Scaly-crowned
Sharp-tailed.
,, Snow.
♦Spice.
.Striated.
White-throated.
,, ♦Yellowish.
,, Yellow-rurnped.

,, *Zebra.
Flycali her. □ Red-breasted.

□ Tickell's Blue.
Fruitsucki'i. (io Id- fronted,
(loldfincli. ♦European.
Himalayan.
Gracklc. Purple.
Groenfinr]). ♦European.

Himalayan.
Grf)sbeak, Blue.

Thick-billed.
Ilangnesi. nBrazili.-iii.

□ Common.

□ ^'ellow I'Golden').
Ixidus. pWllow-naped.

The Endurance of Birds.

n y_

r. __

C "

r. —

V — ■
< r.

— E.
in

The Endurance of Birds.

Hawfinch.

Honey-caler. nG.urulous.

,, nSomlirc.

Jay. +Pilcaled.
Lark. Dind. Calarulra.
,, Shore.

•Sky.
Linnel. *Jiur(ii)ean.

n Himalayan.
Lorikeet. Red-collared.
,, Scaly-breasted.

„ Swainson's

,, . X'aried.
Lory. Ciiattering.

Purple-capped.
Lovebiid. *Black-cheeked.
Blue-winged.
,, *Madagascar.

,, Peach-faced.

,, Red-headed.

.NLmnikin. Black-headed.
,, *Bronze.

,, *Magpie.

,, Ru-fous-ba(ked.

,, Tricolour.

White-headed.
Marsh-Biid D Flame-breasted.
Mesia. nSilver-eared.
Minivel. jShort-billed.
Mc'cking-Bird Common.
Mynah. Andaman.
,, Ccnimon.

♦Ma.labar
nPicd.
I'u/e! Cirey-headed.

,. *(lrty-\viiiged.

Parrakeet. Adelaide.
,, Alexandrinae.

,, All-Green.

,, Banded.

,, Blossoin-hcadcd

Canary- winged.
Halt-moon.
.Icndaya.
Many-coloured.
Pennant's.
<,)uaker.
*Red-rumped.
Ring-necked.
*Rosella.
Tovi.
Tui.

Turquui.iine.
Parrot. ;|;Blue-frontcd .Vmazon.
tCrey.
Hawk-headed.
Senegal.
Pastor. Rosy.
Pic. ^Wandering Tree-,

'^)uail. *Argoondah.

,, Black-brea'-ti-d Huttun.

,, *Californian .

,, *Chinesc Painted.

,, Common.

,, *Harlequiii.

,, Jungle Bush.

,, Little Button.

,, Rain.

(Juit. IjiBanana.
Redpoll. *Lesser.
,, Mealy.

Redstart. ifEuropean.
Plumbeous.
Robin. ^Blue.
,, European.

*Pekin.
Rcjscfmch. *Mexican.

,, Pink-ljrowed

,, Scarlet.

Seedeater, St. Helena.

,. Sulphury.

Serin.

White-thioated.
*Vello\v-rumped .
ShamaD

Silverliill. *Alrican.
,, *Indian.

Siskin. American.

Black-headed.
,, *PZuropean.

,, * Hooded.

Siva. D Blue-winged.
Song-Sparrow, Chingolo.
, : Pileated.

Sparrow. *.\byss. Yellow.
, , Cape .

Cinnamon Tree.
*tirey .la\,i.
,, *lU>Use.

,, nSwaiiison's.

,, *Tree.

,, *\\'hiie Ja\a .

,, Yellow-throated.
Starling, European.

(; lossy.
Sugarbird. fBlue.

fPurpie.
■j" Yellow-winged.
Sunbird. ;};.\methy-.t-rumped .

+ Pur|)lc.
Tanagcr. Archbishop.
♦Black.

+Black-cheeked.
Blue.

Crimson-crowned.
Magpie.
Palm.
,, Scarlet.

The Endurance o/ Birds.

Tana^^'LT, aSuperb.

,, Dl'ricolour.

Tluusli. *Euiopean.

,, Migratory.

Rock.

,, Spectacled.

,, Streaked Laughing.

,, Variegated Laughing.

Tit.. Blue.
,, Cole.
,, Great.
,, nOrcen-backed.
Marsh.
Toucan. jGreen-billed.

,, J-Sulphur-breasted.
ToucanetteJ.
Troupial. D Flame-shouldered.

,, nMilitary.

Tit Blue.
Twite.

Tyrant. jSulphury.
Wagtail. Pied.
Wa.Kbill. n Blue-breasted.

,, *Gold-breasted.

,, Grey.

,, *Orange-cheeked.

,, *St. Helena.

,, nSydney.
Waxwing.
Weaver. Abyssinian.

,, Baya.

Weaver, Black-faced. i

,, ,, -fronted.

,, ,; -headed.

,, Comoro.

,, Crimson-crowned.

■ ,, Golden.

,, Grenadier.

,, Half-masked.

,, Madagascar.

,, Masked.

,, *Napoleon.

,, Orange.

*Red-billed.

,, , ; -headed.

,, Rufous-necked.

,, Russ'

,, Short-winged.

,, Speke's.

, , Taha .

,, Yellow.

,, Yellowish.
White-eye. ^African.
n*Indian.

Whydah. D Crimson-ringed.
nGiant.

,, nJackson's.

,, D Paradise.

,, DPin-tailed.

,, nRed-collared.

., nVel low-backed.

,, n White-winged.

I have made no attempt to give a complete list of species which I
have kept, as some were kept under conditions which preclude them from
a place in this list.

{To be continued).

Editorial.

Sexing (Occipital Blue-Pies : Mr. B. T. Stewart in-
forms us that the difference in the sexes does not consist
in the orange sliadc of the female's beal-:. This distinction
only holds good in the breeding season, at all other periods
her beak is blood-red — most intense in hue. Her beak is
dififerent in shape from that of the male, broader at the base
and more pointed at tip.

Lavender Finch {Lagonosticta caerulcsceiis). This
■species is not remarkable for long life in confinement, but
this is not always the case, neither does it always prove so
fragile as it is often with good cause reputed to be. We
saw in a well sheltered, but unlieated Surrey aviary m 1914,

Editorial. 21

two pairs which had been out of doors all the year round
for three years and they were in exhibition condition, when
we saw them one Eastertide. Our member, Mr. (i. E. H aggie
(Oxford) writes (Dec. 31st) that he has just lost his last
Lavender Finch which had been with him just seven years ;
it haa lived out of doors all the year round for the whole
period. Mr. Haggle's a\iary is only of medium size, un-
heated but warm and well sheltered (described and illu-.-
traded in Vols. II. N.S., pp. 248-9,, and V., pp. 360-4):
This particular bird had mated with an Orange-cheeked Wax-
bill, and several times young have been hatched out, which
unfortunately have only lived a few days.

The Prospect: Considering "the times," this is excel-
lent, for we have new adherents monthly, and these additions
have been sufficient, so far, to make good the losses of those
who remain dormant for the duration of the war, and also
for those who have fallen; it is only needful for us to catch
the spirit of those in the firing line who still remain in
active membership and desire that as far as possible " Bird
Notes " should be fully maintained as heretofore, and to help
the funds as well as keeping our collections, probably smal-
ler than in pre-war days, going, for all our hopes and aspira-
tions to be realised. Even in these war times we ask all to
send a little help to the deficit fund, as what economies we
may be able to effect will, very probably be swallowed up
by the extra cost of production. We can, however, only
keep up the interest and quality of "B.N." by ALL those
who remain at home helping the Editor by writing articles
and sending photos of things avicultural. We feel assured all
will help to their utmost in this respect; it is surely a happy
augury that we coinmencc the year by adding, to our mem-
bership, and we hope each month there will be several new
members elected. It is not necessary to lengthen out these
remarks, space is too precious. The future is in our hands,
it will be wliat we make it : failure, if everything is left to
the officials of the club; certain success, if each member real-
ises his or her part and responsibility in the cluIVs progress
and welfare, and all do their best to fulfil ii.

22 The Talel?scarvrs.

The Talebearers.

When I \v;i'- Vduiig the wduIiI-Ijc wit.
Would quote the story of 'I'cll Talc Tit.
And as I get older, " where'er I loaiii, "
'I'lie birds stdl tell me stories ot home.

'I'iiis Swallow ill Egypt (I li ivi- no proof.

P.ul 1 think lie has built in the ea\-es ot our roof;.

When I meet liim from J^lngland winging his way,

" J hi- Summer is over," I hear him say,

" The Virginia erceper is turning red,

Th(^ roses are done in your own rose bed."

\\ hen you get to the East and leave >ojr iioat,
A thought ot home brings a lumj) to your throat;
A little cock Sparrow so cheeky and brown.

So like \\\i cousins in London Town,
Who. takes your thoughts on Fancy's wing.-s
Straight home to English birds and things.

Returning in Springtime chill and cold,

W'e are followed by messengers small and bold.

They pay no passage and give no tips

As they journey a day or two on our ships.

And no one would ask them for anything

But the cheering message they bring of Spring.

They rest on our boat with no thought of fear.

And the message they bring is " Summer is near."

" Cheer up, you passengers chilly and sad,
The English summer will make you glad.
So swiftly now on our way we wing

Back to England, to greet the Spring."
And we, too, must often move and go.
From East to W'est, we are to and fro ;
Our wandering spirit has made our fate ;
We too, like the birtls, must cift migr.ite.

Tilt Indian birds come down to ("eylon

And bring us word the cold weather has gone.

Saying : " Your damper heat is better to bear

Than the blazing, stifling heat up there."

And when to India back they go.

They've got another tile you know.

It's not the place to build your nests,

With mildew and damj) and other pests ;

And India in dry and warm springiimc

Is really a nesting place divine."

Correspondence. 23

In KiikI.-uicI I laugh at the little farce
As I bow wlun ill-oin' ncd Maj^pic's piss;
S > I hi>\\ .• g lii; u' r'l a sm Iv aid a sigh
\v. India to the brown 'i'rec-pie,
Ftarinft >il lurk ni ly str ke lo-day
l,n\'^d oni's in Mnyl ind t ir away.
And >nii i:i^, ih it Iidiit ki-cp.- nic tru •
To wh i! i 1 I'lil \ \i 1 1 I us'd to do,
'Ih r ''^ a lifL- i u ilni t!ia; i. hardly fear,
lor \\\ \ n-^^i;;' i. " I'loibl- i. al,v;iy, n?ar."

liui ill ■ R il i 1 i 1 Au-unri wh i s a ; , t > ni.',
Or the \\h;l.-.y.' ii the M m;^' i ire,
The mes ,.igc tlu-y brint;; li i < a in'gl ty pover,
Wv >;l.id Ike us ia th- Sunny hour ;
In the Iripj);. I ojfs be };-at f 1 an 1 gild.
And th • sa 1 linur^ wi'l n ver see n sj bad."

They are e\('rywhere wi;h lis, that m:-)Senger band,
\\i:i: a tale ju^t f.ir th:j,e who mleritini.

ictobcr. 1915 -M X. de FRIVILI.E

Correspondence.

IHl- IIKX (II- III]-; .lAl'AXKsK 1 1 A WIT \< 1 1 f.ophona p.r.onala .

-Sir, 111 n)\ .irt;(!e on ihs sp^cie.j, v.hca appeared in " Mi d Nole^,"
J.inuary Hj 1 5 . p ig^' 14 . ' stated " tha hsn of the Japin.'ie spicci. I
understand hi- ni b ;i k 0:1 ill- hi'id, in w'li h it a.grees wit 1 its relative. "
Tills miereiii (• 1 drew lioni Hartlett and Ciould in their boiki in which
cerlain as.atic b!r,U weie describe I. Km ling l.iti-r th il lie se ;ed skins
in the .Museum were nun h ,i!ike, and leirning also thai birds had attempted
1(1 nest, I .1 .( .-r.ain.'d l!i' .1 ip in ■ .:• 11 inie and wro'.e to the Tok>0 Museum,
and the ('ur.iUir knl'y ml irni -(I ni ■ lli.il b:itli mile and female have llii;
loji ol t'le lie.-id, (':r !• roml ey.'>. an I ioic-lhro.it blai k ; so ilin! ,ip-
p.ireiill). e\i rpt for the tut lli.it the wing pattern is li.iidl\- so distinct
in the lien and ae o.-dm;; In .Mis. .\ . li. .Snntli the bill of the hen re-
mains di.cohiured fnot clear y.-'low tnisi of the year, they .ire much alke
in general ai)pear.ince. The bird in i s n.itive country is called ik.irii or
ikaiauga.

AI.LI.N .SlI Vi:K.
Forest Hill. .S.K.. Oce. 6, 1915.

24 Post Mortem Reports.

Post-Mortem Reports.

C"k()\vm I) Tanagik (C). (Lndy Katlil-cii I'ikiiKion, Wakefield).
I'hc cause ol death \va; acute fatty degeneration of tlie liver.

Di,\MOM> Dovi. (Qj. (Miss Katherine V^'ehb. Cambridge). The
cause of d"ath wa^ acut" congestion of the oviduct. When the e birds arc
ill. keep them in a h'gh temperature of 80 degrees or ixiore and give ilieni
A pill of calomel, .', grain, .ind gre\- powder i gr.iin morning and evening.

RiDivciD Lovi B Ri) (Q)- (Mrs. E. G. Davies, Warrington. Cau^c
ol death was enteritis. These birds require to be kept in an equable tem-
[leraturc during the chilly months of the year. They are very delicate.

PiiEAiH) Finch ((^f). (Mrs. Hugc-s, B i>tol). Tl-.e c.iuse of death
was anaemia, resul iag from a diffic It mou't or rather the condi;i..yn giving
rise to a difficulty in moulting. Fit^ or convulsitms frequently end the life
of birds. Iron wine {viniini fcvri) on spongecake is the best tonic in
this complaint. Warmth of a hgh degree acts ve.y benefi( i;il'y . Forcing

medicaments down the throat of small birds does more harm than good.

MousrACHi: Pakrakiet. (Miss E. M. Baker, Swin'on, YorksV The
cause ot deatli was pneumonia, which often arises during a journey.

Avada\at (cf). (G. E. Haggie). The cause of death was pneu-
monia which is the bane of bird-keeping.

Goui.DiAN Finch CJ). (Mrs. A. Sorey, Cheshire). Thi cau.e of death
was pneumonia. The condition of the beak was due to the mang;-mite of birds,
the Sarcoptes minor, which is not rare in highly coloured plumage birds,
especially the Gouldian Finch. In poultry and game-birds, this paia i e cau es
"scaly-leg," which \i one of the Sarcoptic manges of birds. Painting on
the part, b y means of a fine camel-hair pencil, paraffin every third day
would cause the disease to disappear.

Hanging Parrakhet {q^). ("B. T. Stewart, Radl t:. The cau.e of
death was enlargement of the liver.

India Mvnah (cf)- (E. R. Phillips, Dublin). The cause of death
was chronic enteritis, no doubt due to the chilly dampness.

Answcrtd by poit ■.—Lsidy Yule; Mrs. Burgees.

H. GRAY, M..R.C.V.S.

cr.

o
>-.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

The Breeding Season 1915, in Boyers House
Aviaries.

By W. Shorf, Baily.

In. spite of the fart that owing to the war I was unable
to give niy birds as much attention as usual, the breeding-
season with me was by no means a bad one. The most
noticeable events have already been recorded in " Bird Notes,"
bu;t a f'ew ,not.es With regard to the others may be of interest.
The following young birds left the nest :

II Rosella Parr.ikects (Pltityccrriix iwi/niiis).
2 Rosella Parrakeet Hybrids.

2 Alexandrine Parrakcets (Piiliwornis iicpcilcwiis'].

1 Black-checked Lovebird (Af^aiiori.is iiif^iicol/is).
5 Madagascar Lovebirds (A. curia).

3 Brown-eared Conurcs {Coniinis ocularis).

2 Napoleon Weavers {Pyronielaiia ajra).

4 Taha Weavers {P. taha).

I Half-masked Weaver {H\ph(iiiloinis vllcllinus).

4 Spice Finch X Bengalese Hybrids.

4 Saffron Finches {Syculis jlavcola).

8 Bronze-wing Doves {Phaps clialcoptera).

1 Brush Bronze-wing Dove {P. eleu^ana).
8 Necklace Doves {Tiirliir ti^rinus).

4 Necklace X Senegal Dove Hybrids.

3 Diamond Doves {Geopelia ciineata).

2 Red-rollared Whydahs {Penthctria ardcns).
2 .Sulphury Secdeaters {Scrinus sulphiiratus).

5 Black Seed-Finches {Mclopyrrha nifrra).

4 Vellow Sparrows {Passer In tens).

2 Chinese Greenfinches (Chloris sinica).
14 Zebra Finches (J acniopygia casianotis).

ijomc few of these fell \ iciinis to the pugnacity of other
inmates of tlieir aviaries, while others fell victims to that still

Season 1915 /// Boycrs House Aviaries.

Slill a large proportion arc

more insiduous foe pneumonia.

still living and doing well.

Parrots: Of these, the Ro.s(>Ila Parrakeets, were the

niost successful, fully
rearing two broods of six
and five respectively. A
( 10 s-mated pair of Red
and Mealy Rosellas also
reared a fine pair of
young ones, which were
much larger than pure
bred birds at the same
age. In colour they were
much paler than young
Rosellas j unfortunately I
lost them both from pneu-
monia.

The Alexandrines
—our illustration figures
Phni.^hii W.Shurr Hnihi. ^'"^ of them at the mouth
Alexandrine ranakeet. of their " Banjo-nest box"

— although they nested twice, only reared two young ones, but
these were very fine specimens. In December the hen again
went to nest, and at time of penning" these notes is incubating
a clutch of eggs. The story of the nesting of the Brown-
cared Conures has already been told in " B.N." I sold them
all to a well known dealer about the middle of September,
to find, after the birds were gone, that the hen had commenced
laying again, so I lost a chance here of a second brood.

The Black-cheeked Lovebirds were a failure; only one
young bird left the nest, and this was killed by a Quaker
Parrakcet, who also accounted for the adult hen.

My Madagascar Lovebirds nested four times, five young
ones being fully reared.

I was disappointed in my Speckled Conures (C. eiiops) ;
tliey took possession of a nest box, but although I saw them
pair on more than one occasion, no eggs were laid.

Petz's Conures, Canary^wing, and Tui Parrakeets made

Season, 1 9 1 5 in Boyers House Aviaries.

no attempt whatever at nesting. The Tuis however, roosted
every night in a log.

The Red-faced Lovebirds {A pullaria) occupied a nest-
ing box early, in December, and at the time of writing are
incubating a clutch of eggs.

A Madagascar Lovebird (9) mated with a cock Red-
face, and they nested twice, but the eggs on both occasions
were infertile.

Doves ; These have been very irregular in their breed-
ing operations, some doing well, others very badly. The
Bronze-wings were among the most successful, as they fully
reared eight, really strong, youngsters. The Brush Bronze-
wings, on the 'Other hand were almost a failure, as, though they

Pliulo II'. Shore Bail;/.
Brush Hroiize-wing Dove.

iH-sted quite as frequently a.s P/taps c/mlcopiera they only rcnrcd
one young one, and this has since died. I think, however,
that their failure was partly due to the interference of other
birds. The Conures were especially mischievous in this way.

(To he coticluded).

28 Nfsfino; aiifl Rcariiifr of laudraih in Captivity.

Some Observations on the Nesting and Rearing
of Landrails in Captivity.

By Gerald E. Rattigan.

Though this species has been apparently sucressfully
reared before, in a caije, I belie\-e, no details conc'crning the
episode appear to have been recorded, and in any event would
hardly be of the same interest under such conditions as a rec-
ord of their breeding under the semi-natural conditions of a
fair-sized and naturally planted aviary. I think, therefore. <^he
toUowmp' record mav be of some interest.

I obtained my pair of Landrails from Ireland about
the end of IMay, 191 4.

The birds reached me in excellent condition and seem-
ingly none the worse for their long journey. They were
pleasingly tame and in a very short time became even more
so the cock^ which was always tlie tamest of the two, soon
learning to take tit-bits out of my fingers without the least
concern. In short, they soon obtained and kept the position
of first favourities in my aviary.

In that year (191 4) the first signs of nesting were
noted on July 2nd, when I observed the cock carrying bits
of dry grass, etc., to the hen, as a gentle hint, I presume,
that the time had arrived to take up the responsibilities of
married life and commence providing for the future generation,

The hen, however, seenied to consider that there was
no need for haste and taking his offerings from him, proceeded
to contemptuously throw them away.

For a f'ew days previous to this incident, the rock had
been making day and night, especially night, hideous with his
raucous irasping call " or song "? whi(-h lias been compared
to the noise made by a scythe on a whetstone^ not untruly,
save that it is a bit of a libel on the latter. I readily admit
that about this time serious thoughts of murder and .^udden
death entered my (head.

A Landrail in " ftdl song " ihroughoui the entice hot
and breathless night of a hot and breezeless July, is a trial,

Nesting and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity. 29

before; which. Job himself might have been reasonably ex-
pected to quail. In the stillness of such a night, I do not
believe, that there is anything on earth that can equal the
nerve racking inonolony of this awful " creek craik " " creek-
craik " repeated ad infinitum without pause or break or the
remotest variation, except in the volume and direction of the
sound, which advances and recedes, in fact appears to come
from all points of the compass. These ventriloquia! powers,
which appear to be especially pronounced at night, are apt
to cause one, as they often did me at tirst, to imagine that
the bird has in some way or other managed to escape or that
a wild bird is around answering the cries of the one in ihe
av'.ary. . (Jflen whilst standing at my bedroom window in the
evening, I .would have cheerfully laid any odds that the bird
was on the lawn within, at the most, ten or fifteen yards
of tho windou'^ whereas, in reality, the aviary from which it
was serenading all and sundry, was situated from eighty to
one- hundred yards away at the end of a paddock. From my
further experiences of these birds this summer (191 5.).. how-
ever, 1 rather fancy the cock 1 possessed before must have been
a sort of combined Caruso and Arthur Prince amongst his
fellows, and by no means a normal performer.

To resume the chronicle of nesting results last (1914)
season, it was not until August 6th that I discovered th/c
nest containing two eggs, most cunningly concealed under a
tuft of grass. The nest itself is a very prhnitive atiair juot
a few bits of dried grass roughly lining a natural hollow .-n
the ground.

I felt sure they had a nest somewhere and was en-
gaged in searching for it, but had almost given up the search
when in lifting up an o\'erhanging tussock of grass, I almost
|jut my hand on the hen, which was sitting like a stone.

On \isiting the nest again on the 1 2ih I found it
deserted and one egg had been dexoured, save for a bit of
the shell, by held mice, by which creatures I was much pest-
ered that year. 1 caught the culprit a few days later in an
ordinary wooden mouse trap, which I set for him on the site
of liio depreciations, lie proved to be a monstrous mouse,
liardly to be wondered at considermg the sumptuous manner

30 Nesting kind Rcariiii^ of Landrails in Captivity.

in which he and his mates ]iacl been faring- at my expense,
and could hardly squeeze his body into the trap.

I placed the remaining- egg under a Silkie Bantam,
but it disappeared during- the nigdit a few days later, prob-
ably annexed by a rat. Thus ended ;in failure my first attempt
to "breed these birds, for thougli I lam pretty sure they nested
again after this, no eggs were discovered and no young
hatched so fai' as I know.

This season (191 5), which brought liappier results,
commenced disastrously, for on March 8th. soon after arriving
at my new house in Gloucestershire, a stray dog broke into
the aviary during the niglit and murdered my cock Landrail.

I was in despair for there seemed but little likelihood
of my being able to replace him at an^y rate that season.
Fo'" onc< ina way, however, fortune smiled upon ine. Anian
wrote me from Scotland on May i 5th that some boys had
captured a Landrail which they had heard calling in a field,
and would I like it? A wire dispatched instanter answered in
the affirmative. On arrival the bird proved to be a very
fine young cock, wonderfully tame, considering that it had only
been captured two or three days previously. It fed at first
solely on earth-worms, and such other " small game " las
I could procure it^ but in a few days, inspired no doubt by
the example of the hen, it began to sample the " soft-food "
and seed, and from then on never looked back. It was ter-
ribly thin on arrival, but a fortnight later, when I turned
it out into my aviary (till then I, had ikept it in a; large
conservatory adjoining the house), it was as fat as ihe pro-
verbial lark..

I heard the cock " craiking " for the first time on
May 24th.

This bird, as I have already mentioned, behaved with
the most praiseworthy restraint in the display of its vocal
powers, and seldom, it ever, indulged in more than five
" craiks " at a time, invariably rendered as follows: four
" craiks," a pause, thien a final one; this would usually con-
tinuie for five or ten minutes, after which I found by experience
that 1 could safely count upon twenty-four hours peace,

Nesting and Rearing of Land rails in Captivity. 31

Moreover, he ne\er, so far as I know, broke out dur-
ing the nif^ht, or very early morning : his performances al-
ways taking place either about mid-day or during the after-
noon. Altogether he ])ro\ed to be in every respect a thor-
oughly well behaved and model bird, forming a most pleasing
contrast to his predecessor. I found the nest, which was quite
as cunningly concealed, and rather better constucted than the
former one, c^uite a neat cup in fact, formed of pampas grass,
though unlined as before, on June i6th.

It contained seven eggs, the colour and markings of
which^ I take it are too well known to need any description
here, and the hen sat very close as before.

1 at once covered the wire netting above the nest wiili
sheets of tarred felting to protect it in some measure from
possible thunderstorms, a practice I invariably pursue with
all nests I find out in the open flights. Incubation must
have already commenced, for the eggs all hatched out on June
23th, that is, save one which proved infertile. The very
same evening^ about 6 o'clock, a tremendously \io!ent
thunderstorm broke, accompanied by a torrential downpour of
rain, and my hopes were at zero ; the next morning, how-
ever, proved line anJ ^varm, and on visiting the aviary my
gloomy forebodings were dispelled, as much to my relief 1
caught a glimpse of, at any rate, three li\ely little black
specks ; little larger they seemed than bumble bees. Later
on I discovered four, but as I ne\er saw more than this num-
ber at a time, 1 concluded that two must have succumbed
during the storm, and it was not until September, when 1 caught
up all the Kails in order to ring and sex them that I found,
much to my surprise^ that six young Rails were alive and well.

{To be eoncludcd) .

The Endurance of Birds.

Bv \\KSLi.\ 1 . J'Aci,. F.Z.S., Etc.

{Continual I rum page 20).

The list given in the hrst instalment will bear careful
consideration from the blandpoini of the various signs placed

32 The Eiiduiaiuc of Birds.

aj^ainst respective species. I am i)erfectly aware that on this
topic there is by no means a unanimity of experience among
avicuhurists, for some of w hicJi local conditions and situation
may be a sufficient explanation, but there is much that is still
an apparent nivstery.

I sincerely hope that these notes (experiences) will be
folliQwdd. by others from the pens of a wide circle of avicul-
turists, also, that the subject will not Ije approached by any
attempt to prove any particular theory or particular school of
thoug'ht, but that simple, honest experience will be gi\en — from
such many valuable and instructive deductions should be
possible.

' ' Before altenipting U) 'gi\e any list of longe\ity among
the birds already listed, 1 will hrst endeavour to justify ivvo
of the signs used in the said list, viz. :

DAre best kept in an aviary which pcrniii.s uf ihciii being driven in ai

night and during periods of inclement weather.
fAre best taken indoors for the winter months.

1 will preface my remarks by staling that wherever the
facts refer only to one pair of birds, such will be stated —
ill the main these notes cover many pairs of each species
referred to, and,, of course, niiiny seasons.

Now to return' to the sign n. It will be noted under
this I have included all the Whydahs, yet I am perfectly
aware that many keep these outside all the year round and
succeed; yet 1 also know that many get most annoying losses
during the winter and early spring. My position is this, that
on the whole they are a robust group, and quite able to
bear out-door treatment in winter, but that there is one quali-
fying factor, viz.: they go out of colour during our winter,
and it is during or immediately after this winter-moult that
the losses occur; further, in a dry winter my losses have
been practically nil, but during a wet winter season scarcely
a AVhydah survived the early spring months. Of course, those
aviaries with roomy, well-lighted shelters fare the best, and
in my own aviary and those of others which have come within
the range of my observation, whether the season were wet or
dry, when the birds were driven in at night, and only let
out during the) day at the discretion of their owners, the per-

The Endurance of Birds. 33

centage of loss was very low indeed. This group of birds
flourishes at our London Zoo under the " shut in at night "
rkjimc

While I so write of the Whydahs, it will be noted that
not a single one of the twenty-three species of Weavers I have
listed bears this sign, although very many of them go out of
colour (moult) in mid-winter. I am not fully prepared with
a reason for this; it may be possible that the long tail plumes
entail a greater strain upon the bird's system than is the case
with the Weavers, yet I cannot accept this as a reason, though
at one time my collection, a fairly large one, consisted en-
tirely of Weavers, Whydah-s, and the Weaving Finches gener-
ally {Ploceidae) ; nevertheless I am face to face with the
fact that while, the Weavers pass the winter without any ap-
parent difficulty, the' losses among the Whydahs are fairly
numerous, especially during wet winters. Thus, whenever
possible, my Whydahs come indoors for the winter, as my
general aviary is not constructed on the '" night-drive " prin-
ciple.

Then certain of: the Finches and Buntings bear this
sign, too. Here I think there \vill be greater unanimity of
experience, as in our Journal there ha\e been manv articles
which seem to imply this; true, nearly every species so
marked has successfully wintered outside, but the evidence of
a single locahty, single season, or a single aviary, without
details, cannot be accepted as proving the case even for the
Southern counties of Great Britain. 1 have kept many ol
these out of doors all the year round, ^.g. my lovely little
Lavender-backed Finch {Spt'rnwpL-Ui castaneivcntris) passed
through its first winter in my out-door aviary perfectly well
(this winter had been dry but very severe, with long con-
tinued frosts); and was in spotless condition all the following
spring and summer. The succeeding autumn, winter, and early
spring, may be fairly described as mild, muggy, wet, and
my little Lavender-backed Finch succumbed. Even in excep-
tional liard dry winters, 1 have found that it is not during
severe frosts ot even diree and four weeks duration that birds
need their owner's care, ,or the period when losses distress him.
it is at the tliaw tliat the critical period arrives.

34 The Euditrancc of Birds.

lixcn at the risk of being considered prosy I must
name n few conditions under which <aviculturists may keep
birds during tlie winter niontJis, conditions which are not open
main l)ody of iheir fellow avics.

1. An aviary in an enclosed space, shut in by sui-
rounding buildings and thus sheltered from driving wind, rain
and snow, yet not debarred from sunlight.

2. An aviary in a sheltered position, in which the whole
of the flight is covered in, even though there be no shelter
attached.

I have no desire to weary my readers with too many
such statements ; these should suffice to make my meaning
clear. Of course there are other conditions common to special
localities, which modify or otherwise the risks of leaving
birds in undisturbed possession of their freedom in an outdoor
aviary during the winter months, e.g., the aviculturist whose
aviaries, some of the Sugar and Sunbirds could undoubtedly
infinitely better position for taking risks, than the one who
has to do his best with a sub-soil of clay. I think this
must suffice for the present for the sign (a), though reference
will again be made thereto later on.

To pass on to the sign (fj, which indicates that the
Ijirds are best housed indoors for the winter months. I think
but few of my readers will question my use of the dagger
in the list (ante p.p. 16-20). I must, however, state that
all the birds so marked were kept by me outdoors, usually
from Easter till the end of October.

It will be noted that the birds which come under this
heading are certain genera of the Tanagridac, certain Plocei-
dae, Sugarbirds, Sunbirds, Toucans, In very sheltered
aviaries, some of the Sugar and Sunbirds could undoubtedly
be wintered outside, but in our uncertain climate, with no two
winters alike, is the risk worth while? Of the Tanagers, the
genera Eiiphonia, Cloruphonia, and some Calliste should cer-
tainly be brought indoors, or at any rate only given the
range of shelter and covered flight ; at least that is my ex-
perience of them, though I liave kept most of them in fairly
roomy indoor flights, in an outdoor building, without artificial

The Endurance of Birch. 35

heat of any description, and very many of the others do well in
a "go as you please" out-door aviary all the year round ; for
instance, a pair of Blue Tanagers {T . cpiscopus) so lived in
my aviary ir and loj years respectively, Archbishop, Scarlet,
Black, Palm, and Maroon have proved similarly long-lived;
but I must not anticipate the longevity list. Individual avi-
culturists do hiuch 'to modify weather conditions, according to
the particular season, by, applying such paraphernalia as Arch-
angel toats, garden lights, etc., to exposed parts of A\c aviary,
and the individual who is prepared co take pains ace omplishes
what another fails to achieve.

The vicissitudes of bird-life are not confined to our
aviaries; true, our greatest foe is unseasonable weather, but
our feathered friends in their native wilds have to
pass through similar experiences. I well remember
reaiding sadly a few years ago in an American orni-
thological journal words to this effect. " I womleved
" what had become of our Blue Birds, none were visiting my
" lawn, nor were they in evidence in the district generally as
" usual. I visited some well known nesting sites, there were
" no birds, or only strays. I climbed to investigate, and
" from several such nest holes visited, I took five, si.x or more
' pitiful dead bodies, all having perished during the recent
" severe, unseasonable weather — from all over the districts
" reports of the scarcity of Blue Birds come in." Similar
conditions prevail among our native birds during unseasonable
periods — the evidence of dead bodies can be found if really
looked for. DuringI 191 5 in my garden here I picked up
from twelve to a score of bodies, plumage in exhibition
trim and no signs of injury; the species were mostly
Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings; I casually opened and
examined some of them and found evidences of pneumonia,
enteritis, and in one instance cheesy nodules, pointing to some
septic trouble. But 1 am getting off' the track and iiiust now
leave it to my next instalment to return thereto.

{To be continued).

?,^ PsepJwtits Parvakerts at Liberty.

Psephotus Parrakeets at Liberty.

Bv THF. Marquis of Tavistock.

{ConliniictI jroin pa<^c 13).

Until last year I had nc\er tried Hooded Parrakeets at
liberty, but having a hne acrlunatised pair and some spare
birds to fall back u])()n in case 1 lost them, 1 resolved to
make the attemj)!. I tiiercf'ore chose a tine still day in June,
put the hen out in a cage in a conspicuous place, opened the
aviary dooi;, and retired to the house to watch developments.
The cock soon made his exit and after flying about a little,
returned, as 1 had hoped to his imprisoned mate. He was
indeed a lovely sight as he darted about against a background
of flowers and green foliage. All the Psephoti are very grace-
ful on the wing, but the Hooded is the swiftest and most
graceful of them all, and the cock looked iiiorc like a great
butterfly than a bird as he flitted to and fro in his gorgeous
garment of black, yellow, and pale glittering blue.

For a time peace reigned in the garden and all went
well. A few old cock Broadtails dropped in for a hasty meal,
but they were too busy with family cares to think of inter-
fering with their new neighbour. Then the young Red-rumps
turned up and the cheeky little hen^ though only a few weeks
out of the nest, went for the Hooded almost as soon as
she saw him; but he soon sent her about her business, and
again everything was quiet. Half an hour later, however, a
more formidable enemy arrived on the scene in the shape of a
pair of Blue-bonnets. Like all their kind they were inquisi-
tive, mischievous and intensely spiteful, reigning practically
supreme in that part of the garden, the only rival they feared —
a cock Brown's — having removed himself elsewhere during the
nesting" season. Having driven oft" the Hooded after a brief
skirmish, the male Blue-bonnet and his mate began to climb
about the cage which contained the hen, greatly terrifying her
by their threats, insults, and hostile demonstrations. This was
too much for lier husband^ v/ho returned bravely to the charge
and a sharp battle ensued between him and the cock Blue-
bonnet. The latter had the advantage in size, weight, and

Psephofiis Panakeefs at Liberty. 37

power of bcalc. beside'^ being very active, but the Hooded
put up such a plucky fli&ht and was so quick on the wing
that he was actuary getting the best of i^ when the hen Blue-
bonnet turned the tables by coming to her inate's assistance.
Against the two the Plooded had no chance and matters were
ending in a nasty mix-up on the grounc? when I hurried out
and separated the combatants. To prevent the renewal of
hostilities, I was obliged to return the Hooded to the aviary.
I did not at all like doing so as she was then out of sight
of her mate, and also practically out of hearing, for Hoodeds
like Alany-colours, have weak voices and do not call much.
My fears were partly realized, for «'he cock grew restless and
finally flew av/ay over the house, making rne feel very anxious
indeed. Luckily, however, he again fell in with the young
Red-rumps and the second encounter seems to have been more
friendly than the first, for the next day he was accompanying
the hen who had treated him so unceremoniously on the occa-
sion of their first meeting.

A few days later I released the hen Hooded and for
a time the cock went back to her and was even seen to feed
her. Then for some reason he began to neglect her and was
more and more in the company of the young Red-rump, whom
he finally took up with altogether, leaving her to console her-
self with the Red-rump's brother. Both Hoodeds passed
througli the winter successfally out of doors, and at the time
of writing (June 191 5) the cock and the young Red-rump
are nesting in the same clump of trees as the latter's parents
— rather an odd proceeding considering the pugnacity of all
Psepliot' during the breeding season, for the clump is quite
a small one.

Pspphotus pi/lc/icrn'ini/s i\]\(.\ P. r/irysoptcrygius I have
never been fortunate enough to obtain. The former is now so
rare that it is doubtful if it will ever again be seen in this
country : the latter appears to be only a local race of the
Hooded, so there is no reason why it sh<^)uld not turn up
again some day.

The two remaining Pscp/iot/ ar( /•'. xaf/t/iorr/ioiis. the
Common or Vellow-vented Blue-bonnet, P. haematorrlious the
Red-\tiued Blue-bonnet, P. xnrit/iorrhoushas a. yellowish-olive

38 Psephotusi Panakerfs at Liberty.

patch on the win,q- niid pale yellow under the tail ; P. hae-
nuttorrlioiis lias a maroon uin^-patcli and red feathers under
the tail. In other respects the two forms are are alike and
intermediate \arieties are often met with.

Bli'E-Bonnets have little in common with the other
sub-genus in which they have been placed. The sexes are
practically alike in colour, the hen being only a shade smaller
and duller than her mate. Their habits are mainly arboreal,
and although rapid runners they don't freciuent the ground any
more than the Platycerci — if as much. The only characteristic
I have noticed as typically Pseplwtlne, is the habit which
male Blue-bonnets have of nibbling and caressing their mates'
heads The true Broadtails never behave in this way, but the
Red-rump and its allies do.

In disposition Blue-bonnets are I'v.'ly and playful; with
the exception of Mealy Rosellas they are the only Platycer-
cincs that often play. But they are dangerous in mixed comp-
pany, and murderously attack any bird, large or small, which
they are able to master. I'he majority of Broadtails fear them
and give them a wide berth, but individual Mealy Rosellas
and most Brown's Parrakeets are able to turn the table upon
them to some purpose.

I have only once had a tame Blue-bonnet. Like the
little girl in the rhyme " When she was good she was very
very good, and when she was bad she was horrid." The
circle of her friends was extretnely narrow and as I was not
allowed to enter it, I did not keep her very long.

A pair of Common Blue-bonnets formed part of the
first consignment of Parrakeets I ever tried at liberty. They
came rather late in the autumn and I feared they would
hardly survive the winter with cut wings — a needless appre-
hension for Blue-bonnets are more indififerent to cold than any
Parrakeet I know, and can be turned out of doors at any
time of the year, even when newly imported. The pair in
c[uestion moulted about mid-winter and proved to be good
stayers when their wings had grown. A second pair were
released full-winged, but one was found dead a few days
later. The survivor remained in the garden, for unmated
Blue-bonnets are far more contented than unmated Red-rumps.

Psephotus Parrakeeis at Liberty. 39

The followint,^ sprinj:;: the pair nested, but just about the
time when the younjj;- were clue to appear an outbreak of septic
fever — a disease to which Blue-bonnets are highly susceptible
— carried off both jxarents and the odd bird as well.

That winter 1 tried another pair, but they disappointed
me by strayihj^' off towards the end of February, staying in
the neighbourhood for a icw days and then vanishing com-
pletely. Unlike other Psephoti, Blue-bonnets seem well able
to fend for themselves, which probably accounts for their be-
ing far more inclined to wander when given full liberty.

About six months later I (jbtained a dozen Blue-
bonnets, which seemed perfectly well on arrival, but which,
as a matter of precaution, I kept for somci timic in strict
quarantine. It was lucky I did so, for in about a fortnight
they began to die from what may be called " grey-parrot "
fever, as it is the disease which carries off new imported (jrey
Parrots in very large numbers. The symptoms closely re-
semble those of septic fever, but ihc period of incubation i^
very much longer. Post mortem examination reveals the pres-
ence of a diplocoeeus in the blood, but there are none of
the small yellowish-white spots found on the internal organs in
cases of septic fever.

Some of the siik birds were sent to .Scothind in order
that th< nature and progress of their complaint might be care-
fully studied in a laboratory. .Although no special care was
taken of them after arrival, as their case was considered hope-
less, one individual actually recovered —a very rare event, as
Grey- Parrot fever is fatal in ninety-nine cases out of a
hundred.

Only a sint^le pair of HJuc-bonnels survived the out-
break and these I kept in an aviary until mid-winter. .\bout
tnat'time f received a particufarfy fine male P . Jiaematorrlious.
and after a few days 1 gave liini and the xaiitJmrrhoas cock
their liberty, believing that the presence of the hen would
induce them to stay, I was wrong, for the two gentlemen
were so pleased with each others' (■om])any thai they never
gave a thought to the imprisoned lady, and after indulging
with much ^usto in a spec ies of general engagement with
three Adelaides, a Pennant's, four Mealy Kosellas, two Brown'-,

40 Psephoiiis P'anakecfs at iJhcriy.

and a Kinij- thcv triok thcnisolvrs off ;ind were never seen
again! Cock Blue-lionnets. thou<;li they certainly dislike
their own kind less than other Parrakeets, are not, as a rule,
exactly what one would call friendly towards each other, so the
behaviour of these two was as unexpected as it was disgusting.

My luck had not been good, but the winter before
last 1 determined to have yet another try and released several
Blue-bonnets, with cut wings, in a grass quadrangle in the
centre of the house. Some u'andered off as soon as they
could fly, but others were promising to stay well, when the
unlucky introduction of a spaniel puppy brought the experi-
ment to an untimely end. A few of the birds were killed and
the rest were so badly frightened that only three— two cock
P. xaiitliorrlioiis and a hen //ae/?iaforr/ioas~dec\ded to remain.

In the spring I got another mate for the odd cock, and
turned her out with a cut wing. An unforseen complication
followed, for. before she was discovered by her intended mate,
a Yellow-bellied Parrakeet found her and promptly fell in
love with her. The Yellow-belly had been flying at liberty
for over a year, and had already paired with a hen Port
Adelaide bui his morals, I regret to say, were disgracefully lax,
and he ended by possessing C|uite a harem of wives, all of
which were of different species! His infatuation for the Blue-
Bonnets was as great as it was reprehensible, and he made
himself so insufferably unpleasant to the other cut-winged birds
in the same enclosure (which could not, of course, escape from
him), that I was compelled to remove the charmer and keep
her ini a cage until her wing had grown. I then released her
with the cock I intended her for, but it proved an unlucky
move as a few days later she strayed and took him with her.

The other pair stayed and nested, but produced no
young and are still in the garden after more than a year of
liberty. In spite of their rather pronounced inclination to wan-
der Blu(^-t)onncts have one great advantagcy — they are never killed
by Owls. Either tliey take care to roost in a very safe place
where they are not seen, or, as I think is more likely, they
make things so unpleasant for the midnight assassin when he
seizei: them, that he drops them like a hot coal, and ever
afterwards leaves them severely alone.

My Aviary and Gouldian Finches. 41

One word in conclusion : never keep a Pscphotus Par-
rtakeer in a Parrot-cage for any length of time; it is little
short of cruelty. Vone of tlie Platycercinae are suited to
close confinement; the Psep/iofi least of all. Their .spirits
droop their beautiful tail get frayed and bent, their feet
grov deformed and twelve months in durance vile will ruin
the finest specimen — twenty-four will probably kill it. If you
must kec]) a Psephotiis when you have no aviary acronimo-
dation. get a rectangular cage of zinc and wire-netting made
at least 3 feet by 2\ ftet, and 3 feet high. Have two
perches, one of medium size, the other quite, thin. Do not
forget to provide grit and baths, and to give plenty of green-
food, including small branches in leaf or bud. Except in the
case of Blue-Bonnets, you can generally put the greenstuff
in a vessel of water and thereby keep it fresh for quite a
long time. The birds will nibble off what they actually re-
quire, but will not pull the food all over the cage and upset the
water, as most Parrovs would do.

My Aviary and Gouldian Finches.

B\ Bernard C. Tiioma.sset.

iMv AviARV; Early in 1913, soon after 1 came to Ash-
mansworth, I decided to take up bird keeping again.

I was fortunate in finding two solidly built and roomy
pdgsties facing south. They backed on to a large farm build-
ing which completely sheltered them from the north.

After some alterations I had two aviaries under one
roof, consisting of two shelters, each 9ft. 6in., with two
flights I 4ft. X I oft.

I'nfortunately the shelters are low, 7ft. at back and 6ft.
ill front. i'he flights are 7ft. high and this makes it difficult
to drive birds nuo the shelter when desired.

To a Jieight of 4ft. the shelters have very thick walls of
Him and brick, above this they are double boarded. The
roof is of iron, boarded inside.

Each division is well lighted and has a wood and glass
door opening into the flight.

12 vW/ Aviary arid Gouldian Finches.

In summer these doors stand ojx-n, hut in winter the
hirds fly in and out through a small trap door, which can
be ch:)sed.

The flights are boarded two feet at the bottom and
above that consist of a light frame-work covered with wire-
netting. As the position is very wind-swept, I have since
sheltered the outer corners with glass lights and iron sheeting,
Ashmansworth stands about 800 feet above sea level, on the
top of the Hampshire Downs. The mean temperature is low
and we are subject to furious gales and a good deal of white
mist in winter. The soil is clay on chalk. Each spring
Scotch fir branches are fixed up thickly in the shelters, a few
are alsc put in the outer corners of the flight, where the top
is covered with iron. The only growing cover is afl'orded by
Jerusalem Artichokes,

In small aviaries I find bushes a mistake, as they
encourage birds to roost outside in winter. In winter I cut
down the artichokea and remove the fir branches from the
flights, and nearly all the birds sleep in the shelters.

The floors of the shelter sheds are of concrete, while the
flights are turfed, with a strip of gravel next to the shed.

All food is given in earthen pots, which are placed
in trays hung from the roof of the shelters, and a large
earthenware saucer of water is in each flight.

My Gouldian Finches: These have bred remarkably
well in my aviary during the two seasons.

I may say that I have only kept these birds in a small
way, but as no species has given more disappointment to
aviculturists, than the Gouldian Finch, any marked success
with it ought to be worth recording.

About twenty years ago I used to try to keep this
lovely species, but like most people, I found them very un-
satisfactory. In those days 1 tried to keep them warm, never
venturing to turn them out of doors. Invariably they died in
a few weeks or months.

Once, 1 had a present of a dozen privately imported
birds. They were in perfect condition, but they soon dropped
off one by one.

My Aviary and Gould Ian Finches. 43

I may say that the water supply of the part of Kent
where I then lived was strongly impregnated with lime— of
this more anon. '

In the spring of 191 3, I bought a pair of Black-headed
Gouldians with other birds from an East-end dealer— most of
the birds in that consignment (a large one) were in very
poor condition. I picked out a fairly good looking cock
bird, bu' of hens " bad was the best," and I had' to be con-
tent with a bald-headed puffed out little specimen. This little
misery has proved to be treasure.

These birds were caged and kept for a week indoors,
but soon, some Masked Finches were dead and as a last hope
I turned t^e survivors into the shelter of my newly built
aviary. Next morning 1 picked up the corpse of the cock
^iouldian, but the hen, in spite of chilly April weather, c|uickly
picked up and was soon in good health though poor feather.
{To be continued).

The Bird Trappers of the Riverina.

This article and illusiirations by Charles Barrett has been
reprinted from the Austral' an Magazine ^^ Life "' {Apl.^
1 91 4), with apologies to the author and publishers.
—Editor, ''Bird Notes."

The (ialah [Rose^'ite Cockatoo. — Ed. '" B.N'.'j has been
the subject of much controversy. Many naturalists regard the
bird as a farmer's friend; but wheat-growers declare that it
is a pest and should be destroyed. When in Riverina towards
the close of last year, I liad opportunities to study the Galah
«|Ucslion, I saw how the Cockatoos arc trapped, and heard all
the arguments in fa\-our of the \ lew that the spc(-ies should
be exterminated.

Without venturing any delinile opinion, 1 may say that,
if a commission, consisting of fanners and naiuialisis, with
an independent chairjnan, were appointed to deal with the
matter, the decision would probably be that the (lalah, like
the Starling, is clcsirable in some localities ;ind the reverse in
others.

The Bird -Trappers of the Riverina.

So far as trapping is roncorncd. I learned this: If
trappers do noi work amont^ the (lo ks of Galahs, farmers
complain that the " pests " arc " eating them out," and take
the law into their (»\\ii hands. They wage war against the
birds with guns and poisoned wheat. I heard frequently of
hundreds of Galahs destroyed in a day by one or other of
these methods. Gunnery is the least objectionable of the two.
The poisoned grain is eaten not only by the Cockatoos, but

III these hollow trunks and limbs of dead trees are hundreds ot (jalah nests.

also by birds that arc not generally considered enemies of the
wheat-grower. One species of Parrot, at least, formerly ab-
bundant in Riverina, is practically extinct, and the trapjjers
themselves blame poisoned grain. These facts I gathered
when travelling with trappers.

" When arc you coming to help me '"? asked a young-
farmer, as we drove the waggon across his home- paddock.
" The; bloomin' cockles are eating me out. There's millions
of 'em down in the crop." Wherever we went, similar re-
marks were made by wheat-growlers, and the trappers were
welcomed as friends in need when they out spanned, with in-
tention to work the nets at dawn. As a l)ird-lover, I was
worried to hnd the consensus of opinion agamst the Galah.
Any measure likely to keep the Hocks in check is considered
legitimate. At gun-club meetings, Galalis are shot in lieu of

The Bird-Trappers of the fiiverina. 45

pigeons, trappers being ]:)aid ninepence each for them. But
the great majority of the birds trapped are sent to dealers
in the city, who re-sell them to officers of steamers that trade
between European and Australian ports. Many thousands of
Cockatoos, ] believe go to Germany each year, and find a
ready sale at from 5s. to Ci a-piecc. Is captivity in a
foreign country preferable to death by poisoning or gunshot?
That is a cjuestion which I pondered (jften in Riverina.

One morning I was taken to a wheat-field to see, as
the (jwner expressed it, the " work of the blessed Cialahs."
There were perhaps a dozen birds fiymg over the wheat when
we arrived, bat none rose from the crop -if crop it could be
called. On every side, the stalks were broken- down, and the
grain had been stripped from the ears as if a machine had
been over the area. Nor could a handful of grain ha\e been
gathered easily; this was no place for gleaners. I was as-
sured that our (ialalis ahjne were responsible for the devasta-
tion. 'Ihis is the dark side of the lantern. Follows a flash
fron) the bright side. 1 quote from " Wild Life in Australia,"
by Mr. D. Lc Souef, C.M.Z.S., Director of the Melbourne
Zoological Gardens.

'■ Flocks of Rose-coloured Cockatoos or GalaJis were
frequently noticed feeding on the ground, and very pretty
they looked. Their favourite food seemed to be roots of a
native plant Microseris. Forsteri, and they also appreciate
grass-hoppers eggs, digging up many thousands of them . .
Hence Galahs should be protected as the farmer's friend."'

Personally, I would deeply regret the extinction of the
Gaiah even it it were proved that the bird does more iiann
than good. We must live and let live. To the true Xature-
lover nothing is "common"; he cares for the .S[).irr(i\\ , which
picks up a living in mean streets, as well as the Bird of
Faradisi;. 1' oriunately, there are no signs that the Rose-
breasted Cockatoo is dying out; on the contrary. In the
' uurse f)f a week's lr;i\(lhng ihrougli " Galah " country 1
saw enormous flocks, and ihou^xmdb ol nchling hollows which
were cither tenanted or had contained broods. My companion,
who knows vast areas of the Riverina as well as 1 know the

The Bird-'l rappers of (he RivcrUia.

geography of !my suburban gaKlcii, slated that the birds were
hi no danger of extinction. In fact, he thought there were
more now than there were lifteen or twenty years ago. So
much for the ethics of gahih-trapping.

A Riverina Tiajjpcr with his Net and Tame Dccuy Galah.

Having obtained permission to accc-mpany a party of
trappers, I packed up camera and plates in a rug, and
walked to my good friend's home. The waggon was standing
in the yard, and I exiamincd it with interest. The top-hamper
consisted of a huge cage— coarse wire-netting and frame of
liglit battens — divided into sections, and litted with dozens of
long bamboo perches. Beneath the cage was a locker, stored
with nets, tent, blankets, food-supplies, and so forth. Under
the seat in front was another locker, tilled with odds and
ends, cups, billies, rope, and other necessaries of a land-
voyage. In a compartment of the cage were two sleek
Galahs, the call-bitds, lacking which the trappers might as
well stay at home. More of these later.

Well, we started out against the wind, with the sun
blazing from a cloudless sky. Dust, until the roads were left

' The Bird-Trappers of the Riverina. 47

behind, was more trying even than heat or persistent ilies.
Hour after hour of weary travel, relieved b.y the sight of un-
familiar birds. Among the star-thistles I saw the lovely
Crimson-breasted Chat; Song- Larks kept rising from pools of
shade by fence-posts, and Wood-Swallows were numerous
everywhere.

Wc were grateful when the day's joiirney ended in a
timbered paddock, v.licre the branches of old gum-trees llung
purple shadows on the parched ground. Our camping siiot
was near a farmhouse, and it was not long ere we recei\ed
visitors. To the question, '"Any Calahs about?" the answer
came, " Plenty over in the crops." But the trappers did not
begin the work of setting nets until night.

There was only misty moonlight, and the men, working
at the nets appeared as flitting shadows; but I could hear the
tapping of mallets on iron stakes, and subdued voice.-^. The
effect was weird. Far off, a light in camp glimmered no
bigger than a fireily on the sight ; leaves rustled faintly in
the night wind. Returning to the waggon, we smoked (for
a while, and then lay down. Mosquitoes and other insects
did their best to keep us wakeful, but before midnight we
were sleeping.

It was still dark when I awoke, to hear my companions
moving about quietly. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I
joined them, and together we hurried to the crop paddock,
where the nets had been set overnight. Behind one of the
shelters from which the nets are operated, with two other
watcher.1 I awaited dawn and the coming of the Galahs. An
hour passed uneventfully, and the cramped position behind
the bag-screen was becoming irksome. But no sooner did
the eastern sky flush rose-pink— the colour of the galaJi's
breast—than the birds began to appear. In twos ami threes
at flrsl they came, flying swiftly from the trees .ilong the
creek, ther- in flocks of thirty or forty. The air was full of Coca-
toob. It was wonderful to see thi> assembling over the wheat
of a host of beatitiful bird;. As they wheeled and dived,
the sunlight, feeble as yet, shone softly on gre> and rose-
tinged ijlujnage. Once or twice, some magical tuiK h ol the
bun transfonned a bird into a living form of sdvcr,

The Bird-Trappers of the Rivcrina.

which seemed lo float in the blue. But tlic iiarsli cries oft the
Cockatoos put al' oik ^- dreams to flight.

Foi- awhih' none of the Galahs came near a net. Then
till- ( all-birds became vocal, and the trappers crouched lower,
intent, keen-eyed, and ready to act. From the shelter I

An Alijino Galah. These freaks of Nature are worth from .C5
apiece upwards.

watched a flock alter its line of light, and steer for the net,
attracted by the notes of the call-birds. The wild, free,
Galahs answered their captive fellows, hesitated for a
few minutes, then dropped down on to the unseen net. In-
stantly the rope controlling the release was pulled by a
trapper, and a babel of bird-voices arose. Ten out of about
thirty Galahs were caught. )

One by one the new captives were taken from the
net and placed in a box behind the shelter. Great care was

The Bird-Trappers of the River'ina. 49

used in securing the birds, liecause a snap from the beak of
an angry Cockatoo is apt to cause a sev^ere wound. I did
not v^enture to help the trappers, but was glad to sec that
they handled the Galahs as gently as possible.

Four times in the course of an hour the nets were sprung.
with varying results. Over eighty birds altogether were
captured; hundreds escaped the nets. When the early sun-
shine hours have passed, the galahs lea\e the feeding grounds.
Daylong the trappers enjoy leisure; their work is at night and
dawn. 1 '

Returning to the waggon, the men transferred their
captives from boxes to the big cages, where food and water
awaited them. Some of the birds, naturally, were sulky for a
time, but they soon became reconciled to the new conditions.

While the transfer was in progress, one young bird
managed to win freedom.

"Good luck to you, old chap!" said the trapper, as
the bird flew, screeching, over the tree-tops. " You deserve
to go."

The trappers may r(>main on the plains for two or
three weeks, moving from one place to another. The birds
soon become wary, and it is of little use to attempt trapping
at one spot on two successive mornings. W'hen a sufficient
number of birds to form a " consignment '" has been captured,
a member of the party takes them to the town, his comrades
staying in camp. Every care is used; the C^ialahs are well
treated, and I was told itiat it was rare for any to die while
in the trapper's charge, or during the journey to Sydney. On
the voyage overseas, however, deaths probably occur. Large
numbers of Finches and other small lairds that are exported
from Australia, perish miserably ai sea. Cockatoos, however,
are more easily fed than the "' small fowles/' and are hardy
withal

I wonder whether the German frau, who teaches her
[)el cocky to say, ■" (iretchen," ever feels curious as to its
I)lac(.' of nativity? Does she know that it was born in a dark
hot hollow in the trunk or limb of a gum-tree, growing on
the bank of the Riverina stream? I'erhajjs not. But if only

50 The Bird -Trappers^ of the Rlvcrlua.

the bird could t(-ll its story, instoad of merely repeating words
of which it does not know the meaning! It it harder for
an Australian Coikatoo to utter (lerman words than to say.
Scratch poor cocky," or " Give cocky a nut "?

Some of the men who traffic in Galahs and Parrots
are fearless climbers. Collecting fledglings is another phase
of the business, more arduous than trapping. All the nesting
trees are known, and when the time is ripe, each is visited.
Some of the hollows are low down, and the young birds can in
such cases be obtained without any difficulty. But when the
nest-hole is in a lofty branch, or high up in the trunk of a
dead tree, the climber's skill is displayed.

During my Riverina trip I saw a young man conquer
several giant gums that few would care to tackle. He used a
bit of stout rope, flung round the trunk of the tree, and the
ends held in either hand. Barefooted, he worked his way up-
ward so quickly that I was not ready with the camera when
he had reached the top boughs. Expert climbers prefer dead
to living' trees . because the boughs of the latter are more
likely to break. Sapless limbs are tough. Still, the men
do nor shirk dangerous trees if there is anything to be gained
by climbing them. The life of a bird-trapper is not hard
but h^? has to take some risks, and that of falling from a tree,
through a bough breaking, is one of them.

One morning Jack came back to camp, after the usual
dawn- work, with the news that there was a white Galah among
a flock that he had been observing. He vowed that he would
capture the albino before leaving the locality, but failed to do
so. He may, of course, have succeeded on a second expedi-
tion.

I.alct ir the day I saw the albino in company with
about 300 normal birds. It was conspicuous, the white wings
flashing bravely wherever it went. White Galahs are rare,
and J- 3 would not be regarded as an exorbitant price for a
perfeci specimen. I have seen only two of these albinos in
captivity — both taken as fledglings from the nest — and they
excited admiration. But I would not say that their beauty is
greater than that of the ordinary galah. We are apt to be
deceived by the rarity of an object. Even a plainsman, who

■4a

The Bird-Trappers of the River in a.

cares nothing for the common form, would probably be eager
to possess an albino bird.

Strangely enough, at several of the farmhouses where
I receivec'. hospitality, and at a boundary-rider's hut here and
there Galahs were kept as pets. In some instances, the birds

\\ hfrc the Parrots Nest. Author at the ncsi of a Galah ; a second
nest-holc is seen higher up the trunk and there is a third
near tlu- t(i[).

were caged; but one lady at least showed me a number of
t,-ime wild-birds. Several of these arc (jalahs, which are at lib-
erty to come and go at will. They are away with the flocks
dxiring the greater part of the day. and return to the home-

52 Correspondence .

stead towards dusk. 'J'hcy have favourite perrhing-jjlaces close
to the house. On e.xcellent terms with the lady who won them
with kindness, the birds will have nothing to do with strangers.
They were suspicious of tKp camera, and nearly an hour was
occuDied in obtainin.L; a iihotograph, which includes only two
birds.

At this pleasant homestead 1 would gladly have Img-
ered but plans had to be carried out, and we were on the
track before noon of the second day. Tliiit is one of the
penalties; of making even little journeys. One meets friendly
folk for a day or two then it is good-bye. Welcome and
farewell. It is the same with places. A spot where one has
rested or seen some rare bird, flower, or e.xquisite group of
trees, becomes fixed in memory; it may never be visited
again. This is rather a qua-nt ending to an article on Galah.
trapping; but then, you know, I am a chronicler of impres-
sions

Correspondence. ^

INDIGO X i\0.\PARL:IL bunting tiVHRlDS.

Sir, -It may ba of interest to state that I caged one of these
hybrids, It is a dock, a charming, tame little bird.

Already he shows much blue in his plumage, chiefly on the head,
throat, and back. The belly is clear yellow, and the breast yellow flecked
with blue. I think that long before three years he will be in adult
plumage

He sings very .sweetly, and his song is ntuch more sustained than
that of his Indigt' father. The latter's song always reminds m<; of that
of our Chaffinch.

The other hvbrid is outside with a hen Ni>n]iartil, wiili i\hich I
hope he may pair.

I fear they will be agressivc birds in a mixed aviary my caged
bird, which is often let out in the room, persecutes ;i Roller Canary,
when they are loose together.

Ashmansworth, 3i/'i/'i6. BERNARD C. THOMASSET.

1 The Indigo is evidently dominant in these hybrids ; but as many
Nonpareils which- have been imported into this country in nesting plumage, do
not come into full colour (adult plumage) till the second or third nimilt fol-
lowing their importation, it is just possible that more of the Nonpareil may
be indicated in their plumage after later moults — we hope Mr. Thomasset
may lie abU: to kee[) them long enough to show whether such is the case
or not. — El).]

Bird Notks.

Pln,l,^ \V. S/nnr liaih,.

Necklace Dove brooding Younu.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

The Breeding Season 1915, in Boyers House

Aviaries.

''y W. Shore Baily.
{Concluded from page 27).

My Diamond Doves, too, were a failure, a most un-
usual experience witli nve. but 1 think that a change of blood
was wanted here, as this species so seldom fails— it is one
of the most chaiTning of the Dove-tribe.

Neither Bleeding- Heart nor Cape (Masked) Doves
attempted to nest.

Necklace Doves were quite a success, eight really strong
young ones being reared, I'our hybrids were also success-
fully reared from a male Necklace mated with a Seneg"al
Tuitle Dove. The hybrids are very pretty birds, favouring
the Senegal in size and colour, but having a spotted collar
like the Necklace; the spots, however, are black and bronze in-
stead of black and white as with the latter bird. I exhibited
one of them at the recent Holborn Show.

I'INCHKS: .Among these the Zebra I'inches were the
most prolilic, one pair rearing fourteen young (jnes, and
strange to say all the nests were open cup-shaped ones {vide
plate), being constructed either ui boxes or shrubs; thus
niiit(C-riiilly differing from the domed nests constructed in Dr.
Lovell-Keays' aviaries (The domied nest is typical of the species
-Ed.]. Late in October at least four pairs of these young
l>ird^■ were incubating at the same time, and all in open cup-
shaped nests. Chi( ks were hat( hed, but the bad weather in
November killed them alll.

The story of my success with Black Seed-fniches has

.54 Season 1915 /// Bayers House Aviaries.

Zebra Fincli Incubatin;:

■ „,„ „ , ..., . ,ij^,}

Zebra Finch at Xesl

Pliotos 11'. Shore Baily,

Season 1 9 1 5 //; Bayers House Aviaries.

already been told: in all they nested three times. On the last
occasion the nest was constructed in an old wooden travelling
cage. Three young birds left the nest, but only one was fully
reared. I have noticed with insect-eating birds that the first
to leave the nest is the strongest, and usually gets nearly all
the food, the others dying from neglect.

Sulphury Seed-eaters nested twice, fully rearing one
young one on each occasion.

P^^^ip^BQ 1 ^^^^^^1

p^ - * . '.^Jf^-.'-'j^ . 1 1 n^^^^l

fli

1 . ." j^-~j '

IrH

j^Bj

J^H^Hfl'J

mfiB

'K'^H^^H

Impost

frnj^H

-'^'J^^^l

^^^^^I^^Ei^B

Phot.i W. Shore Baily,
Black Seedfincli Entering Nest.

Saffron Finches and Yellow Sparrows also had two
nests each, fully rearing three young birds at their last at-
tinij^'ls, which took p1;i(e in October.

Full details of tlie rearing of the other small birds
have already a])pearcd in our Journal.

My Aviary and Gouldian Finches.

Hv Bkrnard Thomassett.

A liitlc later I got a be;iutiful Red-hcad-cd cock, which
did well from llu- lirst. .\'o signs of nesting were noted but,

50 ^y Aviary ntid Gouldiau Finches.

when clearint^' out iifst boxes in the autumn, several f\!4t;s were
found. I

The pair of birds remained in the out-door aviary until
the middle of January, roostini4- i'l the shelter which is un-
heated. Finally, after a night when we registered i 8 degrees
of frost, I caught and caged them, thoug^h I cannot say that
they seemed to suffer from the cold.

I do not possess a bird-room, and those birds which
cannot stay out have to live in my smoke-room. It is a
cheerful room with windows facing S.E., and S.W., and is the
only moderately warm room in a very cold house. Here the
Gouldians occupy an all- wire cage jOin.. x i 5in. x 2 Sin high.
It is furnished near the top with a small twiggy branch at
one end and a thickish perch at the other. Between these the
birds have space to fly, A pot containing white millet and
Canary seed, and an earthenware saucer of water are on the
floor of the cage, and a spray of millet is hung from the top.

By-the-bye, they are most pleasant birds in a a room, very
lively and cheerful, the cocks constantly singing their ridicu-
lous little song and they never scatter their seed. Long-
tailed Grassfinches I find unpleasant as cage birds. In a
room they are dirty and untidy and they never get tame like
Gouldian Finches. While in the cage the Gouldians moulted
and when turned out in May, 1914. they were in perfect plum-
age and condition. They soon uent to nest in a small box
hung on a roof beam in the shelter, and the first brood of
five flew in July. After the young birds left the nest the cock
took entire charge of them. The hen soon began to lay
again and in late August a second brood of six left the nest
to be followed, quite late in October, by the last batch, this
time of two birds.

As the weather was wet and cold and as I had found
that, on leaving the nest, the young ones lived entirely in the
open flight, I thought it best to bring parents and young
indoors.

The hen bird was soon caught, but the cock was so
swift on the wing that it was some time before I secured him.
Catching birds with a net always seems to me a brutal busi-

My Aviary aijd Gould ian Finches. 57

ness; in this case it proved to be a fatal one. Next morning
the bird was jdead from what proved to be haemorrhage of the
brain. The 'good little hen sticcessfully reared the two young
ones in the cage, bringing her score for the year up to
thirteen. ' ! '

About equal numbers of the young proved to be red-
and black-headed birds.

During the winter I was able to buy a Black-heade'd
cock from one of our members.

Last spring the birds were put out on the '5th May.

They must have gone to nest at once, as on the 14th I
found four eggs in the old nest-box.

The first brood flew on June 24th (six of them), fol-
lowed by five imore on August i 5th, and another six flew on
^)clober 14th.

I caught and caged all the family as soon as the
chicks began to leave the nest. This time without murdering
the father. The parents commenced to feed the young ones a
few minutes after they were in the cage and all were reared.

I fancy that the reason why my Ciouldians have nested
in spring, and not waited until late summer or autumn, is that
the change of temperature and surroundings from an out-door
aviary to a- sitting-room, throws them into moult. They
complete their moult during the winter and by May they are
in breeding condition.

I believe that hard water causes the death of many of
thcst' i)irds. Here our only water supply is 'rai'n water. Where
clean rain water cannot l)c obtained it would be adxisablo
to boil llie drinking water.

When feeding young, Gouldian Finches consume large
(|uantiti('s of seeding grass, and, I find that perennial rye grass
is tlieir favourite kind, next to that they like couch grass,
Canary seed, white millet and spray millet should always be
supplied with cuttle bone and crushed C'^\^ shells.

OcS - NrsfiriiT and Rcar'mrr of I.aiutraih in Captivitv.

Some Observations on the Nesting of Landrails

in Captivity.

By Gerald E. Rattigan.

{Continued from paifc 28).

Two of ithese young birds were always tamer and more
confiding than the others, which soon learned to take special
tit-bits from my hngers without any hesitation. The others
would only appear on my concealing myself, when they would
very cautiously creep out of the surrotmding grass only to
disappear instantly on my slightest movement, but as I have
already observed I never saw more than four at a time and
only rarely more than three.

For the first three days the chicks used to take their
food from the bill of their mother, but soon learned to forage
for themselves, and it was amazing to sve them tackle a worm
as big in length or even longer than thcmsehcs without any
difficulty. After feeding the two bolder chicks, which always
followed her to the feeding dishes, she always used to fill
her beak v^ith as much provender as she could carry and take
it ofi" to the rest of her brood, who were lying hid, and ex-
pectantly waiting in the long grass somewhere near l)y. In
this way she would make many and rep::^atcd journeys until
their wants had been satisfied, when she would finally partake
of a hearty meal on her own account. The hen at this time
displayed the most lively concern on my entering the aviary,
running at 'me in a curious crouching attitude with her beak
wide open, and making the while a peculiar hissing noise. The
hen also utters; a quamt sorf of sound when calling her brood,
a kind of subdued " Hu, Hu. Hu," which, though delivered
in a very low tone, yet carries a sur])rising distance.

The cock ceased " craiking " as soon as the young
were hatched, and from this time until the young were full
grown, he led a most harassed and miserable existence. He
took no part in the duties of incubation, nor was he permitted
to take any part in the subsequent rearing of his family, 1 say
' not permitted " advisedl)-, for I firmly believe that had he
been granted the opportunity he would have taken the greatest

Nesting and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity. 50

interest and prido in his offspring. The poor fellow used
to sneak up occasionally, and watch his family, with a truly
benevolent and paternal expression, from a safe coign of
vantage, but woe betide him if discovered, his spouse would
dash at him like a veritable \irago and rain a shower, of
blows upon his devoted head, untd lie reached the kindly
shelter of a clump of pampas grass to which he always made
heltei -skelter.

His sole contribution tf) the raising of the family ap-
pears to be his heroic, though entirely misplaced, vocal effort,
which only continues while the hen is actually incubating, for
the moment the chicks are hatched, it ceases. To this unfor-
tunate belief of his possibilities as a songster may, perhaps, be
traced the irritability of his spouse, who at all other times and
seasons, be it said, is a most placid and good tempered
creature. The poor( fellow, there is no doubt, thinks quite
honestly thai his nightmare of a serenade will cheer her up.
He reasons it out, 1 take it, something like this: "She must
(eel very bored and dull sitting there all day long on those
wretched eggs, and is probably both stiff and cramped to boot,
sc> 1 will jusl tvy and cheer her up with a bit of a song."

I don't mean to say that all cock birds think like this,
for I am sure they don't: my last cock didn't, for instance,
he was a real brute and took a perfectly fiendish delight in
his diabolical noise, I'm sure; but the bird 1 have now is a
young one. i)robably in his fTrst nesting season, and had all
the loving ardour of the newly wed. That he " sang " out of the
be>t of motives, is_, 1 submit, clearly proved by his manner of
singing. He starts gaily —lighthearledly enough, but after
(hree " ( raiks "' i)auses, e\idently hoi;ilied at the re-^ult n( hi-)
efforts, then comes one more dispairing effort (it ma\- ha\ e
been my imagination, of course, but it always seemed to me
that the linal " < raik ' ended in a note ll.al was almost a wail
of despair). After Avhich, now evidently thoroughly shocked
and frightened at the horrible result of his efforts, he prob-
ably coiK luded that he must have caugdit a bad thill or some-
thing, hastily dec ides to give his voice a rest and relapses,
until the following day, into a gloomy silence, when the same
jnanauvres aie gone through ome more. It \\a^ ipute pathetic

60 Nesdng and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity.

and I felt really sorry for the poor fellow, he seemed to feel
his failure as a vocalist so keenly, and yet always started off
so hopefully and cheerfully at his next attempt, showing what
a persevering and sanguine disposition he possessed, ^.s soon,
however, as the chicks hatched out and the hen was free to
do so, she quickly put an end to it all and must, I fear, have
told him, with ])lain and brutal bluntness that his voice was
no gooa and never would be any good for anything except for
frying onions, for from that day his efforts ceased entirely, and
never again did he indulge in a solitary '" craik " even when
courting her again, as he did later on in the season (pairing
obslerved to take place on July i8th). His spirit was
thoroughly broken.

On several occasions I endca\'oured to obtain some
snap-shots of the family party, but although opporlua'.t.es
for a good picture were not wanting, all my attempts, I am
sorry to say, ended in failure, probably because the camera.
a vest-pocket Kodak, with which I was operating, waj hardlv
suitable for the purpose.

Some of the chicks were always noticeably dari^er tlian
the others and all grew very rapidly. On examining the chicks
on Julv 7th, the plumage was as follows : Black lines extend-
ing from each side of the neck down the flanks, flights, and a
streak over the eye brown (blackish stripe or Imc below
down centre of breast), remainder of plumage smoi-cy ]:)lack,
presenting rather a, patchy appearance.

On July I 3th they w ere almost as large as their parents,
and brown distinctly predominated in their plumage, though
the black lines (down flanks and centre of breast still remained.

On September 5th, I caught up all the 'rails for, the
purpose of ringing and sexing them and the young were at
this time practically indistinguishable from the old hen.

The sexes, even at this age, appear easy to separate,
hens having much more snaky looking heads and riner beaks;
the beaks of the cocks appearing much more wedge shaped.

The young chicks were fed as under: —
Spratts' chicken meal or alternately " Banto."
" Life " food: 100 earthworms in the morning, and an-

Sle sting and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity. 61

other I oo about 4 p.m.
Live ants" eggs and Q^g (hard boiled) and breadcrumbs.

The diet for the lirst tliree days, however, appeared to
consist entirely of earthworms, and I believe these to !je an
absolutely necessary item of the diet, for the first few weeks
at all c\ents. Curioush- enough the sexes were equally divided
amongst the young, three cocks and three hens. All of them
were disposed of. mostly to our members, in whose aviaries.
1 tru.-^i \hv\ will suc( (' ~>tulh' rcai' young this coming -^casun.

i wili end uitli the further pious hope that they (the
menlber^ in question I will be a^ lucky as I was this year in
llieir cock b'.rd.!

The Story of my Black-headed Gull.

1)V Fraxk Dawson-Smitii.

Soir.e \ear. age I recei\ed from a friend in Lauta.-^hire
a large lra\eliiiig lianqx'r conlaiuing various sea and Thore
birtis. Among them were three (lulls. Two of these were
Kill. wake-, and the ihirti was supposed to be a iUat k-headed
(.u!l ill winler plumage. It is the story of the lasl-nanifd that
I will now relate. I must preface my remarks by sa>iiig that
lie was duiib(jd " Blai k-headed OuU" for want (^1 a truer
dclinilion : but he was not pur ct simple of that breed. ()ne
aviculluribt who saw him ga\ c his opinion that he. was a
" Peach dull." Xob<xly could place him exactly. Two fairly
expert opinions declared him to be a Masked Gull, and I am
inclined to agree that this was the most correct description.
He was much smaller than the ordinary niack-headixl (iull.
and his summer head plumage was not black, but brown, and
it did not cover his head beyond the front i)art like a mask.
Added to this he was extremely pugilistic and ciuarrclsonic
with other birds, whether of his own r)r ditit'erent species, while
an ordinary Black-headed (iull is almost invariably gentle
and friendly. My mysterious friend was ( uriously marked. In
place of the usual spot on the side of the head, he possessed
two concentric rings of black- like two bars. And he was
at once given the name of " Jiarred Head," An adult bird

62 The Story of a Black-headed Gull.

when received, he did not approve of being confined to the
lawn with a clipped wing, and made sundry attempts to escape
into the larger freedom outside the grounds. All his
attempts in this direction proved futile, as his fame had
rapidly spread, and he was invariably brought back by some
wayfarer, who had met him ion 'the high road isometimes a coii-
sidierable distance fromj home. This restlessness, however,
ceased suddenly, land for ever, after a terrible adventure which
befell him one bitter winter day. A deep earthenware pan
of fresh Water had been placed in the run and Barred Head
leaped on to the rim, and thence into the water, where he
splashed about happily until the pan was nearly empty. That
proved his undoing. For, alas ! with the water nearly all
gone, and the sides of the pan nearly perpendicular, and very
slimy and slippery, he could not get out. There was nothing
to afford purchase for his feet and there he had to remain
for, I suppose, many long hours, before he was discovered.
To add to his distress it was freezing hard, and only the in-
cessant movement of his little feet kept the water from freez-
ing as liard as a rock. WTien I found him, his case seemed
hopeless. He Xvas lying on one side, unable to move and
quite paralysed by the biting cold. I lifted him gently and
carried him, apparently lifeless, indoors, and placed him in
a warn', flannel-lined basket by a good fire. The heat restored
the arrested vitality in his poor little legs, and he slowly re-
covered, and presently was able to totter weakly about. The
immediate effect of this dreadful experience was to eliminate
all desire to escape, and he gave his parole dhonnear not to
try again. Thenceforward he settled down quite happily and
contentedly on the lawn, and, as if to show his gratitude for
the tender care and nursing he had received, he became most
friendly and sociable. He would run and meet me the moment
I called himl and did all in his power to show that he was
my pal — staunch and true.

During the tiay he ran loose about the lawn and
gardens and indulged in frec|uent bathing in a large shallow
tank, kept for the use lof my waders. But always, at dusk — or
rather an hour bef|ore dusk — he went^ of his own accord, into
a large, enclosed run, where he spent the night.

According to my experience Black-headed Gulls are

The Story of a Black-headed Gull. 63

not by any means pugnacious but Barred-head was a law unto
himself. He allowed no other bird in his run or on the lawn.

I tried to introduce a mate, but he chivvied them all
unmercifully, and a smaller bird '.vas disposed of instantly. It
was amusing to watch him sparring with a pet Curlew, who
kept him at a respectful distance with the aid of his long bill,
in quite a scientific style. Barred-head would make frequent
charges at the Curlew, but the latter parried him with his
long curved bill, much to Barred-head's disgust and chagrin.
He then trier" a venture in the fighting line with some orna-
mental Ducks, but there was " nothing doing. " Xe.vt he
experimented with an Oyster Catcher, and this time he came
off victor, leaving the poor Oyster Catcher dead. I found the
conqueror strutting beside his victim hysterically singing his
"ihymn of hate." After this exhibition of Munnishncss I took
p;rompi and ilecisiNe action to prevent similar actions, and the
p.ujgnacious little fellow was compelled to exist in splendid
isolation. This was a severe punishment for the belliger-
ent, who, after being " cock of the walk," had nothing left
to fight. And this must have afforded him food for refiect-
tion. As there was no more " strafing " it was better to
discuss terms of peace, and secure a friend if possible. This
required deep cogitation as to what bird should be allowed to
share his solitude. No bird of his own size could win his
favour, and no smaller bird would survive the ordeal. We
■finally decided to experiment with a Heron, and Barred Head
at once accepted his friendship. It was really cjuitc extra-
ordinary to watch these two chums. If the Heron came out
of the run first, he would stand still on the lawn, and utter
a call in his. deep voice, and keep on ailing until Barred
Head joined him. They were inseparable, and were always
to be seen together.

In the spring the bars on the head disappeared and then
the dark brown mask formed over the face and front of the
head. This plumage was retained until August, when the
bar.s reappeared. The photographs show botii wmter jud
summer plumage. It was when the breeding plumage was
assumed dial he exhibited his greatest pugnacity. At this
season the sight of any bird in his vicinity would rouse all

The Story of a Black-hcadcd Gull.

his natural fighting instinct. lie would lower his head and
slowly advance at the enemy, the while he gave \ent to a
deep " rattling '" cry, probably a challenge or war cry. As
the years passed he formed other friendships, one being
with a Jackdaw. The two would sit on the lawn — a study in
balck and white. Another favourite was a Circat Black-backed

rhnlu /•'. D,nrKt,i ynvlh.
" Baircd-Head '"^.Summer i'lumage.

(luU, whom he followed abou: pacilicaKy. On one memorable
occasion he met his master. I had somewhat thoughtlessly
pLic cd a Ricliardsoji'b Skua in his run, temporarily. Fntil I
ixnnoved the new comer to other quarters, poor Barred Head
had. a rough time. Not chat they actually fought. They
didn't. It wasn't necessary, as the Skua completely held sway,
and overawed Barred Plead. The Skua would stand in a r-tiff
straight, uncompromising atthude, dancing on tip toe. He
then opened his beak wide, and let Barred Head know his
undiluted opinion of him. Barred Head lowered his head and
tlirust his neck out, while all his feathers became ruffled, and
an aiMusing co!loqu\ ensued. Evidently it had become a
slanging match, in which butli combatants "strafed," and

The Story of a Black- headed Gull. 65

ne'!:her livlcned.

For food Barred Head would cat anythin.a: and every-
thing. His staple diet was fish rut up into small pieces.
Cheese was g^rcatly relished as a treat. But his favourite
meal was a handful of live minnows placed in a bowl of
water. As soon as he spotted tlicm he fished them lUit and
swallowed thfm one afler another before you could say " icnife."

Dear little I'arred Head remained a much bclov-'-d
mi.-nibcr of cnir family foi man\" years ; a lamv. and li;aut:tui
pel. Neither sunnn-r heat nor winter cold troujicd h'm. Me
was always .the same. The only chang'e beinp;" h; liead mark-
ings as the seasons cam(^ and w -nr.

riniln F IhlH-suii Smilh.
" Barred-Head "—Winter Plumage.

Then one direful day fate drew near in the shape of a
fox. The brute stole into the grounds at night and burrowed
a hole into the run where my little friend was asleep, and
poor Barred-head's " number was up.'* I have had many
Black-headed Gulls, but never one that gave me the pleasure
and interest which my little Barred-head gave. His loss
could never be replaced, and he will always be remembered

66 The Story of a Black-headed Gull.

with true affection for his tameness, and for the curious and
most interesting study he afiforded. Dear little Barred-head!
Black-headed (iulls arc well known, and in the winter visit
the bridges which cross the Thames in London, and also in
St. James' Park in large numbers. They become very tame
and will even seize scraps of food from a person's outstretched
fingers. If a scrap of food is thrown into the air it is dex-
terously caught before it reaches the water. Their flight is
very graceful and it is a fine sight to see them gliding and
'swooping around. In early spring these Gulls repair to their
breeding situations, which are usually found in marshy places,
often far from the sea. They are sociable birds and are
found breeding in colonies. Three eggs are usually laid —
sometimes four, and incubation begins about the first week
in May. Tho eggs are frequently gathered and eaten and
no doubt they are xery palatable and welcome to the people
who live near the galleries. Many colonies breed in Moorland
districts m the north of England and Scotland, and are said to
destroy Grouse eggs, but the last accusation is very doubtful.
They undoubtedly eat large cjuantities of insects and other
harmful pests, and must do a considerable amount of good in
this way. I often watched Barred h a.l c.-.c/getically employed
in catching them on the lawn. His little feet positively
"twinkled" during his quick rushes, then a sudden "snap"
and a fly, giiat or other pest had departed this life.

When I see a Black-headed Gull it invariably recalls
tender, regretful, memories of the spotlessly clean little Barred-
Head, who endeared himself to everybody by his' quaint char-
acteristics. You see I can't keep away from him in this
article; even when I make a determined effort to talk abouf
Gulls in general I find myself again specialising in Barred -
head in particular. Anyway this is a story about him, isn't it.-^
So he deserves the major part — and has it I A Seagull is at
all times a beautiful creature, but never so much so, as when on
the \\ing. As I conclude these notes the following linos
occur to me. They are wonderfully descriptive of a SeagulTs
flight:

*■ \\ lid wave- wanderer,
Precipice- ponderer,

The History of the BiidE!;engar. 67

Haunter of Heaven and searcher of seas
Tlut" not for wonder born.

Through ch)uds asunder torn,
Heedless of horror, with sirkle-like ease."

The History of the Budgerigar.

Bv P:. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.A., Etc:

In the history of the Budgerigar as a cage-bird, two
dates at least may be taken as accurately fixed, (i) that of
its first importation alive (1840); (2 "Ithe first appearance on
the English show bench of the blue variety, November, i 9 1 o,
but between them there i'- niuih that remains still uncertain or
at any rate not generally known, for instance, the first breeder
in captivity, the origin of the yellow and blue varieties, etc.

Dr. Russ, in "Die Papagien," the third volume of his
monumental work on Foreign Cage-birds, devote^ more than
30 closely printed pages to this bird, in which he gives as is his
wont, a 'full, practically encyclopaedic, account, dealing with it-
history, breeding, description, varieties, price, etc., in fact with
everything connected with it, and as complete a record as pos-
sible, hue being in German, and forming part of four large
volumcL is not open to all, it wtrald, however, amply repay
tTi..np!alion by any a\i(-ulturist who has plenty of time on
his hands and a knowledge of German, as indeed would the
whole work, which is a \eritable mine of information on all
things pertaining to Foreign bird keeping.

Moreover too, even this account of Russ", comprehensive
as il is, does not give all the information one would like, nor
does it entirely disperse the mists, which one may say seem to
hang over the middle history of the Budgerigar. It also, of
course, does not deal with the happenings of recent years,
that is since the date of its publication, 1881. Some of tUe
uncertain points are, I am afraid, now never likely to be luily
cleared u'p. but it is as an attempt in this direction that I have
compiled this review of what Ixas been written on the sub-
ject m such English books and periodicals, ub at present

fi8 The Hhiory of flic Biid^cri^ar.

are at my disposal as a rontribution fin our 'own
language, and. as far as possible in the words of the writers
themselves) toVvardsthe complete history (as distinct from the
Natural llisloryi of this wcll-kiioun little Parrakect, which mnv
help to bridg'e the distance between the rare Museum speci-
mens of the first four decades of the last century and the
easily-bred, practically domesticated, thousands, if not millions,
of to-day.

The earliest name applied to this bird was Pslttacas
iiiululaius. the I'ndulated Parrot. Other English names are
Grass-Parrakeet, Austrnl'an Grass-Parrakcet, Warbling Grass-
Parrakeet, Undulated Grass-Parrakeet, Scolloped Parrot, Sing-
ing Parrakeet, and as more popular and dealers' names we
find Zebra Parrakeet, Zebra Grass-Parrakeet, Australian Love-
bird, and (in Australia) Canary Parrot. The name "Budgeri-
gar" is a corruption of the native name " Batchcherrygah. "
Newton tells us in his Dictionary of Birds that this name
has been further corrupted into Beauregard I

Latham in his General Synopsis of Birds (1781 to
1785) appears to be the first English writer to mention this
bird, and some thirty years later Wagler records as a rarity
a single specimen in the Museum of the Linnaean Society.

Another ten years brings us to the beginning of what
may be called the avicultural history of the Budgerigar, tliat
is, its first importation by John Gould, the celebrated natural-
ist and bird-artist, who writes (vol. ii. p. 82) in his Hand-
book to the Birds of Australia, which was published in 1863:

" ] believe I was one of the first who introduced living c.<amplcs
" lo this country, iKuing succeeded in brinf^ing home scx'cral on^ my
" relurn in 1S40. Since that period nearly every ship coming direct
" from the southern parts of Australia has added to the numbers of this
" bird in Englantl, and I have more than once seen more than two thou-
" sand at a time in a small room at a dealer's in Wapping. "

"The l)ird has also bred here as readily as the Canary; still
" it is one which cannot be naturalised in a wild state, our climate not
" having the requisite degree f)f warmth, nor producing the kind of food
" suited to it."

It will be noticed that Gould writes that he believes
he was one of the first. Whether any one had forestalled

The History of the Biidgcrl^or. 69

him in this, I presume we shall never know, but in the ab-
sence of evidence to ihe contrary the honour remains ("/ould's.
One wonders also whether by any chance the bird had been
bred in captivity in its native country before this was achieved
in Europe, but this is improbable, for Au-tralia in those days
was not a likely place for the peaceful cult of foreij^n birds.

Although this import trade grew rapidly, it was not
till about the time (184S) of the appearance of Gould's des-
cription in the fifth volume of the Birds of Australia that the
bird became widely known, and we find a writer in 1843
(Selby in vol. xviii of Jardine's Naturalist's Library) lament-
ing how little was then known about the bird, and cjbviously
ignorant of Gould's importation. His name for the bird is the
1 ndulalod Nanodeg and he v/rites (p, 201) as follows:

" Its habits and moth' of life are supposed to res?mblL' those of its
" congeners, but we unfortunately possess too little infurmalion ui)t)ii
" these interesting points, the skins we receive from abroad being mostly
" collected by persons who take no other interest in the pursuit except
" the mere acquisition of the bird, are rarely accompanied by any notes
" 01 observations illustrative of the natural history of the species they

b( lolli; to."

Its appearance in actual cage-bird literature was some-
what delayed, for in Bechstein's Cage and Chamber Birds, even
in an English edition as late as 1853, it is not even men-
tioned, tliough by then i; mu -t l.ave been fairly well-known, as
only two years later (1855) according to Russ. vol. iii., p.
48, the first young were bred in captivity in Berlin by the
Grafin von Schwerin. 1 suppose we may take it that the first
breeder in Germany was the first breeder anywhere.
( To be continued) .

Correspondence.

KARLV NE.STI.NG oK RKD (OI.LARED LORIKEETS.

Sir, My Red-collared Lorikeets have nested again, since I came to
town, and have now two liabies about five weeks old,

Edinburgh, r/^/'iO, Mi^M E. C. . i'EDDIE WADDKIL.

BIRDS IN IHE EIRING LINE,
Sir, Somewliile ago 1 sent you a lew notes on the birds mi

70 Correspondence,

Noithern France and Belgium.

1 lia\c' not much to add to that, but here are a few more which
I hope may be of interest.

One point which struck me most was that actually in the firing line
are to be found lairds which at home and in normal times would be con-
sidered naturally shy. and espet-ially " gun-shy." Only a few days ago 1-
saw ;♦ pair of Kestrels flying quite low between our own and the German
trenchtF- " ni man's land " Two days later, when crossing some fields just
before entering the trenches I saw a large bluish-grey bird of prey quartering
the ground, and quite unconscious of the noise of the guns. I took it to
be a Hen Harrier, but was not close enough to be sure. Tree Sparrows,
are exceedingly common and are met with in enormous flocks feeding in
what were once cultivated fields, There are afso quite a number of Part-
ridges both French and English (but more of the former), These too are
not in the least alarmed at the noise, I have also seen them in " no
man's land." Magpies were still very much in evidence a few days ago.
I counted twenty-three in the tops of some tall elms. They are very noisy
now. Later in the same evening I noticed a bird perched on the top
of a loop-hole. It appeared to be about the size of a Missel Thrush, but
with a Tnuch shorter tail, and more " cobby " in build. On my approach
it flew off and I had no doubt it was a species of Owl. The next day
I saw the same bird again, and it proved to be a Little Owl. Ft was
quite fearless and sat in the tree whilst I walked underneath, peering at
mo the whole time,

The mild \veather (January 21st') has brought quite a number
nf liirds A Missel Thrush has for some days past been singing in some
poplars quite c!o^e to the trenches,

January .^oth I s.tw a small party of Bramblefinches together with
a few CI r. ffitichcs just in front of my observation station in the trenches,

February 12th, I saw a hen House Sparrow of a very pale cinna-
mon colour. It was very noticeable amongst its dingy companions.

February 14th, saw a flock of small Finches feeding on some rough
ground. They flew off at my approach. 1 was unable to identify them.
They resembled Browry Linnets more than anything else, but they were
not quite as large nor were they Mealy or Lesser Redpolls.

I am giving below a list of the species seen out here since the
12th September. 1915. I- rather hoped to have been able to record the
presence of some species other than British, but the unidentified species of
of Lark or Pipit is the only one. The following is the list : -Magpie, Jav,
Hooded Crow. Carrion Crow, Jackdaw. Rook, Starling Mi«,scl Thrush.
Song Thrush. Blackbird, Fieldfare, Robin. Hedge .A.ccentor, Common Wren,
C.roy Wagtail. Pir-d Wagtail. Yellow Wagtail. Skylark : unidentified species
of Lark or Pipit described in last notes'). Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Green-
finch. Chaffinch, P.ramblcfinch, Reed Bunting, Vello>¥ Bunting, Tree Sparrow,
House Sparrow. Great Tit, Blue Tit, Tree Creeper, Green Woodpecker,
Greater-spotted Wood-pecker, Swallow. House Martin, Sand Martin, Turtle
Dove, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel, Hen Harrier, Little Owl, .Xi^htjai, English

Correspondence. 71

Partridge, I'rcnch I'.ii iridgo, I'hi-asaiit, Watcrlieii, Green Plover.

I ani (oming home on leav^e in a few day-v and am looking forward
to seeing some of my old favourites again, and also dipping into the last
six numbers of " H.N."

B. H.XMn.TON SCOT'l a.icul . I< .1- A.l
Somewhere in I-'l.indcrs, February, 1916.

FIELD NOJES, NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sir, The following notes will probably interest many readers.

" Last Sunday while on the mountams, I got up at dtytight
" (4 a.m.;, and vveni for a I'amble down one of the deep .gullies to
" sec what kind of birds were there, but nothing extra choice did I
■" -see. Kot anything in. the I'arrot line. A couple of flocks of about
" IOC each <A '^)dney Waxljills, lots of Honey-eaters, including the Hlood-
" bird (all red), Yellow-tufted ; Blue-faced ; Yellow-eared ; Leather-heads ;
" and (iuill birds, these two latter are very large birds and good eating.
" I saw quite a number of the Little Blue Wren (Superb Warbler)

" and two only of Lambert Wrens, both the Blue and Lamberts are
■" exceedingly pretty and just as delicate, but some day 1 'iiust have
" a try at sending you a pair or so. As I was working my way down
■" the mcuntain side scrambling over rocks and through creepers, >tc,,
" 1 came upon three yt>ung Flame-breasted Robins, which had left the
" nest a day or so previously and were all three sitting on a low bush
" and it was indeed a- pretty sight to see the parent birds feeding them.

" The old cock Robin with his extremely bright vermilion breast, jet
-' black and white body marking, looked some class. Have you over
"" hf-ard of any coming your way?

" After leaving the Robins I came across a pair of Coach Whips
" (sometimes called fantails), They are a little on the large side, and
"" they make a noise like a coachman cracking his whip, hence the
' name. 1 also flushed a few Pigeons, but the undergrowth was so
■"thick I could not see to distinguish the variety. On my way back
"' to the house, which, by the way, was a devil of a climb. I came upon
" .1 fairly Large brown snake about six feet long. I endeavoured to

" kill it, but the scrub was so thick I could not get a hit at him ; I
"" was wishing I had brought my gun , if I had I guess I would have
" settled him . also a Wallaby, two of which I saw bounding up the
" side of the 'mountain. .-\t f)nc time i|uite a lot of Lyre birds, fre-
■ quented this gully, but of late years ' Mr. P'ox ' has either killed or
" hunted them further back into the Mountains. I can't make out why

" they introduced the Fox into Australia ; they said it was to kill rabbits,
"and a lot of other things as well. When they can't get rabbits, or

" want a change of diet, they try lamb's or sheep's tongues. They
" never bother to kill a sheep and have a feed, but just catch 'em by the
" throat, and chew in until they get the root of the tongue, then out
" conies the tongue, root and all ; then the sheep is left to go and die.

7 -J Editorial.

"will' starvation or blood poison, caused tliroiigii flics,"

I liavo copied the above jusi as written, from a letter dated Jinuary
2=;th last, received from my friend in New South Wales,

Sheffield, i/3'i9ir-. R. COLTON.

Erratum.

Page 34, line 17. "aviaries, soiiu' of the Suj^ar and Sunbirds
<<)uld undoubtedly," should read: aviaries arc built
on irravrl. or cr ravel and chalk, are in an.

Editorial

We much regret that the ])resent issue is such a light
one, but with our change of ;iddress it has not been possible
to accomplish more, but a more bulky issue will appear in
April. W'c should also be glad to know whether members
desire some notes on the recent Holborn Show, even though
it is now almost ancient history; but members must express
their views at once for them to be of any use.

J.ARDINF.'S PiOiMY OwLS: iMiss Y. . F. Cliawner, in ack-
nowledging the medal for breeding this species, states: "'The
"little Owls are doing well; the adult pair are preparing to
" go to nest again. The young ones and their colouring is
" petrel-red on back, with cream-coloured streaks on the
"breast." Miss Chawncr sends a photo of one of them, but
the contrast is not sufficiently strong for reproduction.

Nesting Notes: Aliss Chawner informs me that the
Eagle Owls are already incubating a i hitch of eggs; and her
Waxwings arc giving every indication of going to nest.

♦-

Reviews and Notices of New Books.

"A \'i:ti.ra.\ Na ( oralis r."- -.Vatiiralists the world over will be glad
to learn that a life of the " Grand Old .Man " of the Bird World (the
late W. B. Tegeimeicr'i is about to be published by Messrs. Witherby and
Co., 326, High Holborn, London^ W.C. It is written by his jon-in-law ;
Mr. E ^\". Ricliardson, who was long associated with him in his literary
and social life. The " Life ' of the man who coll;il)orated with Darwin;
discovered the cylindrical origin of the bee's cell ; inaugurated the first
Pigeo 1 Fligh': in England; witnessed operations before chloroform was
known ; helped to found the .Sava.ge Club, and who lived throu.gh five
reigns, can scarce fai' to be of absorbing interest.

Bird Notes.

I'loiii life.

SUNBIRDS.

Purple, McilacJiitc and Black -breasted.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

My Sunbirds.

By the Hon. Mrs. G. Bourke,

Of the three species drawn by Mr. Goodchild. at the
Holborn Hall Show on February 2nd and 3rd, only two
belong to mc. \dz.: the Southern Malachite, and the Black-
breasted, but as I have kept tlie jnirple I am. by request,
briefly noting that also.

PURpr.E SuNBiRD {Aracfuicchtlira asiatica). A native
of India and one of the best songsters of the Nectariniidae.
The one portrayed on the plate took second prize for Miss
Clare, and it was in splendid condition, and singing at intervals
on both days.

Southern Mal.xchite Sunbird {Nedarinia fainosa).
The bird depicted is one I brought from the Cape two years
ago. I had a pair but the hen fell a victim to the extreme
hea*^ before I left South Africa. The cock bird has never
caused one a moment's anxiety since he got over the long
sea journey. Summer and winter he sings a cheery wheeze,
and is an interesting and vivacious bird.

His beauty cannot be fully depicted either by brush
or pen ; n( iiher can it be seen to full advantage in a cage,
be ne<-ds ilic play of light on his metallic green plumage to
bring ou' his full beauty. In his summer quarters, a garden
aviary ; it is a grand sight to see him chasing gnats and other
minute wmged insects, the ever changing hues of his glistening
garment, as he wheels and twists about the aviary in pursuit
of his prey is a sight long to be remembered.

In the winter he occupies a large cage (3ft. long),

74 AJv Sun birds.

and comes out each morning far a fly round the room and
enjoys a bath before returning of .his own accord, to the
cage ,

Black-breasted Sunbird {Aethopy^a saturnta). This
bird IS rather a recent acquisition; he is a young bird and
I have not yet seen the full beauty of his plumage; at the
Show also he was not seen to advantage as he was not quite
through the moult.

Like the preceding species he is not seen to advantage
in a cage. It needs the setting of a garden aviary to bring
out his full beauty.

A glance at the plate, will indicate this, but with a
coloured plate descriptions of the plumage are not necessary.

Sunbirds make charming pets, they are vivacious, in-
teresting and exhibit a fearless confidence in those who attend
to their wants.

All three species are treated alike : They get syrup —
Nestle's milk, lioney, and Mellin's food mixed to the required
consistency with boiling water, grapes and a few insects.

Foreign and British Birds at the Holborn
Town Hall.

By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.

This Show was promoted by the L.P.O.S., N.B.B.
& IVl.C., and F.B.E.L., and was confined to members of these
societies. As a rule F.B.C. only concerns itself with open
shows, but as nearly all the exhibitors in the Foreign Section
were also members of the F.B.C, and in response to several
requests, an exception is made to the extent of some comment
of the birds staged.

The hall was quite inadequate for the number of birds
staged, preventing proper grouping of classes, or the placing
of birds in viewable positions, rendering a proper comparison
of individual merits almost impossible.

Thirty classes were allocated to the Foreign Section,
attracting some 194 entries.

Parrot-tribe : These were divided into nine classes

Foreign and British Birds at HoWorn. 75

with a total entry of 60. Among" them there was really
nothing calling for special comment, all the species being well
known to my readers. With somje of the placings the writer
did not agree, the Rev. G. H. Raynor's team meeting with
rather hard luck; and it will suffice if the winners are named
with their exhibits; in the sequence of the respective classes

First : J. Ftostick—Dou'hlc— fronted Amazon ; Eclectiis 9 > King
Pariakeet— , A, Silver— Peach-faced Lovebirds, Malaccan Long-tailed Par-
takeet— ; Miss A. B. Smyth Whitc-wingrd Parrakeets— ; A. J. Ship-
ton; Green Budgciigars— ; C. T. Maxwell— Red-fronted Lories, Hooded
Pairakeets.

Second— A. Silver— Salvia's Amazon, Cockateels ; C. T. Maxwell —
Black-cheeked Lovebirds, Ornate Lorikeet; Miss A. B. Smyth— Meyer's Par-
rots; A. J. Shipton— Green Budgerigars; W. Shore Bailey— Blossom-headed
Parrakeets . L. M. Wade Crimson-wing Panakeets ; J. Frostick— Red-rump
Pariakeets.

1 hird L. M. Wade— Cuban Parrot ; L. W. Hawkins— Red-fared Love-
birds ; J. Frostick- Cockateels, Green Budgerigars, Crimson Lory ; A. Sil-
ver—Mueller's Parrot (C), Blue-bonnet Parrakeet.

Some good and attractive specimens of Senegal Par-
rots, Ceram Lory, Swainson's Lorikeets; Mealy Rosellas,
Pennant's, Adelaide, and Red Rosella Parrakeets were also
staged.

Colour Varietifs: Only Yellow Budgerigars, White
Java Sparrows, and Bengalcse were exhibited.

I A J. Shipton— Yellow Budgerigar ; 2 J. Goodall— White Javas ;
3 A. Silver— Bengalese.

Common Mannikins: All well known species, but in
marvellous form,

I and 2 A. Silver— Magpie Mannikins, and Grey Java Sparrows;
3 W. Bi:( Uir.gh.im ^\■llitc-hoaded Mannikins.

Weavers and WhvdatiS: Only four entries, one
missed the gorgeous colouration usually associated with this
class.

I and 3 .\. Silvcr-lJItraniarinc Combasou, and Yellowish Weaver;
2 C. T. 'M.iw.cil Jackson's Whydah, might have been first.

Certain Common Species: An attractive lot, all in
wonderful trim. !

I and' 3 A. Silvci Combasou, and Saffron Finches; 2 W. Uucking*
hani— Indian Silverbills.

Zebra ;ind Ribbon Finches .md African Silverbills aUo staged.

CoiLDlAN Finches: These bcnutiful f.uourites of for-

ForciQ-u and British Birds at Holborn.

eign bird-keepers were a very brilliant lot. A really .'?ood
Red-head, belongiiiL; to the Rew d. II. Raynor. unfortunately
escaped from its cage and was not recaptured till judging
wa.s over, otherwise it would undoubtedly have been among
the placed birds.

I C, Row — ]iair K.H., hen^ very fine; 2 Mrn. Montague ScoM-li.M.,
3 A. Sihei-K.H.

Parrot Finches, Etc. : All four exhibits were of
exceptional merit, but all are well known.

I C Row- Fire-tailed P'inches ; 2 Hon. Mrs, McLaren Morrison —
Riinbow Bunting 3 A Silver — Ruficauda Finch.

Grassi'INCHES, Etc. : A really exquisite group, a-
mong which the writer was pleased to see once more the pret-
ty Rufous-backed Mannikin, but evidently new arrivals.

I and 2 .\. Siivcr—Chestnut-hrcasted and Yellow-nimped F'nche^ ; 3
C '1. Maxwell -I- .1 . Gras>hnchcs.

tiome excuisiic Diamond Finches als(j staged.

Rufoiis-hacked Mannikin.

Pirefinches AND CERTAIN WaxbillS: All free-
ly imported speqies, but they were a sight to feast one's eyes
upon — their chaste beauty commanding attention.

I and 3 Hon Mrs. McLaren Morrison Hold-breasted Waxbills. and
Lavender Finches; 2 A. Silver— Coin. Firefinches.

Common Avadavats and Waxbills : Another
array of exquisite beauty, all perfect, yet the winning pair of
St. Helena's well ahead.

Foreign and British Birds at Holborn. 77

f and 2 F. Howe- St. Helena Waxbills ; t, A. Silver— O.C. Waxbills.

Ail Other Waxbills: Tlicsc rarer species called
for close examination, the running being \ery keen — all well
known .

1 C. T. AL'iXwelL- Violet-ear ; 2 P. Arnott -Blaek-taced ; 3 Mrs. iM.
ScoU — Violet-ear.s. A igood pair of Blue-breasts also shown.

Cardinals : Too well known for comment, save

to remark that all were apparently colour-fed.

I, 2, and 3 A. Silver— Virginian, Green, antl Retl-crested.

All Other Seed-eaters :

I E. Hathaway- Sepoy Finch; 2 jnd 3 L. M. Wade— Mexican Rose-
finch and St Helena Seedeater.

Dqves, Quails, Etc. : Only Doves were entered
as under :

I A. Silver— Emerald ; 2 and v.h.c. R. Mannermg— Diamond, and
Masked; 3 J. Frostick — Peaceful.

SUNBIRDS, Etc. ; Only Sunbirds staged, the rarest
being the Black-breasted, but its moult was not yet complete
—see coloured plate.

I and 3 Hon. Mrs. G. J^ourkc— Malachite and Black-breasted Sun-
birds ; 2 Miss L. Clare — Purple Sunbird.

Sugarbirds, Etc. : Beautiful but well known.

I and 2 A. Silver — Yellow-winged Su^arbii-ds, and Indian Zosterops ;
3 anc\ v.h.c. P. Arnott— Y.W. Sugarbird and African Zosterops :

All Species Tanagers : Only a shadow of what
the Tanager class was in pre-war times, but all four entrants
were in good form.

I, 2, and 3, Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison -Black, Blue .iiul .Scarlet.
Good^ but patriarchid Archbishop w;is also staged.

Crows, Troupials, Etc.: Certainly one of the most
interesting" classes of the section. It was a mere matter of
rarity between die prize-winners, all of whom have been seen
on the bench previously, and all were exquisites of their kind.

I J. Frostick— Yucatan J;iy ; 2 A. Silver- p;iir Purple-hc;ided Glossy
Starlings ; j B. T. Stewait — Wandering Tree-Pie.

< )ther species staged were : Pileatcd Jay, Mandarin
and Malaliar Alynahs, Vellow-brcasted Troupial, and Wagler's
Hangnest.

Small Insectivorous Species: this class was can-
celled.

All Other Species: Only three entries, and all in-

Foreign and Bntis/i\ Birds at Holborn.

teresling birds, but. the first prize winner was in its wrong class,
making very hard liines indeed for Mr. Stewart's rare Bare-
eyed Thrush, wihich was in perfect feather and condition. For
this contretemps the writer understands that neither the owner
nor the judge was responsible.

I Miss F. Baiiovv-Massicks— Trinidad Thrush (in its wronp class) ;
3 B. T. Stewart— Bare-eyed Thrush, should have been first, 3 Miss <V, B.
Smyth— Himalayan Whistling Thrush.

Himalayan Whistling Thrush.

Hybrids, Etc.: An interesting class, of which I had
better give, a full list.

3rd. Squamata X Californian Quail, W. Shore-Baily.
3rd Necklaced X Senegal Dove, W. Shore-Baily.
1st Magpie Mannikin X Bengalese, L. M. Wade.*
v.h.c. Magpie xMannikin X Bengalese, L. M. Wade.*
e. Grey Singingfinch X Linnet, A. J. Shipton.
and St. Helena Seedeater X Linnet, A. J. Shipton.
h.c Red-headed X Ribbon Finch, A. Silver,
h.c. Green Singingfinch X Canary, A. Silver.
Tigtired in last Vol. of " B.N."

■ In the writer's opinion, the two most interesting hy-

Foreign and British Birds at Holborn. 79

brids were the Quail and Dove which are his choice for first
and second. Howevier, all were really good specimens of
their kind, with their parentage about cc|ually represented.

BRITISH SECTION.

Hybrids: Almost every cross of British Finch X
Canary was staged in their respective classes, and some very
beautiful birds were among the 51 entries.

Hybrids Between British Birds: The entries were
24, and included some striking, beautiful, and interesting
birds. Interest appeared to centre round the three birds,
said t;o be Song Tlirush X Blackbird, which the judge passed
as pure Thrushes. The writer closely examined them and
though the Thrush parentage was certainly dominant, he is of
the opinion that they are hybrids and that as they become
older the beaks and eye ceres of the specimens shown will
place this beyond doubt. The Finch crosses produced somo
really beautiful birds, with parentage quite distinctly shown
in respective plumages. I -will nam;e a few.

Goldfinch X Bullfinch. Goldfinch X Siskin.

Redpoll X Bullfinch, Goldfinch X Redpoll and vice versa.

Linnet X Bullfinch. Goldfinch X Greenfinch.

Greenfinch X Chaffinch. Goldfinch X Linnet.

Bramblefinch X Chaffinch Greenfinch X Redpoll.

These were all birds to arrest the attention, even of
those whoi do. not approve of mongrels.

Hakdbills; These were legion, almost every British
Finch being represented, though some of them, in spite of
grand health and plumage, were not pleasing to those who
prefer natural to the artificial beauty lof colour feeding.

Softbills: These were a most interesting lot and
demonstrated how fully the keeping of birds in cages is now
understood and practised. A list of the species staged will
probably be of interest.

Song Thrush. Reed Warbler.

Missel Thrush. Darlfotd Warbler.

Fieldfare. Common Wren.

Blackbird. Tree Pipit.

Nightingale. Skylark

BLuktajj. Shorel.irk,

80 Foreign and British Birds at Holborn.

Yellow Wagtail. Nuthatches.

Blue-headed Wagtail Bearded Reedlings.

Chough. Long-tailed Tit.

Magpie. Waxwing.
Red-backed Shrike (9).

Albinos, Etc: .Only four entries, the clear Lutino
Yellow Bunting (ist) being the pick of the lot. The others
were: Albino Chaffinch (4th), Goldfinch (2nd), White Black-
bird (3rd)

The writer hopes these rough notes will not only
record the event in our Journal, but prove of some little
general interest. The cramped space made the usual compari-
son ot the exhibits impossible and enforced the crude style
in which the foregoing is penned.

The Bare-eyed Thrush.

By Theo. Stewart.

This bird has been aptly described as " quite a
curiosity."

To those unfortunate people who only see beauty in
gaudy colouration the Bare-eyed Thrush will make no appeal.
He is clad in sombre colours, only attracting attention by his
brilliant eyes with their surround of bare yellow-skin, from
which he derives his name.

He is a denizen of South America.

He was sent to me immediately on his arrival in this
countr> and was bought " on. sight." Though purchased at
a stiff figure I have never regretted it, for the bird is abso-
lutely unique.

All who have been privileged to, see him, have noted
with admiration the bold confidant air of the Bare-eye, for
in disposition he is quite fearless and will boldly attack friend
and foe alike.

As a .songster he has his merits, though his call note
is somewhat peculiar; not unlike the ba'a of a sheep. Many
of his notes are low and gurgling. Unfortunately he is rarely
heard to advantage, as the loud, splendid voice of his immcdi-

The Bare-eyed Thrush. 81

ate neighbour, a JMocking-Bird, drowns all his efforts; and
the Bare-eye will only sing in competition, never solus.

In regard to^ his show career I will only here remark
that if 'the suggestion once made by a famous aviculturist,
that birid rarities should be labelled as such at Shows as a
guide for the judge, could be carried out it would be better
both for owner and bird I And that reminds me — one day
a visitor broke through our) lines and insisted on seeing the
birds. He passed all in silence until he came to the subject
of these notes; then his face lit up — " Ahl" said he " I don't
know much about birds but I do know what this is — iVs a
Cuckoo "I I shook hands with him for 1 recognised a judge
in embryo.

The Bare-eye is not difficult to cater for in the way of
diet. A rich insectile mixture, plenty of grapes and a few
mealworms daily, wliilo a piece of sesame cake, of which all
my Softbills are very fond, delights the very cockles of his
heart.

He is always in perfect show-form. Has a cold tub
daily, and is as happy and free from care as only a bird can
be.

Of all my Thrushes, gorgeous and rare as some of them
are, 1 give preference to the Bare-eye as the gem of the
collection, may he continue to adorn it, until that dreadful

day when he leaves the world behind.

Some Colony Birds.

Reprinted from "'IIMLHRl " (The Journal of the Royal .Agricultural
and Commercial Society of iiiiii^h Guianaj, May, 1915; with com-
pliments and tlianks to the Author and Editors.— Ed. "B.N."

Part ll.
[We published a conipilniion from Part I. in Bird
Note'i for 1912 uhicb somewlial sulYered from abridgement,
consequently we arc reprinting Part 11. /// extt'iiso. includ-
ing at the end of e-ich instalment the popular names by which
the birds are known in England, We feel assured that the
article will be of general interest many of the birds dealt

82 Some Colony Bints.

with arc, or have been, kepi in l'2nglisli aviaries. — Ed. B.N.]

As I concluded my first urtich- (Dec 1912) by a
descrijition of the Twa-twa, I may vvell take up the thread
agaiJi by giving some account of its near relative the Tua-tua.
The Tua-tua (pronounced tower-tower) {Oryzoborus torrij
das), vulgarly called the bastard twa-twa, or the Twa-twa's
slave, proclaims at 'Once its near kinship to the Twa-twa. It
is, however, neither so large nor so elegant in form; and
moreover, from the lower part of the breast to the tail, it is
dark red. From this feature it evidently derives its specific
of torridus, toasted or scorched. I suppose it derives its
vulgar name of bastard twa-twa from the mistaken notion, that
it is a cros's between that bird and some other inferior type.
In nature, however, hybrids never occur. I suppose again
that it is called Twa-twa's slave on account of its compara-
tive inferiority.

It has a large beak, though not so relatively large as
the Twa-twa's, and being black instead of slaty white is not
so conspicuous. There is a white stripe on the primary fea-
thers, but it is almost covered by the wing coverts. The
wings underneath arc white also. It has the same habit of
whisking his tail from side (to side and of spreading it out;
and the tail is full and broad: I had almost said bushy. As
in the case of the Twa-twa, the hen and the young birds are
a warm brown, darker on the wings and tail; it is thus
almost indistinguisliable from several other brown hen
Finches; but the beak which has a ridge or keel where it
joins the s'kull above, is unmistakable. The single note of the
Tua-tua is exactly that of the Twa-twa, and its song, though
not so loud^ is perhaps more musical. But is is not such a
persistent singer.

It is an amiable aviary bird and the one in my posses-
sion returned to the cage when I chanced to let it escape.

The Fire-finch. One of i^he most beautiful of our
L'inches has the awkward namie of " Scarlet-crested Finch "
{Coryphospingus cristaius). I prefer to call it the Fire-jincli
and it justifies this title,, being very much the colour of a

Some Colony Birds. 83

slumbering ember. In size it is not so large as our Sparrow;
but it is much more graceful in form, hence its generic name,
coryphospingiis, Greek, " the small slender bird."

The body of 'the bird, except the back is a dull crim-
son-lake merging into pink at the throat; the back, wings and
tail, are dark wann brown. Around the eye, in lieu of eye-
lashe:^ are tiny pinkish, almost white feathers which give the
bird the air of wearing spectacles. The crest, which, however,
he seldom erects, is in the shape of a half-closed fan, with
the broad side in front; it is bright, silken, scarlet, with the
outer edges almost black. Its nole is a long, indrawn, almost
hiss-like, monotone: ts — 5. Its song, though it rarely sings
in a cage is a see-saw on two notes and can hardly be called
beautiful. But its colour and lively disposition make it a des-
irable cage-bird. It is never seen in, a cage, however, for the
people of the colony think a bird " no good unless it can
sing, sir."

ll has a pleasing habit of springing up perpendicularly
and dropping down lagain like a bouncing ball; or of throw-
ing itself upwards towards the bars of the cage, clinging fur
a moment and then flinging itself back again. A pair I had
would 'sil for a long while by the side of a small mirror, and
seemed very annoyed when a pair of small Doves took up that
position; they would go up to them and try to hustle them
our of the coveted spot.

Coryphospin^us is not easily tamed though when once
kept in a 'cage will generally return when set at liberty." It
is charming when caught in the hand, erecting its flaming
crest and uttering cries of protestation. The crest when at
rest is simply a streak of bright crimson.

The hen is a iiiodilied replica of the cock and has no
crest.

The Fire-flnch is not uncommon in town, but being
very shy is not often observed.

The Creole Canary. The Creole Canary, or Canary
Grass-bird {Sycalis arveiiis) is very like that variety of the
domestic Canary which in England wc call the "' Lizard,"
though much suuller; and 1 vcutuic the opinion that it is,

84 Some Colony Birds.

indeed, the ancestor of the now world-wide favourite cage-
bird. Above, its feathers are olive-brown, edged with lighter
colour and not unlike those of the English Sparrow; its
throat, breast, and vent are a sli^ghtly-greenish yellow, as also
above and below the eye, merging into a greener tint on the
cheeks. The hen is the same but not so bright. It readily
becomes tarn,© in a cagic (which is another argument in favour
of the above theory) and breeds freely. A cock bird 1 have
in my aviary made love to a hien Tua-tua, and I have no
doubt they would have gone to nest had 1 put ihem in a
cage by themselves. But I dislike hybrids of every kind.
Its wooing" was delightful. It would fly from side to side of
the aviary and remain before its beloved object on suspended
wing like a heavy humming" bird, and all this time would utter
loud notes of self-admiration as if to say, " Look at titis,
look at tkis\ See what I can do\'' Then it would alight
and pour forth its song. The song, though lively enough,
is stereotyped. It might easily be reproduced in a mechanical
toy. It is wanting in variety and its gamut is short. Begin-
ning with a few staccato no/tes it gradually increases the pace,
rising by semitones ; then it trills, still increasing the pace ;
then ends abruptly as if out of breath. But it begins again
immediately for it is an incessant singer when it once takes
up its song. In a cfage with other birds it is interfering and
inclinec to be masterful. It should therefore be kept alone.

The White-Throated Finch or Ring-Neck.
The White-throated Finch or Grass-bird {Spermop/dla
I'uieata), commonly called the Ring-Neck, is the largest of
three Black-and-White Finches, often mistaken for one an-
other. Rightly are these small Finches called Grass-birds
{S pernio p kit a, seed-lover j for they feed exclusively on the
seed of the larger kinds of grasses, plucking the seed as it
grows on the stem and often performing many amusing acro-
batic antics in the process. Unlike most other Finches they
even feed their young on the same diet, having however, partly
digested it in their own crop. Most other Finches, as well
known, feed their nestlings on insects, and thus our common
I louse- Sparrow got itself transported to happier climes by
tliose who iiad that amount of nature knowledge which proved
a dangerous things, in the hope tliat it would clear the land

Some Colony Birds. 85

of insect pests. Alas, in those happier climes, it devours more
grain in harvest time than is compensated for by its insect
destroying propensity in the nesting season : and it increases
apace. '.

The White-Throat or Ring-Nerk is a stumpy bird with
a large head; it is like a cock Sparrow in form though gener-
ally smaller. The head, back, wings, and tail, are dull
black; the throat, v/hite ; the breast, vent, and rump, light
grey. There is a ring of white running from the ends of the
throat feathers around thn neck and broadening on the shoul-
ders, but not meeting at the back. It is almost as if he
had a AvTiite beard the ends of which were blown over the
shoulders. The white feathers of the throat do not quite
merge into the grey of the breast, there being ridges of black
feathers from the shoulders and almost meeting as they taper
to a point in front. There are also two stripes of white across
the upper part of the wings: the first, along the upper wing
coverts ; and the second across the lower wing coverts and
extending along the bases of the primaries as far as the
second feather. The hen is a uniform olive-brown, darker on
the wings and tail. There is a light brown bar on the
wings, corresponding to the upper white stripe of her mate.
It is distinguished from all other brown hen Finches by the
shape and colour of the beak, which is bkuk, blunt, and
rounded, like a typical Jewish nose.

The song of the White-throat is a bubbling cascade
of music, sweet and melodious. This fully compensates for
it? inelegance of form; and he is a continual singer. It is
extremely fond of a bath, and, I may say, of cage life, for
it will return again and again if set at liberty. He is ami-
ably disposed toward other birds; but, of course, does not
sing so persistently as when kept alone. Many song birds
in an aviary will not sing at all.

The Moustache Finche.s. There are two species of
these birds^ so-called from the more or less moustache-shaped
lines of white running from the corners of the mouth. They
remmd mc rather of mutton-chop whiskers. In length tlicy
are a little less than the White-Throat, but they are beauti-

SQ Some Colony Birds.

fill in shape, bein.c^ slonder and having a longer and more
shapely tail; the head nlso is small and neat.

The commoner species is th(> Spcrniophila lincola. In
this, the head, wings, throat, and tail are velvet black; the
breast, greyish white, fading into white on the vent. Besides
the so-called jnoustache, there is a white bar running along
the crown of the head from the beak^ and a small white patch
on the wings, that is, on the upper part of the primaries.
The under-wings are white, a nd the secondaries are partly
white though the colour does not appear externally; the
rump is grey. The hen is a light Olive-brown, lighter still
below; the beak, horn colour and not bhT^k,

The single note of the bird is loud and like the chirp
of a Sparrow; but it has a pretty song of about fifteen notes;
no't, however, so varied as that of the White-throat. It is a
charming cage-bird, easily tamed and amiable in disposition

The other Moustache Finch {Sprrmophila ocellafa) is
much rarer and is not distinguished by the unitiatcd from'
the foregoing. However;, it is mot so slim; there is no line of
white over the head; and along the sides are round spots upon
a ground of black fading into grey. From this latter feature
it derives it specitic name of ocellata, that is, " ey6d " or
marked with eye-like spots.

The Black-throated Sacki. There are several
species iof Tanagers rightly named eiiphonia, " sweet-voiced,"
The smallest {Eiiphonia miiiuta) is a tiiuy 'bird hardly three
inches in length, from tip to tip of beak and tail. The tail of
all these birds is short, (extending very little beyond the under-
tail coverts, and their general contour is Swallow-iikc, being
round and full. The head, back, wings, and tail of the minula
are deep blue, with a green sheen on the primaries; the throat
is deepei blue rather than black. The breast is a rich yellow,
the under-tail coverts white, as are also the under-wings. The
forehead is yellow and gives tho bird the air of wearing a
jockey cap( with a square peak turned back. The bill, more
like a Swallow's than a Finch's, is slaty blue. The sexes are
alike, or nearly so. The bird soon becomes accustomed to a
cage, for, in spile of its small size, it is very intelligent and

Some Colony Birds. 87

fully alive to the fitness of thin,^s. Held gently by the feet
and stroked on the bark, it may be trained to pour forth its
musical song: cliic-chic-chpek-clicek. It has a loud note for
for so simall a bird. Its ordinary song sounds something like
this: '' thef-fhet-thit, tliit. thct, wee, wee, chic-chic-ehic, are
you going away? don'i go away, don'f go aivayl" and all the
while it flips its wings and turns from side to side. It is, of
course, a fruit-eating bird, and thrives on yellow plantain.
I should prefer to call it the Jockey-sacki.

The Buck-canary. Eiip/ionia violaceo, or the Buck-
canary, as it is vulgarly called, br in more polite society the
Louis d'or, is much larger than the Black-throat, being fully
four inches, bill and tail included. Like miniita it is blue
above and yellow below, but the yellow extends from tail to
beak, and the yellow of the forehead is rounded above. The
hen is a dull green, lighter below. Though it is called
violacca there is no violet about either sex. Like its smaller
cousin, it is a charming bird and readily takes to cage life.
A pair I once had actually fed two callow Cashew-Sackis
which I put into' their cage, having no other at hand at the
moment. They did it in a business-like way, eructating the
food frcVm their little throats. Unfortunately they took toll in
the shape of feathers. I was surprised to sec the young birds
becoming bare on neck and ba( k, and more surprised to see
their foster-parents by turns deliberately and calmly pluck out
the feathers and after turning them about in their beaks for a
while swallow them I

Closely allied is the Euphonia cayana, or Yellow-sided
Sacki; being of the same size and form, but in colour a uni-
form dark, stet-ly blue, with a yellow patch of feathers on
each side of the breast, partly covered by the shoulder of the
wings. It fis (much rarer, and is seldom obtainable. I have
only seen one specimen in a 'cage. I am told tliai its habits
are e.xactly similar.

The Yellow-Ventku Sai ki. .Allied to the charming
Euphonia is a group rightly called Calliste, that is, most beauti-
ful. I described one of them in my former article, the CaUiste
cayano, or Black-faced Tanager. Among these, the CalUstC
flaviventris, or Uold-tinch, as it is erroneously called, ranks

88 Some Colony Birds.

high in point of beauty. I doubt whc^thcr it ever ventures into
Ceorgetown, being shy and retiring in its habits. I first saw
it in the garden of the rest house at Pirkersgill in the Pom-
eroon River, and obtained a specimen that was caught at
Malgretout. It lived contentedly for several months in a cage
and might still have been alive but for the carelessness of
a servant.

The bird is smaller than the Blue Sacki. being onlv
four-and-a-half inches in length. The head, throat, and rump
are purple; the back, wings and tail, velvet black; the black of
the back extends in a pealv to the top of the head with pleas-
ing effect. The breast and belly are bath-brick yellow and
there are t^vo irregular chains of spots or rosettes along the
sides but almost co^'ered by the wings. The shoulders of
the wings are half-moons of bright turquoise blue, changing
into emerald green in certain lights, and along the lower
border is a scalloped edging of purple, the centre of each
scallop being jet black. The general appearance when it
flutters about the cage is so butterfly-like that I venture to
call it Butterfly-wing in preference to the Yellow-vented
Sacki I

The only note I ha\e heard it utter is a pretty link-
link like the jingle of a silver chain.

Flavivcntris is as amiable as it is beautiful. When 1
introduced a I-alm Sacki into its cage as companion, my
b'Jtierfly-wing evinced the greatest signs of pleasure, flitting
about, uttering its pretty note, and caressing the stranger
with its bill. It was a case of Beauty and the Beast, for the
sacki was one of the dirty-greenish-brown variety.

Mocking- Birds or Haing-Nests. The Mocking-birds
aie, like the Tanagers, allied to the Finches; unlike them
however, they have aflinity with the Starlings and the Mynahs
of India; and this latter afifinity is more apparent. The
way in which they stalk about and pry into other people's
aff'airs, betrays at once their Starling character. Let me
say at once that though these birds well deserve their name,
they have no affinity with the Mocking-bird of North

Some Colony Birds. 89

America.*

I have been fortunate enuugh to rear several yellow-
t)ack Mocking-Birds. from the nest. It is difTficuk to do so.
All kinds of food mus/t be ofifered and much patience and
skill is required in administering it; for they have a wonderful
way of ejecting what they; have received, as well as of rudely
declining the choicest viands. Sometimes I have had to do
what the Government at home has been so much blam.ed for
doing; in regard to the obstinate hunger-strike suffragette. I
have had to forcibly feed them. It is some time before they
become accustomed to eat what one can supply them in place
•of the seeds and insects of their native habitat.

The Yellow-Back, The Yellow-back Mocking-Bird
{Cassicus persicus) is a splendid fellow. Fully nine inches
in length, he is glossy black, with the exception of the rump,
vent, and under-tail coverts, which are golden yellow; there
is also a longitudinal bar of yellow on the wings. The
feathers are trim, sleek and hard. The slightly curved bill,
an inch-and-a-half in length, is also yellow and the upper beak
or maxilla is joined tO; the forehead by a rounded projection
after the naanner of the beak of a mediteval helmet ; hence
its nam^e Cassicus from Latin cassis, a helmet. A striking
feature is the eye, the iris of which is bright blue. His gait
is stately and altogether he ha,'S a military bearing. The hen
is like her lord but much smaller.

Yellow-backs live in colonies and at nesting time much
noise and racket goes on. The nests are wonderful structures
of dried palm-fibre woven with great skill, and hung from the
ends of the branches of a tree, in size and shape like Indian
clubs. The eggs, two in number, are dull white with a few
small dots or lines of purple-red. They are comparatively
small, being only the size of Starlings.' The name of "hang-
nests " given these birds is by no means discriminative, for
many birds in the colony build nests after this fashion. The
ordinary cry, of the bird' begins wnth a sound like the creak-
ing of a bough in the wind, and changes into the hollow sound
of a Swiss cow-bell.

*Note. — The real Mocking-Bird is the Mfmus polyglotlus, a grey
bird the size, of a large Thrush, with affinities both to Thrushes and Wrens.

90 Some Colony Birds.

A high riiorny tree is generally chosen for their
colony; but not always so. At the Catholic Mission ground
at Morawhanna is a larg'e colony on a small mango tree. Do
these birds realize that the land all about is marshy and that,
in consequence, the tree is almost unapproachable? It would
seem so.

By an infallible instinct these birds always choose a
tree on which marabuntas or fierce ants, or both, have already
established themselves. The marabuntas nests often hang
among those of the birds ; but there seems a perfect truce
between them. The male bird at home cuts a ridiculous
figure. Standing in a prominent place, he lowers his head
and tail, and ruffles u p the yellow feathers of his back and
all the while he cries in hollow tones: ''Just look at me\
Just look at me\ DonH you admire'^. Am I not fineH'' He
waits a little while for admiration, and then begins again.

He well deserves the name of Mocking-Bird, for there
is no bird in the forest he will not imitate, and thus often
deceives the sportsman and specimen collector.

Some time ago in the North West District, I had occa-
sion during a missionary journey to spend a night at the Rest-
house at the mouth of the Baramani River. I had no sooner
showed myself at the window that I was subjected to a noisy
badinage from, as I supposed, a number of birds on a tree
close by. " /Y/, /;/! ah\ ah\ ya-ah\ What are you doing
therel" The voices seemed to say, "/ don^t like the look
of you at all\ Go away I We don't want you— aha^yah — yahl"^
I looked in amazement. There was only one Yellow-Back,
perhaps some old bachelor, but he was skipping from branch,
to branch and pouring out his full vocabulary from different
coigns of vantage.

The Yellow-Back makes an attempt at a song; but it
is more interesting than musical. There are mutterings and
splutterings, whisperings and gurglings, and occasionally a
full round note; but the whole is not inspiring. It is like
a clown trying to be sentimental. But he is worth domesticat-
ing on account of his beauty and knowing ways. One I
have now will do what in gymnastic language I must call the

An Ahoiit " Arr^—A Herrinf; GiiU. 91

hand-grind — a bird's feet are partly hands — he will swing
round his perch, holding on by the feet, in the vain endeavour
to catch his tail! His feet are large and powerful. I am
told he can be taught to speak. INIine will sometimes bark
like* a dog on the approach of a stranger.

The Red-Back. The Red-Back Mocking-Bird {Cas-
sicus a/finis) is closely related in form and habits to the yel-
low-back. It is, however, entirely black with the exception of
the rump which is rich, bright, crimson ; the colour of red
port wine seen against the light. The black feathers have
also a blue sheen. It is rarer and shier than the Yellow-back
and is not so intelligent. I have never seen it in a cage.
A couple I tried to rcnr 'lid not thrive; but the conditions
were difficult.

It has a long, swift flight, and then the crimson of
its back gleams out. It maj sometimes be found sharing the
Colony of the Yellow-backs; but the two never inter-breed.
Nature abhors miixed marriages of all kinds.

[Below \vc give English ec|uivalcnts for names used in this .irticle. —
Ed "B.N."].
Twa-'l"\v,i=Tliick- billed Seed-Finch.
'I ua-'I u.T.=Torrid Seed-Finch.
Fire-Finch^=Kecl-crested Finch.
Cieole Canary=Yellowish Finch.

White-throated Finch or Rinjc-neck^^Lineatcd Finch,
.Moustache Finches-— Lined Finch and Black-lieaded Lined Finds

respectively.
Black-throated Sacki=Dwarf Euphonia.
Euck-Canary=Violet Euphonia.
V<'ilov-sided Sacki=Black-faced Euphonia.

^'(•l low-vented Sacki=r:Ycllow-hellicd Tanager.
Velio w-Back=Yellovv-rumped Hangncst.
Red- Bark =^Red-rumped Hangnesr.

(To be confiniird).

All about *'Ari"— A Herring Gull.

Bv Fr.ank D.wv.son-Smith.
Before ioining the army I paid a farewell visit to the North
Western Highlands of Scotland, and found a temporary

All About " Ari ''-A Hcrr'inp; Gull.

abode in a small village faring one of those f^lorious soa lorhs,
for whirh this jinrt is justly renowned. On most of the days,
during my stay, I sailed out to the numcroi'.s islets and rocks,
seal shooting, duck shooting, or perchance viewing the charm-
ing scenery and the rainbow-hued sunsets. Some days I
devoted to walking and exploring the mountainous country
inland, and it was on one of these days that we — " Ari*"
and I — met. This memorable meeting took place in the
middle of the village road, without formal introduction. His
loud and persistent " call " attracted my attention to a young

"ARI." I'liiitd by /■ . nawsoii-Smlth.

herring gull, which was evidently hungry and demanding food
I stooped down, and held out jny hand, and to my great
suirprise, he ran to me, and placed his l)eak in my out-
stretched palm, without the slightest hesitation, looking witli
inquiring eyes into mine. He declined to lea\e me, and from
that moment we became sworn pals.

Naturally I bad to make some inquiries before con-
fiscating my find." 1 learned that "Ari" belonged to a

♦Pronounced " Ah-ice."

All About " Ari "—A Hcrrintr Gull. 93

little boy in the village, whose father had brought the bird
from Luinga Mhor, a small rocky isle two miles off the
coast. ''' Ari " was quite a baby when captured, and only
a few weeks old when we so unceremoniously introduced our-
selves. The little boy was very fond of his pet. and if "Ari"
wandered on the road, and into consequent danger of being
run over by a passing vehicle, the little chap would toddle
out, pick " Ari " up in his small chubby arms, and laboriously
carry him to safety. The gull was quite contented to be
nursed like a kitten. He could, had he wished, have wan-
dered away for ever, as the Loch was quite near. He often
swam in its waters, but always returned after a bath and a
splash. After a time his fate hung in the balance. His
frqucnt " call " began to annoy the boy's father and the man
tried to drive the bird away. This proved futile, as " Ari "
always came back. Thereupon, having become a nuisance
in the eyes of the "powers that be," he was no longer wel-
come, and sentence of death was the verdict he received.
My timely intervention thus solved the difificulty, and saved
poor '■ Ari's" little life. The little boy was comforted by
tiic knowledge that his pet was not to be killed, but was
going to a beautiful new home far away. That and a gift
for his money bo\- completed the transaction and " Ari "
thcreui)on passed into my possession, greatly to our mutual
satisfaction. Our further acquaintance had to be postponed,
as I had arranged to join my regiment at once, therefone
I gavd careful instructions as to "Ari's" transit to fresh
([uartcrs. He was placed in a large, roomy tea-chest, with
a thick b^-d of dry seaweed and a plentiful supply of fish,
and dispatched on his travels on his long journey down from
Scotland to Buckinghamshire. He duly arrived safe and
sound and none the worse for his adventures. He was re-
moved frt)ni his prison, and placed on the lawn, and soon
gave audilile appreciation of his new experiences. He also
gave urmislakable proof that he was hungry and a consider-
able qL:antity of fish chopped line, disappeared before he
ceased gobbling, 'ihcn he ran to the Waders' pool beside
the lawn and enjoyed a thoroughly welcome bath and splash
after which he looked round as much as to say. " \'ery good.

All About " Ari "— yl Hcrrina; Gull.

Thnt'-s .ill rii^lit. What next?" Now. "Ari' is possessed
of a large biuiipof iii(|uisitivcncss and likes to know "Who's
who?" iand " Wlrai's what?" So lie started off on a voyaj^e
of discovery. First he explored the house, upstairs and down,
followed by a laughins^ and admiring crowd of sjiectators.
En route he encountered the cat and dog and promptly intro-
duced himself to their notice by pulling their respective tails.
Both animals 'protested against the indignity to whirli they
had to. submit, but " Ari " laughed and ran on as if it were
a matter of no concern. I)f)ulnless he advised them to "keep

" .XRI.

Photo by /-'. Dairso/i-Sniil/i.

their wool on," but hei didn't care. However, they became
firm friends the same day, and it is an interesting sight to a
casual observer to see the dog, cat and Cull, sitting close
together in happy companionship. One of " Ari's" wings is
clipped as a precaution against flight and consequent loss.
He would not wilfully go, but his inordinate curiosity compels
him to explore far and near, and he might easily fall a victim

All About " Ari "~A Herring Gull. 95

to a predatory fox if allowed to pursue his investigations
too far afield.

Duty compelled m\- absence for many months, and
it was therefore a considerable time before 1 saw " Ari "
again. Then I was granted " leave of absence " and went
liome. A good deal of "my " leave was taken up in writing "
out a few articles, which, if our good Editor deems worthy,
may find insertion in " Bird Notes " during the coming
months. Of course all my feathered friends had to be inter-
viewed ,and petted first, antl 1 at once renewed my acquaint-
ance with " Ari." lie came running to me of his own accord,
his voice, persistent and not to be denied, demanding food,
1 ga\e' him several choice tit-bits before his tones became
" Smaller by degrees and beautifully less."

He proved as tame as ever when 1 pic ked him up, and
scratched his head, and stroked his plumage.

His favourite point of \antage is a green seat on the
lawn. He perches on the top bar, and keeps a watchful and
lively eye on his surroundings. He is as good as a watch-dog
m this respect. Nothing escapes his notice, and nobody can
g'O' upi the drive, or cross the lawn without being spotted by
" Ari," and he. lets all whom it may concern, know of the
advent of friend or strangers, with his usual loud and pene-
trating " call."

The photographs depict " Ari " in several [josiiions.
In one he may be seen calling his loudest for food. In an-
other he appears somewhat bellicose, while in a third he is
shown wiih outstretched wings flapping away an an e.vtendcd
ami. "^Vri's" manners sometimes lea\e a good deal to be
desired. For instance the morning after my arrival he
appeared at the open window of the breakfast room, and
demanded our ijnmediate attention. I turned round and said
sternly, " Vou scampi lie off. .\l the word— dye hear?"
"Ha, ha!" laugiied " .\ri, as he sprang on to my knee,
" (Jobble, gobble," iand, with a cjuick jerk of iiis bill he
snatched u piece of ham from' my [)laie and swallowetl it.
Absolutely unafraid and cheeky I Any kind of food is wcl-
ton:'e; fat jiieut, lean meat, lisli, t!v:c., while lie simply adores

An About " Ari '*—A Herritw Gull.

cheese above everything. A very favourite game of his, is
for somebody to place a piece of cheese between their
lips, and pretend to be totally unaware of the proximity of
Herring' Gulls 'or any other feathered thieves. " Ari " watches

^HB^ '-if.

i 'ti^^^^l

■1

" ARI.

Photo by F. Dawson-Smith.

with bright, eager eyes, and quietly stretches out his neck,
towards the coveted morsel, then, with lightning rapidity, there
follows a " snap," and his lordship has collared and bottled
the tit-bit. This will give some idea of his extreme tameness.
Indeed, it would be quite impossible for any bird to be tamer
than he, and when, in the course of time he assumes his full
adult plumage of pearly grey and white, he will be a beautiful
bird.

All Gulls keep themselves spotlessly clean in captivity,
by constant bathing and preening their feathers. I have kept
a good many Herring Gulls in the past, but none ever became
really ta;me, and, jjersonally, 1 don't care for a timid or wild
bird in captivity. Possibly those I had may have been too
old when caught. " Ari " is quite different and ridiculously

The Endurance of Birds. 97

tame, and always up to sjoniething fresh and amusing with his
inquiring mind. May he spend many years at Nash and live
to a ripe old age !

As a species the Herring Gull is abundant all round
the coast of Great Britain. It is a bird of large size, measur-
ing about 24 inches in length, and is extremely handsome when
it assumes its adult plumag*-. which may be described as
follows; Head and neck white; bill yellow with orange spot
on lower mandible; back and part of wings, light grey;
quills blackish tipped with white; breast and belly pure white.
Legs and feet flesh colour. The immature Herring Ciull has
the imottled plumage comjnon to all young Gulls. The nest
is to be found on cliffs, and on low^ rocky islands, such as
the Fames, off the coast of Northumberland. The eggs 2 — 3
in number, vary a good deal in colour from olive green to
brown, splotched and marked with dark brown and grey.
May and June are the months when incubation commences,
and during tlicse months and July, a visit to any place where
they breed numerously is a deafening experience owing to
their shrill screams and noisy cries. Ihe herring gull cannot
be regarded with affection by other birds, as it is an invet-
erate egg stealer, and takes any and every opportunity to
obtain its ill-gotten meal.

In captivity it is quite easy to cater for. It will
feed on any kind of scraps from the table, but the favourite
and fnost suitable diet is undoubtedly hsh. It is, especially
when in full adult plumage, a fine and striking bird on a
lawn, but according to my experience, seldom becoming really
tame. "Ari" is an exception which proves the rule. I
never met another of his species to be compared with him,
and don't suppose 1 ever shall. " Here's to you, ' Ari,'
dear ! "

The Endurance of Birds.

Bv \\ i.M.LV 1. I'.\c;i., 1- .Z.b, Etc.
{Continued Irani page 2,1).

A ralhei unfortunate printer s error occurred in last
instalment— line 17 of page 33 reading: "aviaries, some of

98 TJie Endurance of Birds.

the Sugar and Sunbirds could undoubtedly," whereas it should

read, aviaries are built on gravel, or gravel ami chalky are
in an.

It is not by any means easy to assi^^n the causes of
the various disasters and losses which assail an aviary, or
rather its occupants, in the course of a given year or even
years; andi it is too often equally difficult to provide a remedy
for such; the remedies, though effective up to a given point,
often iprove contributory to other disasters in their turn, e.g.,
keeping birds sheltered during the winter months, too often ren-
ders them very susceptible to sudden changes, especially the too
often bitterly cold nights of early spring; when many hens are
lost from " egg-binding " arising from chills — one point stands
out quit^ clear, viz.: thci harder we can keep our birds the
better for them, and the percentage of loss from climatic
conditions will be reduced to a minimum. But keeping
them "hard " does not necessarily imply exposing them to all
and every change the English climate inflicts upon them,
neither does the line of safety imply a heated shelter and
oonhnement therein ^during every inclement spell; by so doing
we only increase their susceptibility to every chilly blast that
blows, whenever they venture^ as they often will, into the open.
Wherein, then, lies the happy medium?

I hope to be able to indicate in the course of this in-
stalment, what tmy experience leads me to consider this course
to be ; , but, we must recognise that though we may reduce
the danger from clmratic conditions, below that of birds at
liberty upon their native heath, yet the danger from abnormal
unseasonable weather cannot be entirely eliminated, neither
can any deduction which I may draw be considered final, for
real aviculturists, as well as those which follow us, will be
scholars to the end of the chapter, and unless wc arc mere bol-
sterers up of theories, the experiences of the next few yars may
(I don't say will) cause us to entirely revise present day
mediods. For the present it will not be well for us to advance
beyond experience — the course of safety should be along the
paths it (experience) indicates.

Take the cliarming (despised by some, because it is

the Endurance^ of birds. 99

cheap and common), hardy little Zebra Finch. Hardy, he
certainly is, yet there is no species we keep that has a heav-
ier percentage ot non-understandable losses. The mystery or
difficulty is only intensified by the fact that one year the bulk
of the losses will be confined to hens, but in others it will be
exactly vice versa I As regards this species general evi-
dence seems to indicate that it is not a long-lived species
though there are cases of decided longevity ; also that the
hens are very liable to so-called egg-binding, especially in bad
seasons — so much so, that if an aviarist started with two or
three pairs, and did not add thereto, in spite of their prolific-
ncss in the course oF a few year^ his stock would be noil est

It is well to face our difficulties, as not only is the
case of one species closely analogous to others, of course, to a
greater or lesser degree, but facing a difficulty mostly means
finding the way out. I will now tabulate most of the points I
liave made so far, then, I thinkj I shall ha\e sujjplicd the why
and wherefore of the answor I shall atte.mjjt to give to the
query that has presented itself.

1 . There are a few aviculturists, whose aviaries are
erected upon ground having a sub-soil of gravel, or gravel
and chalk, who are almost immune from the dangers that
follow in the train of damp, wet periods, and, in consequence
they may subject their birds to almost any extent of exposure
with impunity, owing to the advantage arising from well
drained ground.

2. That lengthy periods of severe frost, with or
without snow, are nut the limes of fear, the critical period
arises at the thaw.

3. Some species should be shut in during wintry
nights; others to be taken indoors eiuirely during the winter
months; while others may be left to take their own course.
The difficulty is, that these varying conditions do not occur
along well defined lines, hut may all be found amonfr the
species of one genus.

4. That a lieatcd shelter, and confining the buds
iherclu during winter's nights and abnormal periods, or wholly

100 the Endurance of Birds.

confining them to the sheker for the winter, is only a partial
success. It docs check losses during the winter, but in the
spring, especially if it be a chilly one, when the birds are
given unrestricted liberty and nesting begins, losses among
hens are both maddening and distressing, and pneumonia
and other ills arc rife among both sexes.

5. It is recognised that some species must ha\e a
certain degree of heat, i.e., not subjected to a lower tempera-
aturc than 50-60 degrees Far., all the year round. Such
species can only be subjected to out-door treatment during the
settled summer months, and that^ only after being carefully
" hardened-off,'' much as the gardener hardens-off his half-
hardy plants.

6. That birds must be kept as hard as possible,
but that we are not justified in taking reckless risks, nor
in making reckless experiments. Pioneers may have had to
do so, but it is little short of wicked for those who follow to
do so ; as there is ample room for reasonable and profitable
experimentation without re-treading well-worn paths. I had
better state here to prevent being misunderstood that " well-
worn paths " has no conuL'ction with breeding again and
again species that have been bred before, for much is to be
gleaned therefrom; but I mean to imply that it is vain to
attempt experiments, of which there exists ample evidence that
such are futile.

7. If there is to be progress in aviculture we must not
be slaves of the text-book; at the same time we must acquaint
ourselves with what has been done, so that we may make an
intelligent start, and not in ignorance inilict needless sufi'ering
upon the birds we seek to keep. Having done this we must
think, observe, and plan for ourselves. Also, we must be
seekers after truth, for to be mere bolsterers up of any given
theory or theories is an efiective check to all progress, for
then we are only too apt to observe in a given direction.

Now, I think, to pursue the matter further would be to
needlessly and unproritably weary my readers, and I had better,
after thus declaring myself, answer as best 1 can the query—

The Endurance of Birds. lOl

Wherein lies the happy medimn ?. I think I can best do this
by a number of short jerky sentences.
By keeping the birds hard.

By an entirely unhealed flight and shelter, yet con-
constructed on the night-drive principle.

If the sub-soil is clay or the soil otherwise very re-
tentive (soggy), by securing the best drainage possible — often
raising the ground level of the inside of the aviary; six to
twelve inches above that of the ground outside, best secures
this — best of all, both drain v/ell and also raise the ground
level of the aviary.

By providing plenty of cover, natural in the flight,
branches and furze in the shelter — by cover in the shelter.
I mean not merely branches for perching accommodation,
but a thick hvdge of twiggy branches and furze, not only for
perching but f(jr cover (retreats) also; but liiilc driving
in at night, will then be needed.

By personal supervision, not leaving everything to the
discretion of the aviary-attendant, but by seeing that what is
required is done one's self. Leaving the birds as much free-
will as possible, but forcing them to the shelter whenever
weather conditions demand it — one is only qualirted to do this
by a personal study of the birds, and nothing can compensate
for the lack of it.

To sum up, my present ideal is an unheated aviary,
constructed on the "night-drive" principle; the birds, during
the winter months to be driven in to the shelter, and conflncd
therein whenever their owner considers desirable — the number
of species which require more protection than that of four
walls is not great. Personal supervision. And, as a last
word, the shelter to be adequate must be as well lighted,
well ventilated and as free from damp and draught as a living
room.

Again, 1 will say I hope I have not been prosy, I
have sought to make myself as clear and helpful as I know
how. At the same time I liave not sought to exhaust the
subject, lor I earnestly desire others lo lullow nie, 1 am

10)2 BditprUii.

not writing as Editor, but as an ordinary member.

In the next instalment 1 ^j^ropose to consider longevity
air.ong the various groups.

{To be continued).
#

Editorial.

Nesting and Rearing of Young Cacatua galer-
ITA : This interesting event has occurred in the grounds of
Mr. H. Whitley, in South Devon. A pair of Sulpuhr-crested
Cockatoos were flying at liberty, but under complete control;
however we had better quote extracts from a most interesting
letter:

" 'When 'breeding the Sulphur-crests are continually on their stands
" where the> arc fed, they merely nested in the tree. The young Cockatoo
" when fairly well feathered I look from the nest and placed in a box
"suspended on une of the old bird's stands It was thus fed and rearedi
" until it could ' do ' for itself, and was not allowed its liberty for many
" months, not until 1 thought it had Ijecomc sufficiently tame and tracl-
" able . . . they arc under complete control, as they can be caught
" when required on their standi, as easily as homing pigeons. At pres-
" ent I have the cock bird at liberty, the hen chained on her stand, and
" they arc getting more amorous every day."

Thus tersely is told a most interesting episode, which
we hope our new member will describe fully in an article for
a near issue of "B.N." We consider we ought to award a
special medal in such a case, though this occurrence could not
be strictly accounted as " breeding; in captivity," and anyone
so succeeding (in captivity) would be entitled to a medal.
Nevertheless we consider that, not only should a -medal be a-
warded for this instance, but that the scope of the medal rules
should be so extended as to include any similar instance of
success in the future.

Errata : i

Page 72 line 21, "petrel-red" should read kestrel-red.
58 line 2 for "which" read and.

67 line 17 delete "," after account.

,, 67 line 20 delete "," after Germany.

„ 68 line 16 for " Batchcherrygah " read Betchcherrygah

„ Cy line 14 for " Nanodeg " read! Nanodes.

Correspondence. ~ 103

Correspondence.

THE AMETHVST-RrMPED SUNBIRD.

Sir, — I am sending you a Sunbird's nest^ which I have received
from my sister (Mrs. Dickinson), who lives in the South of Ceylon, about
fifteen mile; from the coast. -She sends me the following notes concerning
it :

" We have one of the bigger Sunbirds nesting by a garden bench
"just on one side of the window. It is hung on a twig not ij feet
" above the ground, with a brick receiver for the water-pipe just i^elow,
" where the cats come to sun themselves. It nearly touches the cosy
" thair I sit out in every day. As 1 write the hen is sitting and I could
" nearly touch her with my pen. The nest is in the angle of the wall.
■■ The cock chose the site and was days over it, but he only knows how
" to tic hairs, the hen did all the rost and completed it in five days. Ihe
" <-(irk was in attendance, watching nnd singing, while she built.

" For some reason the cats do not eat her, 1 think they must
" jump down twenty times a day and she flies off, but they never try ;o
" touch her. One night she flew into the lamp but the Podian (native
" page boy) replaced her on the nest.

" I do hope she hatches' out her three or four eggs. The nesi
" face^ the wall and pipe. I will send it when it's all finished with.
" I'hc hen's head and neck are always outside the nest as she patiently
" incubates the eggs."

" The male is metallic purple-brown, with brilliant purple crown
■ an i throat ; pale cinnry-yellow chest and breast, and thin arched beak.
'' The female is dull grey-brown above and greyish-white below.
'■ f)ne young bird was reared in this ne^t in December."

.M\ sister sent me the nest by ne.vi mall, s.) I | r.'sume the young
must have been hatched when she was writing. I thought the abo\e miglit
interest readers of " Bird Notes."

•larporley, C:hcshirc, 2/3/'i6. iMrs.) ALICE SIOREY.

[The nest is most interesting ; it is composed of fine and coarse bents,
liclicn, plant down, and paper shavings (very little of the litter >, well
cemented together with cobwebs and is attached (suspended i to a
slender twig. The nest i^ very nearly a true oval, four inches long by
two inches tliick (outside measurements). The:*' is a circular entrance hole,
at the side about one/ inch in diameter, partially obscured by a slightly
overhanging porch. The walls ot the nest are well cemented together, and
only in the upper part c.m a littli' light be seen through them. The'
riest pocket is one and three-eighths of an inch deep and snugly lined
witli feathers. At the moment I have no\ a camera handy, but lor a later
issue I wil! photograph and reproduce it. -En].

I'l.N'TAILED rARROT-FI.VCHK.S (.Nonpareils).
Sir,- The following note i^'Fenasserim^ Jan, i'>, 1916), will prob-

104 Correspondence.

ahly interest many B.N. readers :

" I am glad to tell you I have at last succeeded in finding
" for you the "N.-P. " Pin-tailed finches ; quite by chance I was visiting*
" a distant Siame»;e village to find a man to whom to give a contract
" a distant Siamese village to find a couple of these birds recently caught
" being played with by the native children there. It was quite a bit of
" luck, because, according to the natives, these birds are migratory, and
" they say they have not seen them in these parts for the past many years,
" an<i they only come just about the time the paddy is being harvested,
" so the time of my return fitted in just right for them ; they seem to
" have all disappeared again now. .At the time I put all the villagers
" on catching them, .and succeeded in getting about 500. I have now got
" these in an aviary I put up here and I'll send them to you in batches of
" three or four cage? at a time containing 40—50 each. They are certainly a
" very gorgeous sight all together with their scarlet flame breasts, green
" anl blue heads and backs, you would like to see them. I'll keep
" the aviary going, &nd endeavour to h'ive a lot also for your next visit',
" which I Iiope is going to be this year.

" They seem to live/ n captivity very well. I get few deaths
" now although I did get h.ilf-a-do/en or so a day to start with they eat
" no end, of pladdy, and an essential seems to be to give them plenty
" ot clear water in which to bathe ; they love ducking about in it, and
' 1 havi hat' a pii>i>e\ cement place made for it in the aviary. The
' top of t he aviary i^ covered with cc)roa-nut palms, and some inside
' too, for roostjng—they like plenty of shafle. I have got some travel-
' ling cages ready made, and I have mad* arrangements for the Chi.T
■' Choo (Trade Manager) of the Chinese steamer to look after the bird^
"as far as Penang, the present difficulty is to get hold of a suitable
" person in Penang to take care of them, and make arrangements for
" shipping home. I have been in correspondence with two, one after the
" f)ther, an<l they do not seem to care to take on the job, hut a third
" with whom 1 am iri correspondence now I think will do it. They'll
" need constant attentiot., and I'm telling this man to get hold of the
" butcher of one of the regular home-going direct boats, give hin. a sov-
" ereign, and tell him there will be another two for him in Lundon pro-
" viding he gets as many birds home as possible safe. A strange feature
" about the birds I have here is, that until recently they have been
" acting as decoys to others of tlie same kind and we have caught'
" cjuite a number from outside in this way."

I have received n small consignment of the above (33 cocks and
100 hens). They were shipped in a, private cabin^ and well treated en
roinr. They have arrived in the pink of condition^ and the losses during
the voyage horrid were less than five per cent. There has not been ^

Book Notices and Reviews, 105

single death sinrc they arrived, and a pait put into the out-door aviary are
in perfect health. All a re fit to put on the show-bench straight away,

and they all look livers.

R. ARNOLD.

Streatlijin S.W, 3 •■4 • 16.

Book Notices and Reviews.

A B(R') Caii:xI)ar rni; XoRTurRV India. By D. Dewar, I.CS:, F,Z,S : ;
London : Thacker and Co., Creed Lane, E.C. 6s.

Yet another book from the prolific pen of Mr. Dewar, whose writ-
in.gs arc well known to our memliers. And once again is this work planned

and c-.ii'.i;'(l through in hi-, own inimitable style. It is no "dry .'is dust
calendar o!" the birds to be met with in the various months of the year,
but is written in nairative form, and runs into more than 220 pages, ex-ery
one of \\!ii.'h i^ inform.itive anl re])lete with interest. But the best com-
m'Tuliiiiin one ran give it is to let the work sneak for itself by quoting
one or two cxtr.H ts thciefrom.

" .Famakv : .Some species of .Munia breed at this time of the
" year. 'I'he red munia, or ainadavat or /,,/ • li^ti c'.da uni iml(iv(n, i> a next
'■ t(i the ])arra(|uet, the bird most commonly caged in Indi.i. This
" little exquisite is considerably smaller than a sparrow. Its \n\\ is
'■ brigh' irinisoii, and there i-. some re 1 nr crimson in the nlumage -
" more in the cock than in the hen, and mo,t in both sexes at the
" breeding season. The remainder of the jdum.ige i.i brown, but is
■'e\crywhcrc heavily spotted with white. In a state of nature; these
" art'eci long gia^s. for they fee 1 largely, if not entirely, on grass
" seed. The rock has a sweet voice, which al hough feeble^ is sufficiently
" lou(! to bi' heard al some distan<e. and is frequently uttered."

" The nest of the ."Vvadavat is large for the size of the bird,
" being a loosely woven cup, which is egg-shaped and has a hole at
" o' near the narrow, end. It is composed of fine grass stems; and is
"often lined vdth soft material. It is usually placed in the middle
" of a bush, sometimes in a tussock of grass. From six to fourteen
" <^KS*' •I''*' laid. These are white in colour. This species appears to
"breed twice in a year— from October to February and again from
" June to August."

" .M,;r( h : Mini\ets are aerial exquisites. In descriptions of them su-

" perlative f(dlows upon superlative. The cocks of most species of them

" are arraye^ in scarlet and black ; the hens arc not one whit less

" brilliantly attired in yellow and sable. One species lives entirely

^OC) Book Notices and Reviews.

" jn the plains, others visit them in the cold weather ; the majority
" are permanent residents of the hills. The solitary denizen of the
" pliMHs llic- little Minivci (J'cricioroliis pcic<;riiiii.s)— is the least re-
" splendent nf them all. /ts prevailing hue is slaty J^rey, but the cock
" has a oed breast and some red on the back. The nest is a cup, so
'■ smal; as to bo cither invisilile fnun below, or to present the appearance
" of a knot or thickenin},^ in the l)ran(h on whirli it is placed. Some-
" times two broods are reared in the course of the year one in March,
'■ April or May, and the other during the rainy season."

" \i^RiL : April is the month in which to look for two exquisite
" little nests— those of the white-eye (Zosterops palpebrosa) and the
" ior? ( Af/rit/iiiia tipliia). \\'hite-cyes are minute greenish-yellow Ijirds
" with a 'conspicuous ring of white feathers round the eye. They go
" abouf in flocks. Each individual utters unceasingly a plaintive cheep-
" ing note bv means of v,-hich it keeps its fellows acquainted with its
" wherealiouts. '.At the breeding season, that is to say in .April and
' May, the cot k sings an exceedingly sweet, but very soft lay of six or
"seven notes. 1 he nest is a» cup, about 2 J- inches in diameter and
" ^- of an inch in depth. It is usually suspended like a hammock, from
" the fork of a branch ; sometimes it is attai hcd to the end of a
" single bough ; it then looks like a ladle, the liough being the
" handle. It is composed of Cdbvveb, roots, hair, and other soft materials.
" Three or four tiny pale-blue eggs are laid."

" The iora has ,t \ariety of calls, of these a soft and rather
" plaintive loiig-drawn-i.ut whistle is uttered most frequently in .\pril
" and May.

" /In shape and size the nest resembles an after-dinner coffee-
'■ cup It is beautifully woven, and like those of the white-eye and
" fantai! flycatcher, covered with cobweb ; this gives it a very neat
" api>earance. In it are laid two or three eggs of s.ilmon hue, with'
" reddish-brown and juirple-grey b'otches."

These extracts must suffice, I iiave not chosen them as being the
best in the liook^ but as being of sjiecial interest in members of
F.B.C

on-

Thc writer found the ])ook fascinating from cover to cover, c

taining much that is realiy as informative to the aviculturist as to the

ornilhologist, and. we cordially commend it to our readers as a valuable
addition to their library.

Post Mortem Reports. 107

Post Mortem Reports.

{Vide rules page Hi. of Cover.)

Toucan. (C. F. Leach, Leatherhead). The cause of death was
acute pneumonia. No details were sent.

GouLDi.\iN Finch (cT)- (J- Smith, Kendal). Cause of death, hae-
morrhage into liver.

Cordon Bleu. (Miss K. Webb, Cambridge.). Cause of death
pneumonia.

GouLDiAN Finch (cT)- (H. J. Turner, Newton Abbot). Cause
of death, pneumonia. This disease is usually fatal in birds and in spite-
of the treatment carried out death mostly ends the scene. Great heat,
citrate of soda or aceto-salicylic acid in the water or food may give bene-
fit in the less acute cases.

Canary — Goldfinch Hvbrid and Roller Canarv. (Mrs. Burgess,
Bristol). Cause of death, pneumonia.

Diamond Dove. (B. C. Thomasset, Ashmans worth). The lungs-
were congested ; no doubt caused by a lowered temperature.

Answered by Post :— James Yealland ; the Hon. Mrs. Bourke, H.
Earle ; Col. Routh.

H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S.

A Colony of Birds.

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY.

Wellington, Saturday. — Mr. R. E. Clouston, a mining
engineer, recently made a remarkable discovery of bird life
near Rockville, in tlie Nelson district, while exploring the
ranges. Mr. Clouston discovered an entire colony of birds of
rare species, including thousands of kiwis and kakapos. The
latter bird is so rare that recently an advertisement was pub-
lished which offered £80 for one of its kind."

" Mr. Clouston declares that he had not seen anything
like the collection before. He secured a number of kiwis,
which he placed on the Little Barrier. ' Not only are there
kiwis and kakapos,' he says, ' but dozens of mountain duck,
saddle backs (worth £10 each), New Zealand robins, wrens,
owls, cools, petrels (rain birds), keas, kakas, tui, makomakos.

108 A Colony, of Birds.

warblers, riflemen, creepers (rare), maori hens, fantails, tomtits,
and pigeons. It was a harvest of rarities. Kiwis are there
because the feed is good. We found great worms over 4ft.
in length; the longest one I measured was 4ft. loin."

[The above interesting cutting — from a Sydney paper
for January, 191 6 — by Mr. R. Colton, having received it from
a friend in N.S. Wales.— Ed. "B.N."]

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

The Amazon Rail.

By W, Shore Baily.

I'm calling my bird the Amazon Rail. I have no wish
for it to be thought that it is the one and only rail to be
found on that noble river, tO; which this name would apply.
There are probably tnany other species to be met with along
its course of 3,500 miles, with perhap^g a greater right to the
title. Still, this is the way it was described to me by Mr.
Cross, of Liverpool. I know it by no other name, so the
Amazon Rail it will have to be, and I must leave it to the
scientists to put a Latin name to it, should they so desire.
I gather from Mr. Cross that two of them came over, one of
which escaped. This was a misfortune a^s I should have liked
to try and breed them.

It is an extremely attractive bird, both in appearance
and demeanour. It is about the size of our Moorhen but has
longer legs. The crown of the head and back are golden
brown, neck and throat, bluish grey; breast bright chestnut;
abdomen and tail black ; wings reddish brown ; legs carmine ;
bill yellow. A very effective colour arrangement indeed.

It is absolutely tame, likes being petted, and will
stand to be stroked just like a cat or dog. It eats anything.
I had some difficulty in photographing it, as it would insist
on trying to' eat the camera lens. When I enter the aviary
the first thing" in the morning, it greets me with loud clucks,
not unlike those of a broody hen; at other times it points its
beak at the ground and pretends not to see me, and on being
approached puts its head between its legs, and walks slowly
off in a curious and stilted manner. It has norve of the stalk-

The Amazon Rail.

ing habits of the American Clapper Rail {R. obsoletus) or
of our owjii Corn-crake and Water Rail, but this may be due
to its extreme tameness. In this it resembles its little North
American cousin P. jamaiciensis, one of the least shy of all
the water birds. I have several times had these run over my
leu's when reclining in a boat,

The Amazon Kail.

[Photo hv W. S/ton lii/i/v).

My Rail spends a good deal of its time in the trees
and bushes, and always chooses one of the highest to roost in
at night. In this respect its habits are more like those of
of the Wood Ibises than of the true Rails. I have occasion-
ally seen our English Rail well up in the top of a high bush
near the water, but I rather fancy that they must have been

The Amazons Rail.

Ill

frightened there. Of course our Moorhen frequently builds in
similar spots. Like R. aquaticus it is a good swimmer, but
does not*. I jthink, do so, from choice.

As to its disposition with other birds, I have my
doubts whether it would be safe to trust it with small birds.

The Amazon Rail. {Photo by W. Short* Baily).

Its prominent ruby eye makes it .look as if it ^night be danger-
ous. So far there is in the aviary only a pair of St. Thomas
Conurcs. One day when I was trying to get a photo to
illustrate these notes, the hen Conure, which is also finger
tame Hew down' to see what I Avas doing. In an instant the
Rail was at Jicr, but before I could intervene the little Parrot
had gone for it literally tooth and nail, and screaming hor-
ribly. I never saw, a more astonished Rail. When she had

112

The Amazon Rail.

done with him, she climbed on; to my shoulder, and shouted
(she speaks rather nicely) "Come on," "come on," "come
on," but needless to say the Rail was not inclined to
respond; he seemed to think that the far end of his pond
was quite the best place, while little demons of Parrots were

The Aniiizon Rai

{Photo by W. Shore- Bai/y).

about. Had it been a Finch or similar bird, I have no
doubt but that the Rail would have killed it. I once kept the
so-called Grey-headed and Blue Rails (P. pniioccphaliis and
P. porphyria) and found them particularly murderous with
small birds. They would take their unfortunate v^ictims in
their claws and literally tear them limb from limb. They were
perfect Huns, in fact. Still they are very handsome birds
and I have often wondered why no attempts have been made

The Amazon Rail.

113

to acclimatize them. If they were turned out on a sufficiently
large; piece of water, where there were enough Waterfowl to
keep a space unfrozen in hard weather, they ought to do very
well, and a flock of 40 or 50 would look very handsome. The

Tlie Amazon Kail. J'ltutu by \V. Sliorv Baily).

Amazon Rail would look equally attractive as a denizen of our
ponds and lakes. It is just possible that I may be able to
obtain a male for my bird later on, and if so, every chance
shall be given them to reproduce their kind; and an account
shall be sent to "B.N." if they are successful. . ,

li4 Bird. Life and Sport on Ac hi II Island.

Bird Life and Sport Oii Achill Island.

By Frank Dawson-Smith.

I \vill begin with a tlritc remark. Life is lil<e a kalei-
doscope with its ever changing scenes, growing dim, maybe,
in the rusli, of the years. Bii;t there remain some which are
ineftaceably engraved on the memory. In my personal retro-
spect I irecair many unforgotten scenes, adventiires, and places
near to Nature's heart. In this connection I place AchiJl
Island, off the coast of Wesft, Ireland, a district bearing the
marks of Nature in her most generous form. One memorable
winter* I iwas asked to spend: a few weeks with some sporting
friends there; an invitation which \ hailed with delight. The
first part of| the journey was decidedly unpleasant owing to
the appalling weather we experienced. This; caused the mail
boat to be; two hours late in starting from Holyhead. When
at last she left, the rough sea caused many of the passengers
to wish she had not started ! It snowed unceasingly and the
wind blew a 'hurricane until we neared Kingstown, when it
somewhat abated. As soon as the boat was more or less
stationary, we grabbed our penates, and got ashore, in a rush
to get aboard the Dublin train, in order to catch the West
of Ireland express_, at the capital. However, as luck would
have it owing to our train being late, we joined the express
before we got to Dublin, and 'made a speedy journey to
Athlone. Here we changed into the Achill Sound train and
also had a glimpse of the noble river Shannon. We had a
long tedious journey from this point, with little to interest in
the view owing! to the flatness of central Ireland. And the
train itself reminded one of the hare and the tortoise — the train
being the hare. It travelled fairly quickly, it is true, but
made up for< the speed byi lunconscionably long waits at the
Stations. Had the tortoise 'ig:one the route required as a slow
goods train, plodding^ steadily along, it would assuredly have
reached its destinationi tirst, having passed us on the way.
But all worries end some time. After passing Westport the
scenery became steadily, grander and wilder. Bold mountains
hove in sight, and the beautiful waters of Clew Bay gave
.splendid promise of joys to come. Late in the afternoon we

* i9'4.

Birds. Life and Sport on Ac hill Island. 115

reached Achill Sound— our terminus, as well as that of the
line. \\'c soon had our travelling impedimenta packed on to
an Irish jaunting car, and started on the long dri\e to our
hnal destination, Dugort, about ten miles away.

The narrow channel between Achill Sound and the
mainland is now bridged. We passed across it and reached
Dugort, the scttlem.ent, a quaint little place sheltering be-
neath SJicvemore Mountain, about a couple of hours later.
The following day; my guide was introducing' to me a typical
West Irishman tiamed Michael Molloy. This " bhoy " proved
a veritable walking encyclopaedia of knowledge regarding
birds inhabiting the island. Added to thisi he knew every
inch of Achill, possessed three useful diogs for shooting pur-
poses, and last, but by nc^ means least, he had eyes like a
hawk. I ^

< )ur lirst day's excursion was to Keel Lough, a large
sheet of water about two and a half miles distant. We had
a look at Dookinelly^ a ihamlet consisting of a few one storied
thatched cottages, and a place where porter could be obtained.
"Just the stuff, sor, to start a day wid, bedad I " remarked
Michael; thus enlightening me as to the customs of the
country. I responded to the delicate suggestion, in the way
he evidently approved, and when he fliad finished his study of
my 'methods, we proceeded on our adventures, and went down
to the side of the Lough. Here my attention became rivetted
on the multitude of birds. Flocks of Lapwings were llying
around, alternately black and white as they turned in the air.
Close at hand were; a number of noisy little Redshanks, run-
ning about on the sandy shore,, their slender, red legs being
easily distinguishable among the rest. Intermingled with them
were other Waders, Dunlins, Purple Sandpipers, and those
quaint little fellow — the Turnstones, all busily, occupied in a
common task — searching for food. Judging by their sudden
rushes and c^uick dabs with their bills tJiey found a plentiful
supply. The noisy but shy Curlew was much in evidence
and numbers of these birds were flying around, well out of

116 ^ird Life and Sport on Ac hill Island.

possible danger, and constantly emitting their wild cries. A
Heron, sedate and motionless was standing in the water at the
edge of the lake, while further out was a flock of Wigeon.
Beyond the Wigeoi^ were a score of wild swans, which are
believed by the Achill natives to, be witches I Very graceful
did they appear as they floated over the Lough, until some-
thing alariped them and they rose suddenly with a great
flapping of wings, first close to the water and then circling
higher and higher, until they reached a great height and dis-
appeared in the direction of Ballacroy on the mainland.

Few people know what good eating a Cygnet makes.
In olden days it was a recognized " dainty dish to set before
a king." I had once sampled the dainty and was anxious to
repeat the experiment. So a few days later I brought a
rifle down andl picked off a couple of them, which provided
a most appetising repast later. Walking round the lake we
disturbed a number of Rock Pigeons which were on the
ground. They took flight when we drew nearer, but we man-
aged to shoot several on the wing.

The next thing which claimed our interest was a small
islet farther away. This, we learned, was the " Bill's Rock,"
about live miles from where we stood, ft is a great breed-
ing place for sea birds, and^ I am hoping some day I may
have the good fortune to explore the islet at my leisure. At
present, it is, of necessity, in the "dim future,".and "on the
knees of the gods " of war, as I am engaged in " the great
adventure " like the majority of my countrymen.

But, to "return to our mutton." The Stormy l^etrel
is another bird that breeds on some of the adjacent islets, and
Ihat handsome, but rare member of the Corvidae, the Chough,
nests on the mighty Achill clifts. I saw these birds con-
stantly during my, stay, but never from very close quarters.
Another member of this family that is very abundant is the
Carrion Crow. What struck me chiefly was the extreme lame-
ness and disregard of human intruders shown by the Achill
Crow. Jt was the more extraordinary when one considers
how wary English Crow? are. i

Bird Life and Sport on Achill Island. 117

That evening we went duck-flighting at Keel Lough.
I can picture the scene vividly in my mind's eye. We sat by
the edge of the water at a point over which the duck were
accustomed to fly as they came in from die sea at eventide,
in order to spend the nighl f:^i\ the Lake. Here we waited in
silence, taking stock of the scenery round us. And how grand
— how magnificent it all was I The great sheet of water —
Natuie's mirror, reflected great mountains and wonderful cloud
eff^ects, while from afar came the ceaseless roar and murmur
of the waves as they broke upon the shore. All around came
the cries of the birds, Redshanks, Curlews, and myriad others,
their various notes and calls being easy to distinguish by one
who knew and loved them as^ I did. Then the moon came
up and we saw the mdghty Croaghawn in the distance, whose
opposite side was a fearful precipice tenanted by sea birds,
and, on the narrow leclges, by the wild goats. All around
Nature ruled supreme. Picture it if you can. Mountains,
moors, water, and the call of the birds. For a long time we
remained lost in contemplation of the wild beauty around
us. Then suddenly, " Attention I " A rushing sound over-
head,— a momentary glimpse of wild fowl and " bang, bang,"
and three fine Wigeon fell to our guns. We cautiously re-
trieved the spoil and again waited in patience in the hope of
shooting a Goose, which we thought might pass over, but we
had no luck in this direction. We added a few more Wigeon
to our bag, and then started on the homeward trudge. The
next day we went after Snipe, which abound on the Achill
Marshes. Here we had splendid sport. Michael brought a
red Irish setter named " Floss," for this particular work,
and it was wonderful to watch it. Floss appeared to scent
a Snipe ajt an incredible distance^ and would work nearer and
nearer, until she "set " it at a distance of a few yards. L^p
would fly the Snipe with that curious zig-zag Higlit which
every sportsman can recognize, followed by the reports of our
guns, and usually with satisfactory results from our point of
view. On this occasion the one and only Jack Snipe that we
saw, fell to my gun. it rose a long distance in front but
soon settled again. Floss flushed it and it fell to a single
report. Jack Snipe can be easily distinguiaheifroiu the Com-
mon Snipe by their much smaller size. For this reason they

1T8 Nesf of the Norfolk Plover or Stone-Curtew .

are often railed "Half-snipe." They usually sit very close
and, when disturbed, only fly a short distance. W'e increased
our bag on this occasion by the addition of a Moor-hen whicli
rose from a clump of reed^, and a Teal, the drake of which
species, in spring plumage is, to my mind, the most beautiful
little duck that inhabits the British Isles.
{To he\ continued).

An Indian Nest of the Norfolk Plover or
Stone-Curlew.

( JEdicnemns Scolopax.)

Bv Hugh Whistler, M.B.O.U., I. P.

In England we are so accustomed to look on the
Stone- Curlew as a bird of open heaths or warrens, or great
expanses of shingle, that our members may care to hear of
the first nest of this species tha;t I have found in the'Punjab;
I gather from reading Hume's descriptions that my nest may
be considered typical of the habits of the Indian race of the
bird.

During a few days of this iiionith I was encamped at
near Sirhind, between Ludhiana and Ambala, Morinda is
noted for its huge groves of Mango trees, some of very great
size and age. These groves extend all round the inspection
bungalow in whicilii I was putting up and during the first two
nights of my sta/ I was greatly puzzled about the possible
identity of some birds which could be heard calling in the
darknes- here and there around the bungalow. The call was
a sort of whistling shriek, which might be represented by the
word " twe-c-e-e-k." After a good deal of thought it struck
me that it was probably the Stone-Curlew which is well-
known to be partly or largely nocturnal.

Next morning, accordingly (19th March), I went out
to see whether I coidd find the species in the vicinity; when
I had been here in camp on 8th December previously my
Falconer had reported seeing a party of four but I had not

Nest of (he Norfolk Plover or Stone-Curlew. 119

verified his statement.

These mango groves are very cool and shady; the
trees are planted in rows at regular intervals, and in the
younger gardens the ground is almost bare of grass and other
herbage, while a circle of earth is drawn out from round the
trunk of each tree, forming a shallow basin edged by a ridge,
fo: the purpose of catching rain water.

In one of these groves of younger trees I saw a Stone-
Curlew running in front of me, on the bare leaf strewn ground
near some patches of coarse stubbly grass, and as a forlorn
hope I started to search for eggs when the second bird got
up suddenly close by from a 'patch of fallen leaves, where it
had been squatting. There I .had a brief hope of finding the
eggs but there were none, so after some more desultory
searching I left the place.

However, in the evening I .Avent quietly to tlic .spot in
in hopes of getting some clu^ to a possible nest by seeing
the hen leave it, but was disappointed to rind my orderly al-
ready there and the bird on the alert; oiie bird could be seen
squatting amongst the leaves where it had been in the morn-
ing whilst the other was standing up some 30 yards away
under another tree. I again searched the patch of leaves
only to be satislied that there at least no eggs had been laid,
reluctantly concluding that it was the chosen site where eggs
would be deposited later. However^ it scemcdi worth looking
also where the second bird had been standing. We were
searching about there when my eye was caught by a mass of
Doves' droppings on, the ground^ and I was gazing up into
the tree Ion a nest when Ahmed Khan, the Orderly, exclaimed :
" there's an egg," and so there was, just by my feet I

1 he soilarly i^^^^^ was laid, without any apparent trace
of efforL on the bird's part to prepare a nest, ui\ the top of
the low drainage ridge of earth drawn round the tree trunk,

I left it until the following inorning but no second egg
was laid, although it proved to be quite fresh. That day
my camp was moving on, so it was not feasible lo wait a
second night to make certain that tliis was ihc complete
clutch.

120 ^ird Catching In India.

Bird-catching in India.

Bv Douglas Dewar, F.Z.S., I.C.S.

In India there are certain castes whose only means of
livelihood is bird snaring. These are known as bheliyas or
chiriya-mars.

The natives of India usually possess a considerable
stock of patience and a full share of ingenuity. Some of the
devices whereby birds are snared are extraordinarily in-
genious : others make an unending demand on the patience of
the operator. I think it will be admitted that the man
who has the patience tcj " tish " for Pigeons in a tree by
means of a horse-hair noose at the end of a stem of giant
grass, until he succeeds in entangling in the noose the leg of a
bird, has fairly earned his quarry !

Falconry is a pastime largely indulged in in certain
parts of the country; in consequence there are hundreds of
people who lay themselves out to catch birds of prey.

Wild raptores are usually trapped in one or other of
the following three ways :

Peregrines and other Falcons are commonly caught by
means of a piece of limed cane, about the length of the ex-
panse of a Falcon's wing. To the middle of this piece of
cane an unfortunate Dove, of which the eyes have been sewn
up, is tied. \\'hen the falconer espies a Falcon he throws
the Dove, with the piece of cane attached to it, into the air.
The Dove flutters about on its wings aimlessly and attracts
the attention of the P'alcon. The wings of the bird of prey
get caught by the bird-lime, so that it cannot fly. It falls to
the ground, bringing the Dove with it, and the Falconer runs
up and secures his prize.

The smaller birds of prey are commonly captured in
a net, called a dogaz, baited with a myna. The net in
question is abouit a yard broad^; and two yards long. At
each end it is attached by its whole breadth to a pole. l£ach
pole is stuck into the ground sio that the net stands upright
like a lawn-tennis net. Close to it the lure bird is tethered
to the ground. It struggles and tries to get away. Its

Bifd Catching In India. 121

movements ere long attract one of the numerous birds of prey
which are nearly always flying overhead in open country in
India. The victim either fails to see or ignores the net,
stoops at the bait and becomes entangled if it happen to
approach from the side on which the net is erected.

The third common method of capturing birds of prey
is by flying a lure bird. For this purpose the falconer
employs one of the more feeble of the raptores — probably
a White-eyed Buzzard. Some of the feathers of each wing
of the lure bird are tied together so that it can fly only with
considerable eftort, and when thrown up drops to the ground
exhausted after a flight of about three hundred yards. To the
feet of the lure bird is tied a bundle of feathers in which are
mingled a number of horse-hair nooses. Having been thus
made up the lure bird is thrown into the air. It flaps heavily
along. Seeing its laboured flight and the bundle of feathers
attached to its toes any bird of prey that happens to be
soaring in the vicinity thinks it is carrying some heavy booty
and promptly attacks it with the object of robbing it. The
result is usually that its feet get caught in the nooses and both
birds drop struggling to the ground, where they are seized
by the Falconer.

It is scarcely necessary to state that game birds, are
those upon which bird-catchers mainly operate.

In the I'nitcd Provinces the most usual method of
netting Quail is to place overnight some covered cages con-
taining call-birds near a dal or a sugar-cane field. The calls
of the captive birds attract to the field in question numbers
of wild Quail. Shortly before dawn a net is quietly stretched
across one end of the field, and the Quail in the field are
driven towards the net by drawing a rope lightly over the
top of the growing crop, beginning at th^ end of the field
opposite to the net and slowly moving the rope in the direc-
tion of the net. As the rope ncars the net a great noise is
made on all sides of the field exce|)t that across which the
net is stretched. This causes the alarmed Quail to rush
headlong into the net. A hiodification of the above method

122 Bird Catching In India.

is to place! call birds near a field of some low crop, and, just
before dawn, to drag a net over the crop as one drags a
carpet along the ground. This causes the Quail in the field
to move on la little in advance of the net. When the net nears
the end of the field the Quail do nort: break into thelopefn but
remain in doubt as to what to do. The net is then suddenly
pulled down at the four corners and held down. In this way
numbers of ciuail become caught in it.

A more ingenious "method of catching Quail is largely
resorted to in the Central Provinces. Th - appaiatus C)ns:sts
of a circular net about six feet long and with a diameter of
about ten inches. This net is closed at one end to form a
cnl dc sac. It is provided with pegs so that it ran be
speedily pegged to the ground and form a trap into which
the Quail can run. The remainder of the apparatus consists
of a serie-i of frames, each of which is about two feet long
and one foot broad. Across each a net is lightly stretched.
There are usually twelve of these frames. These are joined
together by hinges to form two. series of si.\, which can be
folded up so that the total length is but two feet, or opened
out and stuck into th? ground so that the total length of each
series is twelve feet. The quail-catcher thus armed sets out
to a likely place for (juail and, by imitating their call, he
attracts a number to the \icinity. He then proceeds to peg
out his apparatus. He pegs down first one series of netted
frames, then, at the other end of this, the ciil-de-snc net.
Lastly the second series of netted frames is joined \.o this and
pegged out. The two series are arranged so tha^ they form
a very wide \' with the cat de sac at the ape.\. Having set
the net" snarer walks quietly oflf and makes a detour so as
to put the Quail between himself and the trap. The next
step i s for him quietly to approach the net by walking to
and fro, each line in the zig-zag bringing him nearer the
nets. Thus he drives the Quail towards the net. When they
reach this they do not attempt to jump over it, but run
along it towards the cut de sac. They do not run in the
opposite direction, because to do so would bring them nearer
the man from whom they are running away. Eventually the
birds all find themselves in the cut de sac, where they are

Bird Catching In India. 123

easily secured.

Another method of captiiring^ Quail which has been
described to me, but which 1 have never witnessed is by-
means of a large bee-hive shaped basket devoid of a bottom
and provided with an aperture at the top sufficiently large for
the insertion of a man's hand. In order to use this apparatus
it is necessary to discover some bush tuider which Quail
arc in the habit of congregating at night time. This is done
by looking out during th? day time for their droppings.
Having discovered such a bush the Quail-catcher \-isits it
after sunset and drops his basket over it. All that he has
then to do is to insert his hand through the hole in the, top of
the basket and feel about until he secures a Quail that chances
to be under the bush.

Anoth'-r method of capturing Quail is by means of a
dcco)- bird in a special kind of wicker cage. Attached to
each side of the cage is a kind of closed wicker verandah,
so arranged that the outer wall can be made to lie on the
ground and spring up so as to clos ' the verandah, as soon
a-. lij.du pressure is Ijrought to bear on it.

(Juail are exceedingly pugnacious. Wild birds hear-
mg the call of a decoy bird at once come to tight it. The
moment a (Juail runs iiuo one of the verandahs the outer wall
close i with a snap and tlie bird hnds itself a capti\e. Some-
times a further trap :s set round the cage at some distance
from it in the shape of a square ui netted frame> with a
small space between each just large enough for a (Juail to
pass thrcnigh. At (■a( h of these gapi a horse-hair noose is
attached to the frame so that any Quail attempting to get
through a gap is caught.

MisM Cockburn states that a method of securing the
parent birds in cases where the young liave been caught is
to place these last in a hole about a foot deep. The old
birds hnding that tlie young ones cannot come up to them
drop into the hole, and when there they rind themselves in ilie
same difficulty as the young birds and are promptly captured.
In default of lall-birds Quail are sometimes attracted to the
net by the sound made by draggiinj tlie ringer nail over a

124 S/raT Life and Sport on Achill Island. '

tightly stretched string. This sound is apparently mistaken
by the Quail for the call of one of their species.

Those curious little birds, which are half Partridge
and half Quail, called Bush-quails are caught as follows :
A captive bird is taken into the jungle in the evening in a
cage 'covered with fine hair nooses. When a locality contain-
ing Bush-quail is reached the cage with the call bird in it
is set down, an'd the bird catcher blows on the bird inside
the cage. All birds dislike wind and Bush-quails and Grey
Partridges become furious when blown upon and set up
angry cries of defiance. These soon attract the wild birds,
which, like the proverbial Irishman, are" always ready for a
fight. They get caught in the nooses. It is said that it would
be possible to catch every Bush-quail in a jungle by this
device I

'i'here are many different ways of snaring Partridges.
One is the method just described.

{To be continued).

The History of the Budgerigar

By E. Hopkixsox, D.S.O., M.A., Etc.

{Continued from page 69).

From this time onwards the Budgerigar takes a prominent
place in books pn cage-birds. The article in Cassell's Canaries
andi Cage-birds by August Wiener, the author of the Foreign
Bird section of this work, is so full of facts bearing on our
subject, that 1 quote in extenso the more historical portion

(P- 433)-

" Between 1840 arid 1850 a pair of these little birds were worth
"£20 or £25. About the years 1850 to 1855, a pair would cost about £5.
"Between 1855 and 1858 larger numbers of Undulated Parrakeets reached
■■ Europe, and their price sank to a couple of sovejeigns. Within the
"last five years (this was written in 1879.— E.H.) the importation of
" thio one species of Parrakeet has increased enormously. About three
" years ago they could be had in London for about seven shillings per
"pair, but drought in Australia, and a dearth of canary-seed combined
" stopped the supplies for a season, and their price rose again to twenty-
" or even thirty-five shillings per pair. Previous importations, however,

Tke History of the Budgerigar. 125

■ had stocked so many aviaries, and the prices then obtainable w.ne
•such an incentive to cage-breeding, that Dr. Russ estimates from

• 10,000 to 25,000 Undulated Grass Parrakeets to be now bred annu.l.y
' in Europe. 'A few years ago I have myself seen an aviary in Belgium

• where from 500 to 800 Budgerigars had been bred every year in one
' enclosure.

" The largest importation of Undulated Parrakeets which ever
■took place was that from January to July, 1879- One ship, the Hesperui^
' brought as many as 4,000 pairs, say 8,000 Undulated Parrakeets, safely
'alive to London, and one London dealet sold in four months 14,800
'pairs of these birds. The total importation of Budgerigars in Londoa
" was, in the first six months of 1879. over 50,000 pairs ; and they all
"found buyers. Prices certainly declined until a dozen birds could be
" bought retail for a guinea, and captains of Australian ships sold whole-
" sale at a shilling, or even less, per pair.

" In the year 1862 the first specimen of this Parrakeet was de-
" posited ill the Zoological Gardens, and in 1879 this bird is nearly as

*' tonimun a cage-bird as the Canary Surely no other cage-bird is

" equally frugal as the Budgerigar. A little canary-seed is all he te-
" quires, and even the accidental absence of water will not inconvenience
*' him in the least. The organism of these birds is adapted to live in

•■ the oftentimes waterless plains of Australia. Thousands are

" brought to Kurope annually without rei,ei\itig .1 drop of water during
" the three or foui iiKinths' voyage (i.e. fOFty yearS agO. E.H.) :ind strange
" to say, fewer birds die on the voyage when kept without y\'ater, than
*■ of those which are supplied with water. After arrival the case may
" be different ; and I more than suspect that of those birds which have
' made the voyage from Australia to England without tasting water,
'"a good many die after arrival. It cannot be natural that a bird should

" live very long on hard, dry seed without any moisture whatever

" Sometimes a shipment arrives with a loss of only two to five
'■per ceni.. and in aiiotlier season tlie mortality during the voyage may
' be fifty jier cent and even more. There have been seasons when dis-
" ease became epidemic, and nearly ail Undulated Grass Parrakeets died
" during the voyage or soon after ; and a quite unusual mortality was
" then observed among Budgerigars of former seasons, and beyond 'lie
" rcacli of direct infection. This, as well as the fluctuating import ac-
" counts for the rapid fluctuations in the price of this favourite bird
" durin}.', one se.isun. In the early jiart of 1879, Budgerigars could be
" bought retail at three shillings per pair, but sold readily a little later
for ten shillings. One would have thought that dealers would hasten to
buy every shipment offered at the low prices for the Undulated Parra-
'■ keets only arrive between January and July— and would have kept them
" until their price rose again. But the experience of former years had
" taught dealers that it is far better to sell rapidly at a small profit in
'" pieferencc to risking an epidemic and consequent total loss of the capi-
" tal invested. The birds imported in 1879 proved unusually healthy and
" anyone huying them might have re-sold them within three months at

12 b The History of the Budircri^ar.

" treble the amount paid for them. NoiwithstandiiiK the immense importa-
" tion, few imported Budgerigars can be bought in the Autumn, and
" thf market is tlien supplied with young cagc-brcd birds."*

For a good many years the supply was kept up by
the large consignments of Australian birds, which Wiener
describes, home-breeding playing a comparatively small part and
not producing nearly such fine specimens as those direct from
their native land. Many of my readers will no doubt remem-
ber the wording of the advertisements of about that time,

" Real Australian Blue-legged birds, not common Continental cage-
bred stuff."

At firstj.too, the birds seem to have been anything but
free breeders, chiefly it seems because, accustomed as they
were to the cycle of the Antipodean seasons, they usually
commenced to incubate in our winter, with frequent egg-bind-
and other ills, as well as weakling young, as the consequence.

Now all this is reversed. The supply is almost entirely
Icept up by home-bred birds, of which thousands must be
reared in England alone every year, the import trade having
gradually [diminished, until nowadays a consignment of Budgeri-
gars from Australia is distinctly a rare occurrence. When one
remembers that the number bred on the continent vastly ex-

* For some years during the nineties I Jkept a record of the prices
at which various foreign birds were advertised, and these may be of in-
terest in connection with those of 15 to 20 years earlier which Wiener gives
Between 1894 and 1896 I find I have 6s. 6d. a pair as the lowest, and
1 6s. the highest price for real imported birds, with 8s. as the average. After
1896 1 'have no entries of imported birds, all the prices I have noted re-
feiring to aviary-bred stock. At this time two classes of this were appar-
ently recognized among dealers, (1) the best, commonly advertised as "Ant-
werp birds," or "Antwerp-bred," the prices of which varied during the per-
iod from 1894 to 1898, from los. to 6s. a pair, and (2), what were usually
advertised as "French," which always meant measly, badly feathered young-
sters, if not actually birds in the last stages of " French moult." Their prices,
varied from about six to three shillings a pair, and were certainly dear even
at the last. I see that in this list I have yellows quoted at 40s. and 50s.
during 1895, and 1897, at 30s. in 1898, at 30s., 25s., and 18s. 6d. in 1S99
at 20S. 6d. in 1900, when my record ceases. (Note the odd sixpences; they
fix the advertiser pretty well).

The present day price for good aviary-bred specimens may be considered
to vary from los. to 6s. a pair, that is for buyers ; for sellers a shilling to
•eiguieenpencc a head, dealers allowing themselves ample margin.

The History of the Budgerigar. 127

ceeds that which our own islands provide, one wonders where
they all go to, but the demand seems a constant one. Nowa-
days, too, the birds have become quite accustomed to our
seasons and go to nest at the proper season, although, if
allowed, will breed nearly the whole year round, and as re-
gards stamina and beauty most home-bred birds, unless reared
under giossly improper conditions, are every bdt as good as, if
not better than, their ship-borne brothers. One feature only
seems not to persist in aviary-bred birds, and this is the blue
legs, at least I never seem to see the really deep blue
colour cither in my own or other present day birds which
was so characteristic of imported, as opposed to home-bred
birds of early days. This loss of colour, however, in the
epidermal structures is common to nearly all ' cage-moulted '
birds, British T)r Foreign. '' French moult/' a result of inbreeding
combined with insanitary or unsuitable environment, which at
one time was such a scourge, seems now to be a much rarer
disease, no doubt because most Budgerigars are bred in
aviaries and not in hutches or cages, as was often the case
at first.

The case of my own birds may be taken as a faii
average of results usually obtained, while the next quotation
will touch on Budgerigars breeding in excelsis.

Starting with one pair in 1894, they have
been breeding continuously ever since in a small
garden aviary which they share with nmnbers of other
small birds, British and foreign. They must be a good
deal in-bred, as only seven new birds have been introduced,
five between 1896 and 1901, three in 1908, but none since.
The first season there was no sign of " French moult," but
afterwards we began to get one or two badly feathered young.
In 1906. I bought two cocks for three shillings each, the
last '■ real Australians," by the way, I bought or remember to
liave seen, though they no doubt can;ic in later and still do
so, though at rarer intervals. The first year after they were
introduced we had quite a lot of the horrid little
wing- and tail-less results of this disease, the new ar-
rivals presumably not having settled down sufiicicntly to take
up their job. Next year, however, all was well again and we

128 The History of the Rud^engrar . '

had no more bad youngsters till about 1908 when an odd one
or two were hatched out and soon done away with. By this
time, however, the jii^eneral standard of the young had markedly
decreased, bui the introduction of a real i^ood \)?^\x of Yellows,
which started breeding at once, soon produced sufficient pro-
geny to provide plenty of healthy stock, which have been
mating ever since with the Greens as well as among their own
colour, so that now our birds are a Green- Yellow cross, but
each individual shows his proper colour, not a mixture of the
two, though Yellow and Green young are sometinies found in
one nest, the owners of which may be green or yellow, or one
of each. The general result has been that we have had no
" French moult " for years, and have a quite good-looking
stock, though perhaps this year a slight deterioration is be-
coming noticeable again among the Greens.

One would have almost have expected that such prolific
and hardy birds would have by now become acclimatised with
us and be living wild in Europe, though, whether such an
addition to our avifauna would have been for the general good
is distinctly doubtful, judging by what has happened with
other wild birds and animals which have been successfully
acclimatised elsewhere.

Gould considered that our climate and the food avail-
able was the chief factor against this, but the real hindrance
is probably not so much the climate, etc., as the man with
a gun, and the bird-catchers, professional and amateur. Plenty
of instances of escaped Budgerigars living wild for long periods
are on record; Dr. Greene, for instance, mentions a pair which
brought up a brood of five young in a London Square, which
when fully fledged were often seen with their parents dis-
puting with the Sparrows for oats at a neighbouring cab-
stand, but whose ultimate fate was unknown. A larger and
intentional experiment in this direction is ciescribed by Mr. C.
P. Arthur, the noted English breeder of these birds in the
Feathered World of January 2, 1903, in a letter in reply to
an enquiry as to the number of young and whether seven was
a record hatcla. The whole communication, giving, as' it does,
the first-hand experience of an authority, is also so informative
on other features of Budgerigar breeding, that I quote the

The History of the Budgerigar . 129

whole, for it well deserves exliumation from the buried and
aJmost forgotten hies of past "fancy" journalism, for the
beneht of present readers and for the general difusion of
knowledge.

After informing the enquirer that a nest of seven is not
so rare as he thniks, Mr. Arthur continues:

1. liave had several nests of seven this year. Three years ago
I l\ad a nest ot nine, and in the year 1887 (the same year I bred
the noted albino Budgerigarsj I had a lien lay ten eggs, hatch, and
rear them all ; but four out of the ten left the nest with no long tail
or flight feathers. I know they belonged to one hen only, as there
were only six pairs in the aviary, and there were five other nests of
young. Has Mr. Twittey (the Original enquirer.— E,H,) noticed that
Budgerigars feed their young at night? In passing my aviaries about
two hours after dark, one can hear the smallest being fed, and and
as time goes on, the older ones are fed, which is about four hours after
dark.

" One can very well tell when there are young Budgerigars in
the nests if one walks quietly by the aviaries at night. Do Mr. Twittey's,
or anyone else's Budgerigars make a noise at night during November
and December? I do not know if it has anything to do with their
migratory instinct, as most birds call to each other while migrating
at night, but my birds make more noise at night than in the day time.
I have at present 536 Budgerigars, and about 500 of these are out
of doors; 342 are in one aviary 30ft. by 6ft. and 7ft. high. It has
a peculiar sound, 500 of these birds all warbling out-dot)rs in pilcli
darkness ; but what seems strange is that, if I or any of my family
pass the aviaries at night, the birds take no notice, but a strange foot-
step causes instant silence. This seems to prove that birds, as well
as animals, get to know a person's footsteps.

" If not trespassing too much on your space, I will give the result
of Capiam Spicer's experiment with Budgerigars in a wild state. As
1 reported in the Feathered World " I supplied the Captain with sixty
pairs, which he kept in an open wire aviary for a fortnight, and then
let them fly out at will. Previous to that a large number of husk
nests were hung about round the house, as well as in the aviary. Many
bred in the husks, but many took possession of the old decayed trees;
in the park, and nested in their natural way. Hundreds of young
were reared and on the wing that summer, but when the autumn came,
although they were fed, they all left except about twelve pairs, which
came to feed through the wmier. These must have gone to nest early
in the year, as I had a young' Budgerigar brought mc to be stutTed
the first week in March, that was shot in a garden six miles away from
the park, and this bird could not have left the nest more than a week,
as the blood was in the quills of the tail-leathers. Well, the second

130 Some Colony Birds.

" summer produced a lot more young ones, as they were continually seen
" flying about with the parent birds, as well as coming to feed with
" them, but when the autumn came tlpcy all seem to have left as not
"as not a bird has been seen since. One would certainly think that those
" that stayed the first winter would have remained. Budgerigars sometimes
" live to a good old age, as I have just proved. Some' of your readers
" will remember the great importation of Budgerigars in the early part
" of 1S79. About 50,000 pairs were imported and sold in that year.
" Cross, of Liverpool, and other large dealers, sold them at a guinea
" a dozen, all cocks,* at least two dozen I bought were. Well, I sold
" two of these identical Isircls to a man working on Captain .Spicers
" estate, and when I delivered the si.\ty pairs this man called my attention
" to the fact, and said the birds were then alive and well, and in bcauti-
" ful feathers, so they must then have been at least twenty years njd ; liut
" I hear they have been tlead now about two years."

(To be continued).

. ♦_

Some Colony Birds.

By Rev. Chas. R. Dawson, S.J. M.A. (Oxon) :

Reprinted from " TIMEHRI " (The Journal of the Royal Agricultural
and Commercial Society ot British Guianaj, May, 1915; with com-
pliments and thanks to the Aulliur and Editors.— Ed. " B.N."

{Continued from page 91).
The Black Mocking-Bird. I found in the North
West District a bird I h,ave uot yet been able to scientitically
identity, but which' is known locally, as the Black Mocking-
bird. It is smaller than the foregoing and is entirely black.
It congregates in great flocks by, the waterside, making a
great chattering; but, builds its nest alone. I have found a
great number of these nests up the creek at Morawhanna.
They are woven of black roots or hbres and adorned ivith
lichens and mosses; in shape they resemble a basket, ind the
handle is simply slung over a branch. The eggs, four in
nvunber, arc white, covered with red spots. I secured a nest
of young ones, and succeeded m rearing them. They were
amusing creatures, shaking themselves prodigiously, when be-
ing fed and uttering surprisingly low-toned cries : cries that
seemed to come from their boots, so to speak. The note of
the old bird is loud, piercing' and bell-like and when once
heard in the creek is not easily forgotten. Unfortunately I
had to leave the district before these young ones were fully

Some Colony Birds. 131

developed and was unable to carry them away with me. There
arc no specimens or skins oi this bird in the Museum.

The Great Rice-Bird. Allied to the Mocking-birds,
but more closely so the Lazy-bird, described in my last article,
is the Great Rice-Bird (Cassidix oryzivora), that is " the
great cassique rice-devourer." This bird is as large as an
English crow and as black; but it is more graceful in form
with its slim' body and dainty head. The beak is black, trim,
and conical; thq ma.xilla is rounded where it joins the skull,
but not so prominently so as in the yellow-backs, etc. The
eye is red. The sexeiJ are more or less alike. The male is
glossy purple-black; but lias not the satiny sheen of its dim-
inutive relative, the Lazy-bird, or, as it is knr)wn in scientific
circles, the Common Rice-Bird. The hen has the same cuckoo
habit of placing' lier eggs in the nest of another bird. The
egg is like that of our Lnglish Thrush, but twice the size.
A beautiful cock bird I had, was taken, by mistake, from
the nest of a Yellow-back and reared by hand. When it could
fend for itself, it m^ade its home among the domestic fowls.
It fed with them, fought with them, and after flying about all
day, would roost with them at night. It would cluck like a
hen and crow- like a cock^ and was so taken up with its novel
companions that it jnever more showed any affection for the
hand that had fed it in, callow youth. 1 kept it in a large
cage, but it never grew tame. , When, however, a fowl ap-
proached it would show an affectionate concern, clucking and
spreading out its feathers. As its specific name implies, it
feeds exclusively on grain, showing a preference for paddy
which it husks liko a finch I Mine had the ingenuity to open
the lid of its seed-box and thus save itself a good deal of
trouble.

The Guiana Black-Bird. The Ciuian.i, or Demcrara
Black-bird ( Quiscalus lugul?n's) is the size of the bird so
named in England, and is as black, but otherwise has nothing
in common. It lias, in fact, all the liabits of a Starling. It
is glossy, dead-black, the only relieving colour being that (jf
the eye which is almost wliito and gives the bird a ghostly
look. As there are in the colony, at least ten other birds
eniiroly black, it is singularly misnamed. I piupuac to call

132 Some Colony Birds.

it the Rudder-tail from a curious feature of that appendage,
which I will describe. The tail, which is fairly long, opens
out like a fan, and when it files, the middle feathers drop a
little and in consequence the tail seems to have assumed a pcir-
pcndicular position like the rudder of a boat or the caudal
hn of a fish, in point of fact, it becomes V-shaped. This
feature marks it out at once from all the other birds of the
colony and indeed from all other birds 1 know.

The Rudder-tail (as I proceed to call it) is very com-
mon along the Corentyne Coast and. may be seen in pairs.
A great number have established themselves about the grounds
of the Berbice Asylum where they stalk about with all the self-
assurance of legal proprietors. There they build their nests
(huge affairs of sticks and straw) in orange trees, and low-
bushes well within the reach of most persons. I'he eggs,
four in number, are whitish, with purple patches, streaks and
blotches.

When I essayed to take a nest of youngsters, the
whole tribe assembled and by loud cries and gestures showed
the strongest disapproval of the procedure. The boldest of
them flapped their, wings almost in my face. 1 succeeded in
rearing one of the young ones but it did not come up to my
expectations in point of intelligeiice. Before it was fully
mature it contrived to slip throug\li the door of the cage, and,
contrary to its Starling nature, never returned.

The Quiscalus lugubris derives its names from its
voice; the former from' a fancied resemblance of its note to
that of a Quail {quisqmla., a (.Huiil, Lat.), and lugubris, mourn-
ful. Its note, however, is not more mournful than many other
birds of its class. It has, a way, something like the Yellow-
backs, of lowering its head, dropping its wings and tail, and
fluttering its feathers when U wishes to be admired, uttering
at the same time several bell-like notes: tc-wit. te-wit. te-w'it,
yessir, yessir, what, sir?"

A few years ago quite a number inhabited the trees
along the Vlissengen Road; but since the construction of the
new Race Course only a few remain.

Some Colony Birds. 133

The Reed Bird. Of much the same size and build
as the Rudder-tail is the Reed-bird' or Vellow-hoad, as it is
popularly called; but its habits are more retiring-. Pie is
clothed in a suit of velvet black with the exception of the
head and neck which are yellow. lie holds himself erect and
has the appearance of a dandy in evenino^ dress with a yellow
face and wig instead of a wliite shirt-front. I am always
expecting to see him drop a monocle and carefully adjust it
again. There are black feathers around the eye and on the
lore, which, together' with tlvc shape of the head and
sharp beak, give him a foxy look. The scientific name, Age-
laeus icterocephaliis, " the gregarious icterus-head," suits him
very well. The Icterus, after which the whole order of Mock-
ing-birds is named { Ictsridae) was a mythical yellow bird
among the Gieeks and Romans, the sig'ht of which would cure
a person ol' yeflow-fever.

The Yellow-heads may sometimes be seen in large
flocks among the rank reeds and rushes that grow along the
rivers and in the marshy places. Hence its name. It feeds
on seed? and at times does damage to the rice crops; but
like most birds, it well repays the toll it takes by its usefulness
in other respects. In a cage the bird wears the air of a
dignitied protest and the only note it utters is dip-dip-dip.
I have never had an opportunit)- of rearing it from the nest
and so I cannot say whether its demeanour would alter under
these circumstances. .Many birds can only be domesticated in
this way. The sexes are alike except that the hen is smaller.

( To l)c continued) .

Editorial.

Long-lived FiNXl-rKS: .Mrs. Tinniswood Miller reports
tliiit this season she has lost her two veterans, viz.: Lavender-
backed Finch {Spermophila easfaneiuentris). and Sydney Wax-
bill '{Aeginiha temporalis). I am i;ot sure of dates, but the
first named came into her pf)s.'sfssi()n iii i 007, and is, I pre-
sume, the last of this species imported by our member Mr, IC,
W. llarj)er, in that year. TJie .Sydney W'axbill was a veteran

134 EdiioriaL

in 1907 and has been blind for several years, but quite able
to find its food and water. W'c will supply dates in a later
issue.

Nestino No IKS: From notes gleaned durin^^ a recent
visit to Dr. Lovcll-Kcays and from his letters, he has every
jironiise of a successful season. Me still has (juite a nice and
numerous collection of birds, after s<'lling such a large series
at the end of last year. The following may be briefly noted
as promising successful results :

Young Malabar Parrakeet in barrel doing well.

Zosterops (Z. vircns) due to hatch.

Chaffinch {F . corlchs), sitting on four eggs, nest fairly
typical and built in a Retinospora bush — we have a photo and
hope to reproduce it m a near issue.

Rosella Parrakcets are busy with a brood. Dr. Lovell-
Kcay.s has great hopes his Purple Sugarbirds may do the
right thing this season, they certainly look in "tip-top" breed-
ing form. We also noticed pairs of Nuthatches, Creepers
Long-tail and Blue Tits all put up for breeding. May the
best of luck attend them.

Messrs. Bright, Haggle, and others also report pro-
mising prospects, many species prospecting, building, incubat-
ing, etc., such as : Peach-faced Lovebirds, various Grass-
finches, Indian Greenfinch, etc.

An Aged Sh.4^e\h: Our member, the Hon. Mary
C. Hawke informs us that her Shamah, over 14 years old, is
in grand form, and singing as lustily as a young bird.

Bl.\ck anr Yellow ILwvilnlh {Myccrobas mclanox-
anthiis) : In sending us the body of one of these, the same
member comments on only having now one left out of the hve
sent her over privately in 191 3. "Mischances have accounted
for most of them ; there was only one true pair among them,
and from, these in 191 4 she, by using Hedge Sparrows as
foster parents, and considerable liand feeding, managed to fully
rear one young bird (I'/c^^ " B.N." Aug. i 9 i 4, page 275). They
are grand birds, of typical hawfinch-form, with a beautiful gar-

Co rresponden ce . \ 35

mcnt of velvet-black and rich yellow. The sole surviving
specimen has been out of doors all the winter, in a 4ft. square
cage, which has a glass front, but no heat — so he must be
quite a robust bird to thrive under such tratment in Yorkshire.

-♦-

Correspondence.

NESILNG OF JAYS, ETC.

Sir," Last year my Peruvian Jay (o") mated with my beautiful green
and blue Mexican Jay. They built a nest, laid two eggs, from which
they hatched out one chick ; all went well for about ten days, when
unfoitunately they ate it. They have" a large aviary to themselves and
built in a bush high up. This year I have taken away their old nest and
put in a box, shaped like( a dog-kennel. I am hoping the hen may find
this sufficient protection against the inroads of the male, as I am sure
he was the culprit last year, he is very like a Magpie and fond of micd
and small birds and the young one in the open nest proved too great i(
temptation for him to resist. The hen has already been in the box
several times and both are carrying* pieces of stick about. I thoughli
of removing him when the hen was partly through incubation, but some-
what hesitate as the two are so devoted to each other. I give t hem-
plenty of cockroaches, of which they are very fond, and mice ; also monkey-
nuts

I have a lovely pair of Bearded Tits, they were out in the aviary
all las', summer and in perfect plumage. I have kept them caged all the
winter, hanging their cage outside on suitable days. 1 am now going to
let them out into the aviary and hope they may nest this season.

A pair of Yellow Budgerigars in the cottage portion of the aviary
(in a large cage) successfully reared five young ones in January, and they
now have their husk again full of young ones.

(Lady; N. L. F. UUNLEATH.
Bally water Park, 16/4/'! 6

NESTING NOTE.
Owing to my change of residence I am without aviaries at present,
and my friend Dr. Lovell-Keays has kindly lent me one of his aviariesj
while mine are rebuilding, also is most kindly looking after the birds*
for me. 1 have seen them twice since they have been there and well
indeed they look under his fostering care. My last visit was on Easter
Monday, when t he Pekin Robins were feeding young, the Black Tanagcrs
prospecting, and the Grey-winged Ouzels incubating. A letter dated .May
3rd reports that the young Pekins arc feathering fast and will be
'■ branchers •■ in a day or two if all goes well; one young Grey-winged
Ouzel is doing well, and the Black Tanagcrs are incubating a clutch of
egg,, A fairly promising beginning WESLEY T. PAGE.

18(i Post Mortem Reports.

Post Mortem Reports.

Rainbow Bunting (cT). i^G. £. Haggle, Oxford). Tlie cause of
death of this beautiful bird was pneumonia. I am very sorry for your
loss. In future try Vichy water in lieu of ordinary plain water as drinking
water

Starling (O). (B. T. Stewart, Radlett). The cause of death was
pneumonia.

Magpie Mannikin. (T. T. Barnard, Bedford). The cause of death
wa^ pneumonia, which is very prevalent during inclement weather and almost
always fatal in birds.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker {^)- (The Hon. Mrs. Bourke, Tap-
low). This bird was affected with haemorrhagic enteritis, which is interest-
ing' btcausc it was encountered in, a bird at liberty. I did not find the
presence of coccidia, which are a fruitful source of such a condition.
Probably the disease was of an infcctiou.s origin. Perhaps the Missel-
Thrush which you found in the same condition so far as symptoms were
concerned was due to the samci cause. .-Xvian plague, coccidiosis and
other infectious and protozoal diseases attack birds in nature.

H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S.

British Bird Calendar.

Arrival of migrants in S. E. Essex in Spring, 1916.
April 2ist.— Chiff-Chaff, Hazeleigh, 6-15 a.m. Wind W.
,, 2lst. — Gold-Crest, Hazeleigh, 9-45 a.m. Wind W.
,, 2lst. — Cuckoo, Hazeleigh, 1-30 p. m Wind S.
,, 24th. — Swallow, Hazeleigh, 6 p.m. Wind S.W.
,, 2Sth. — Nightingale, Hazeleigh, 11-50 p.m. Wind S.
,, 26th. — Martin, Danbury.
,, 26th. — Blackcap.
,, 30th. — Tree- l^ipit, Hazeleigh, 10-30 a.m. W^ind S.E.

There is nothing remarkable about these dates, which are, however, by no
means early. It may, however, be interesting to mention that the Nightingale was
singing unconcernedly whilst a Zeppelin raid was taking place in the neighbourhood !

G.H.R,, Hazeleigh, 30-4-'i6
April 20th. — Cuckoo, Lingfield, Surrey, 6 a.m., heard continuously since, but mos
vociferous in early morning and late evening, also calls stronger about mid-
day than at intermediate periods. W.T.P., Lingfield, l-5-'l6.

Bird Notes.

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BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

My Laufihing Thrushes.

By W. Shope Bailv.

Not many a\-irulturists seem to have kept these in-
teresting- Thrushes, or if tlrey have, they have published very
little about them, either in the " Avicultural Magazine" or in
"Bird Notes." I, myself ha\'c only had experience of the one
species, viz.: the Eastern \'aricgatcd {T roc halo pie rum varie-
galum). These, to mo, are the most charming of all the dif-
ferent species, and I ha\c kept Blue Rock {Monticoln cyatms)^
Red-legged Cuban {Al . rubriques) Blue Cuban {M. coeru-
lescens), as well as our English Blackbird, Ring Ousel, and
Fieldfare. Unlike the Rock Thrushes they are not in the least
shy, and are always (Jii \icw and generally in very active
movement, too. Xeitht^r are tliey ciuarrelsome with each other,
or with othei birds, a^ are both the Cuban, and .all the
English thrushes. In appearance they are striking looking
birds, about equal in size to the Fieldfare. Their general
coloui is grey, in two or three shades, a patch around the
eye and the throat black, a three cornered patch on oach
side of face dingy white; wings blue with a patch of black
on th(- shoulders, and a black bar across primaries; base of
tail feathers black, < cntre blue and tip white; under side of
tail iind lower breast rufous. They are indeed well named
"Variegated." The general eflect of the colouring is pleas-
ing, I obtained these birds from Major Perreau in May,
1913. lie brought over several other species at the same
time, including T. nlgrhncntuni, T. llneatum, Dryonastes rufl-
collis, and /). cacrulatus, etc. These, I believe found their way,
into \'arious amateur aviaries, but I have not heard that any
of them have been successful in rearing young in this country.
.Mv bird?, ha\ e been in out-door a\iaries e\ er since I have

138 My I-aii<rliii!{r Tlinislics.

had th(mi, hut ha\-('. so far, made no attempt at nesting, al-
though I ha\e occasionally seen them rarrv^ng straws, etc.
They are \ery playful and affectionate with cnrh <ither. One
ot theii fa\<)uritc ganu'-: is a kind of follow-nn'-lcadcr steeple-
chase. They will select a perch, high up in one corner of
the aviary, from which they will plane down witli wings and
tail expanded to the other extremity of their enclosure, return-
ing along the ground by a series of hops, skips, and bciunds,
finally rimning up the wire like cats until they are again at their
starting point. Each bird exactly follows the other in all its
turnings. They will repeat this many times, and then take a
rest side by side, the wing of the male covering the back of
the female, and cuddling so closely together, that they look
exactly like a two-headed bird. I iiave often tried to get a
photo ot them in this interesting pose, but so far have not
succeeded. It is generally believed that these birds are wicked
with their smaller companions, but my two have been kept
with W'axbills and similar small fry, and have taken no notice
of them, neither have they, as far as I know, been guilty
of egg stealing. Of course this good behaviour may cease
and if they start housekeeping on their own account,
I can well believe that such active birds would then be a
serious nuisance in any a^'iary where smalle?- birds were kept.
In man)' ways they remind me of our Jay. Their flight is
very similar and their general colouring is not unlike. They
are also continually giving tongue, a characteristic of both the
Jay and Magpie. They also when excited or angry erect the
feathers on the head, giving then) the appearance of being
crested. At present I have them in a very large enclosure,
containing a pond at one side, with a row of conifers on the
other and a large space of grass in the centre, so that they
have grcalei convenience for nesting than they have had
ir ari) previous season here, and as it contains comparatively
few other birds and none bigger than themselves, there really
is no excuse for their not attempting to reproduce their kind.
Should they do so, I hope to send a detailed account at
the end of the season.

Since writing the above I have had the ill luck to
lose one of these fine bird;s„ 1 think from heat apoplexy, so
no nesting record can now be looked for,

Bird Catching: In India. 139

Bird Catching in India.

By Doi^glas Dewar, F.Z.S.. I.C.S.
(Continued from pacre 124).

In the breeding season ilie professional partridgie
catchers issue forth and collect all the eg-gs they can find
and hatch th:-ni under domestic hens. Young Partridges can
run the moment they leave the ^^^, but when first hatched
their Tnovements are slow so that many of the young birds
are captured by those searching for eggs.

As every one knows, capti\e Partridges become very
tame. No sight in India is commoner than that of a Part-
ridge running along the road after its master, who carries its
cage. Sometimes these tame birds are taken out into the
fields where their cries attract wild birds which at once
begin to fight them. \\'hen engag-ed in the fight the wild
bird is captured by throwing a net o\-er it or even by seizing
it with the hand.

A method of snaring Partridges, Peafowl, and
even Crows which is largely resorted to in Rohilkand is
to make a number of nooses of twisted horsehair.
Each of these nooses, which must be sufficiently stiff
to stand upright, is attached to a wooden peg. The pegs
are connected with one another by means of string, some two
feet of string separating each peg. When all is ready the
shikari winds the string, to which the pegs and nooses are
attached round his waist. He then sallies forth with a pony,
until he comes near the place where his prospcctiv<> victims
are feeding. Tlic next step i-> for him to crouch behind the
pony and c|ui<'lly push tlu- pegs into the ground, so that,
when the operation is finished, he has set up a line of upright
nooses projecting from the ground. lie then moves on and
makes a < ircuit so as to put the quarry between himsell and
tho linj. of nooses. The final step is to drive the victims to
th;' nooses— a feat not difficult to accomplish.

.Another method of securing Partridges is similar to that
used ior (.)uail, namely by setting up a net at the end of
a field, attracting the victims to the field by means of call
birds and then driving them into the net.

Major (iotlwin Austen gi\e^ the following account of

140 Bird Cafrhinfr In India.

the way in wliifli r.-irtridgcs and Pheasants arc caught in the
Daphhi Tlills." /\s it is the habit of these birds to get
(h)\vn low at ni.glit into th' warmer ravines, and feei upwards
along the crests of the spurs, the bird-catcher stops the
progress of the co\ey by a zig-za,L; barrier from two to three
feet high, made up of (wigs and short pieces of bamboo
stuck into the ground, which is rapidly formed and extended a
short distance down the hill on either side. Narrow openings
are lef: here and there, generally at the angles, and in each
of thcs" a noose is set just above two cross sticks and m the
same plane, at the height of the bird's breast. The noose
string is made oif a thin strip peeled otif the outside of a bam-
boo." He remarks that in a few hours hundreds of these
barriers and nooses can be set.

In the issue of the Indian Field, dated October 28th,
1909, a writer describes a method adopted by Kaltnlis for
catching Chakor. The shikari envelopes himself in a l)iiriia -
the garment worn by parda nasli'n women when they go
out walking. The burka in question is a yellou' one heavily
spotted with black. On nearing his quarry the disguised
Kabali goes along on all fours. The Chakor mistakes him
for a leopard, and as they hate that quadruped, the first bird
to see him raises a great uproar. This attracts many of its
neighbours. These hop and danc- about, screaming at the
" leopard " which moves towa"ds the i)Iacc where numbers of
nooses have been set.

Dr. Henderson states that the natives of Varkand cap-
ture Chakor in a very sporting manner. 'J'hey disdain snares
and cages. Parties of them ga out armed with whips and
mounted on ponies, Having sighted a co\ey of Chakor they
at once give chase and, as these birds never rise more than
twice, they can be overtaken and knocked over with whips.
Those acquainted wiih the country will appreciate the sport-
ing nature of this mode of capturing the birds.

But most methods of Indian sli'lairis are anything but
sporting!

In Madras I once came upon a horse-hair noose set
beside the nest of a Grey Partridge. The nest contained eggs,
and the object of the noose was to snare the mother bird

Bird Catching In India. 141

when going- to or coming from the nest.

Many are the devices employed to capture Ducks and
other water-fowl. A time-honoured method is for a man to
put on his h -ad a p;rirrri (earthenware pot), having made holes
in its side to look through. He then goes into the water and
stoops so that his body is completely submerged, and rhe
garru, which rests on his shoulders looks as though it were
floating on the surface of the water. In this manner he very
slowly approaches the Duck that are feeding or sleeping on
tho water. 'I'hese either do not notice the approach of the
gatra or regard it as being borne along by the stream.
Having got near enough to a l^uck, the man with the pot on
his head seizes it by its feet, pulls it under water and then
secures it without a quack and almost without a splash! In
the time of the Emperor Akbar, histead of the earthen pot, the
skin of some water-fowl was used to hide the head of the
bird- catcher.

■' Raoul " in Small Game Shooting iir Bengal men-
tions two otlior methods of catching Duck which I have not
witnessed and so cannot vouch for their acci^racy. According
to hmi, in Kashmir a Falcon is trained to seize Duck and to
bring them to the hunter, or hold them down on the water
till the shikari comes up. This last method, if it be prac-
tised, can apply only to the non-diving Ducks.

The other method of approaching Duck noted by
" Kaoul " is " \o let water-butitalo go into the water, between
which the hunter conceals himself and thus catches the
Ducks." A method of snaring Ducks connnonly employed in
the United Provinces is to place two bamboos over a spot
where the Geese fiy low when approaching their feeding
ground.

-Vnother method of securing Geese is to drive a number
of small pegs into the ground where Geese are known to feed:
to eacli ol these pegs is fastened a noose of twisted hcnse-hair.
rhe legs of the feeding birds become entangled ui the nooses.

♦-

142 Bird Life and Sport on Achill Island.

Bird Life and Sport on Achill Island.

By Frank Dawson-Smith.

Birds did not prcnidc the only si)ort and means of fur-
nishing our lai'der, as we bagged a couple of hares, too. \\'e
relied on our guns for replenishing the larder, you see. We
gathered the day's spoil together and commenced to wend (jur
way homeward. In climbmg over the mountain ridge which
separated us from Dugort, we disturbed a few grouse, but
these were, of course, permitted to depart unharmed, as their
particular season was over. Their curious cry " Go back,
go back " reached us as they disappeared in the failing light.
Another game bird that inhabits Achill is the Woodcock. This
handsome bird is usually found on the mountain sides, and
generally in a tuft of heather, sheltered from the wind. On
being* disturbed it darts out and away like an arrow. We
found a good number of 'coc'k on the steep sides of Slieve-
more and they proved easier targets than the snipe. While
I, am talking of Slievemore I may add that if one wishes to
experience the full force of a storm let him climb to the top
of this mountain on a rougdi day as I did. Michael and I
were here through the height of a ,stOirm and I am not likely
to forget it in a hurry. The raging wind came sweeping
across the Atlantic, and the blinding stinging sleet came with
such resistless violence, that it was impossible to stand against
it. We crouched behind a friendly ledge of rock and clung
like limpets until the fury of the hurricane had passed. A
storm on this ooasit is a magnificent spectacle. fhere comes
to one the mad exhilaration of encountering a mighty power
titanic and inconquerable. But it was an exhausting experi-
ence I '

Then we spent a day at Inishbiggle Island which is
separated from Achill by a channel about sixty yards wide.
Here we were joined by Michael one fine morning. This
end of Achill is called Bull's Mouth, and close at hand is a
small rush-grown pool, which is invariably full of snipe. If
you, toss a stone in it is no exaggeration to say that a flock
of Snipe will rise. We secured several of these birds, but we
had a surprise here, too. Disturbed by the reports of our

Bird Life and Sport on Achill Island. ]43

gun a Mallard rose, and I brought it down with one shot.
Returning to the Bull's Mouth we noled that it was a habita-
tion beloved b\- the sea-birds. fiundreds of (kills -Herring,
Black-backed, Common, Black-headed, and Kittiwakes, could
be seen as they floated and wheeled in the air. I could hear
the deep notes o.f a Heron in the distance, while a number
of Oyster-catchers could be seen, their plumage and \'ermilion
legs making them very conspicuous.

After crossing to Inishbiggle in a boat we walked
to the far end of that island where we found another channel
separating us from a third island. This was our final destina-
tion. W'c piled up some loose stones to act as a shelter, sat
down behind it, and waited for the birds to pass up and
down the chaimel as was their wont, from one feeding ground
to another, as the places were uncovered by the tide. The
first visitors were little Dunlins, which came by with great
speed. Then the larger and slower flying of Bar-tailed God-
wits followed. Odd Oyster Catchers continually flew up and
down, squeaking noisily, evidently indignant at our intrusion.
Close to us were two Turnstones, very prettily marked, busily
engaged in a Imnt for food. They ran here and there on
their little short legs, dashing on to the spot momentarily left
bare b\- a receding wave, made a quick jab into the sand
with their bills and scurried back in retreat before thc> water
flowed in again. Jn the Channel itself was a large bird of
sombre hue. There was no difficulty in recognizing this as a
Cormorant. i'hese birds swim very low in the water, and
appear to keep only their heads and necks unsubmerged.
Many of these Cormorants passed us during the morning, and
so did that other splendid diver, — the Red-throated Diver.
The Cormorants usually floated down treating us with perfect
unconcern, but the Divers were shyer, and dived before they
got level with us, not re-appearing until they were some way
down the Channel. It is marvellous what long distances these
birds can travel under water. It is small wonder that they
are able to catch a great number of lisl;.

A beautiful bird is the Coldcn Tio\er. We were
fortunate enough to see a small flock of ilieni during the
luurning. After passuig us the\ scaled tor a short linic on

144 f^if(i i-'fc f'l^l Sport oil Achill Island.

a patch of sand about a hundred yards away, and we were
able to watch them before they clianj^ed their quarters.

The next arrivals were two Ducks, who Hew rapidly
down towards us with necks outstretched. Here was a chance
we had been waiting for, and ihc two succeeding reports were
answered by a couple of splashes as the Ducks fell into the
Channel. With the aid of a handy boat we quickly i)icked
up the birds, and found they were Red-breasted Mergansers
useless for eating, owing to their fishy flavour, but handsome
birds. Mergansers are rather shy birds and make oti' at the
first appearance of danger, cither by diving, at which they
are very expert, or else by winging their ihght to safer
pastures.

We stayed at our stone shelter until the afternoon and
then clambered back to the other side of Inishbiggle, crossed
the Channel at Bull's Mouth, and took up fresh positions on
the shore. Our object was to shoot some of the destructive
Cormorants that were accustomed to pass clown this Channel
in the late afternoon.

We found they M-ere already j)assing in ones, twos, and
threes, with an average of half a minute between each party.
Mixed A^-ith them were a 'u umber of Red-throated Divers, but
it wa.s the Connorani that we wanted to shoot, and they cer-
tainly kept us busy. We werq kept firing continually for
nearly an hour, and brought down a large number of Cor-
morants, The winter's day "was drawing to a close and it
behoved us t^r> make a start from Bull's Mouth, although we
still had ideas of further .'^nort on our minds. On the way
back to Dugort was a small lake close to the sea. In the
evening, just as dusk descended, geese ficw to this spot from
the sea, and we agreed we might conclude our day's adven-
tures with a bit of "flighting." \\c had not long to wait
before a number of geese whirled o\er our heads. They
caught us napping, and not a shot was flred. W^e braced
ourselves in the e>!:pectation of a similar \'isit, and within five
minutes a second flight passed overhead, and a successful
shot from my gun brought down a Brindlc Goose. Aftej-
that we had to get back home, but well content with the day's
experiences,

Bird Life and Sport on Achill Island . 14.5

Every day of my slay brought equally interesting
adventures, and the variety of birds was bewildering. Snipe,
Woodrock, Plover, Pigeons. Geese, Ducks, Swans, and Hares
gave us all the sport we required, and filled our larder daily.
Addvd to this was the \ar;ety of species to be studied from
an avicullurist's point of \iew, and the scenery to gloat over
and admir:'. We clijnbcd the mountains, roamed the moors,
and bogtrottcd " from morn till dewy e\e," in all weathers,
always accompanied by the invaluable Michael. In addition
to his varied abilities, in other respects he kept us interested
with stories of the picturesque Achill natives and their mani-
fold superstitions, l^hese people live in single-storied thatched
cottages, and usually cultivate a amalJ patch of land, and keep
a fevv' fowls, ducks, and geese. And this reminds me of one
of AlichaelV: yarns:

A farmer visitor to the Island made a bet that he
would shoot a goose during his stay. But the final day of
this visit arrived without his desire being fulfillc;d. It looked
as if he had lost his bet. "Was he downhearted? No-o-ol"
He vowed he would shoot his goose that day, and he kept
his word. Raising his gun he shot a tame one, paid the
damage^ and won his bet.

A Naturalist can find sufficient material to occupy his
time all the year round on Achill,, which is a paradise ifor
a great number of birds of varied species. The fisherman,
too, can secure many a fine trout, while the artist, photo-
^grapher, pedestrian, and climber are all generously catered
for by Dame Nature, in this wild and beautiful spot.

There is but one class of visitor for whom no welcome
(exists — the rent collector I If he is a wise man he will give
Achill a wide bertli. II a member of that ilk thinks ,of
starting business on the Island, let him take my tip. and
make his will first I

At length the end of my stay tame, all too soon, and
we drove away to Achill Sound, on our return journey to
England, 1, for my own part, filled with regret for the de-
lights, the beauty, and interest I was leavijig bchiiid me,
and registering a vow that I would some day re\isit tJic

146 /?/>r/ Life and Sport on Achill Island .

island that bore tlu' splciulicl hall-mark of Nature, untouched
and unspoiled.

That evening found us in Ihiblin, strolling down Sack-
\-illc Street -a city teeming with human life and sounds, a
startling change from our bcLoved island, -AchiJl Island was
also filled with life and sound, but it was bird life and
bird sound, in ever-changing beauty and melody, rugged and
harsli occasionally— sweet and melodious too, and making
one harmonious whole. And so, farewell to Achill Island and
the Emerald Islel "It's a long, long way."

In. these strenuous days those peaceful weeks seem
very far away. We are told that nothing will ever be the
same again after the devastating war, but — well, I hope I
may go back some day to Achill, and find the face of Nature
unchanged when next I \i5it dear Dugort and the Irish
mountains.

The Endurance of Birds.

By the Marquis of Tavistock.

A number of articles have appeared recently dealing
with the endurance of birds in captivity. The following,
which are my own experiences with certain psittaci may be
of some interest to those who keep them.

1. Complete Liberty.

Losses /ro/Ji straying, accident, and birds of prey— heavy (Ir.sses
from straying can, however, be much reduced by patience and careful
management).

Losses from infectious disease— -m.odcrci.iQ.

Losses from cold and chillssma.ll.

Losses from egg-binding— eq\iSL\ to what are incurred with cap-
tive birds

Breeding results— good.

Fertiity of eggs— very good.

2. Liberty with a Cut Wlvg ix a Large (un-
covered) Grass Enclosure.

Losses from accldenl— small if care be taken to prevent birds
fighting and falling from a height on to the hard ground, or against hard
obstacles

The Endurance of Birds. 147

Losses from //i/cc//oiis (li-scasc- small. if new arrivals arc .are-
fully quarantined and the ground is periodically disinfected uiih salt
dressings.

hi ceding results not properly ascertained, hut some indication that
they might be good.

3. Unheated Outdoor A\'Iarv, fairly sh'.'ltered
from wind, but damp and sunlcs.s' in winter. Sliclt.'r-'^hed
(used by the birds for roosting), one half of the front boardcfl
up from the top to bottom,

Losses from accidriit very small.
Losses from infectious disease -very small.

Losses from cold and chill in winter so hea\'y tliat the birds
were removed.

4. Small, Unheated, Covered Aviary; glass roof,
rather draughty and with great fluctuations of temperature.

/iisses from cliitl extremely heavy, aviary useless for ordinary
birds

5. Small Unheated Outdoor Aviary. Entirely
covered in and draught-proof; rather sunless.

Losses from accident — nil

Losses from infectious disease— nil.

Losses from cold and c/iill—nW.

Nesting results— iAir.

Hatching results very poor.

6. Small Unheated Outdoor Aviary. Shclter-
shrd (used by birds for roosting) one half of the front
boarded up from top to bottom. Sunny situation.

Losses from accident -very small.
Losses from infectious disease —nil.
Losses from chill- smaW.
Breeding results—not yet ascertained.

7. Large Covered Aviary. .Moderately heated in
winter, temperature varying to some extent witii out-door
weather.

Losses from accident- tnodemte.
Losses from infectious disease— modcra\e.
Losses from chill very high.
hreeding results- goi>d ; eggs fertile.

8. Moderately Heated Indoor Shei.Ti r, uuh
out-door llighl. liirds roost indoors.

Lossci fiuni acculiiit sniall.

148 The Endurance of Birds.

Losses from infrct/oiis disease -smaU.
Losses iiom chill very heavy.
Breeclim^ results —good.

9. Birds Kept in Outdoor Aviaries in Summer,
IN Winter caught up and kept in roomy cages in a hot
room (temperature 70 cleg, to 7 5 deg.). Tcnipcraturc low-
ered before birds are turned out in April.

Losses from accident small.

Losses from iiijeclioiis d. sense small.

Losses from chill small, .•ind nil among the Mrds newly turnei
out in spring, even when the weather turned cold and unfavourable.

Nesting resiilts^iew .

Hatching; results — very poor, although the cock birds appeared in
vigorous breeding condition.

To sum up; ,my experience with Parrots is this. The
moderalely heated aviary, and the heated shelter with out--door
flight are alike most dangerous, and productive of enteritis
and pneumonia ad. lib. No heat and no draughts give
good results, with acclimatized birds, but a really open aviary
must be sunny in winter. If you must have heat have a lot
of it and keep the temperature e\cn if you can.

Exercise is most important if you want to secure
fertile eggs,, and no amount of good care and good feeding
will make up tor the want of it with many species.

Mr. Page hopes to resume his notes on this topice in next issue.

-Ed.]

The History of the Budgerigar

By E. Hopkixsox, D.s.O., M.A., Etc.
'{Continued from page 130).

So much then for the Budgerigar as Xatu/e made him.
Let us now see what our authorities have to say with regard
to the co'our varieties, of one of \\hi( h, the Yellow, examples
have been caught wild in their native land. Dr. Russ in his
" Speaking Parrots " (I quote from an English translation
published in the eighties), says :

" Just as tli£ Canary needed a comparatively long space of time
" for its complete naturalisation among us ; and again, as we are not

TliRn Notes.

Photo. W . Shore fiailv-

Ilvhrid S(|u;uii;ita -. Californian (Juail

An .Kciuml ul the surccssful rearing; of this li.iiulsdnic hybrid in
1912 will l>c Inuiiil HI " I5ird N(it(;s " for that year. I'll s.' hybriils proved
fertile, for 111 1913 a full biood of their progeny were reared, hut unfor-
tunately just as they wore in full pluniaj^'e, tiiey all died from some
infectious, malady. For his su( ( e .s 111 rearin;; this hybrid, .\Ir. i^aily
received the bron/e iiied il ol the .So letL d' .\ccLmatat,on de I'.iris, .ilso
the Club medal.

The History of the Budgerigar. 149

" really able to determine with exactness when the change from the
" greenish-grey plumage of the vviLl bird to the light yellow of the culti-
" vated bird took place, or whether, indeed, several centuries were re-
" quired to bring it about — in the same way the Grass Parrakeet shows
" itselt to be peculiarly subject to the influences of development in breed-
■■ ing. Less than fifty years have sufficed for it to appear before us.
" not only in varieties of colouring, but as a speaker. From the original
" variety we bred a yellowish-green, next a pure yellow was produced
" and afterwards a white variety— the last two had red eyes. Eventually
" a blue specimen was generated."

In his larger work this author gives 1872 as the
date ol the first appearance of the yellow form, and describes
several varieties of this colour, one of which was a pure yellow
with red eyes, an albino, or rather as such are called now,
a lutino. Whether the white Budgerigars mentioned above
were really white or identical with these lutinos, 1 cannot
quite make out owing to my little acquaintance with (German.
Dr. Russ' style, too, is most difficult to follow and his exact
meaning often obscure, but I gather he had heard of real
albinos as well as the red-eyed Yellows. What became of
them? The Blue variety is also dealt with but without n.uch
real detail.

Wiener, who no doubt was well acquainted with his
fellow-countryman's works, writes on the varieties as fo lows :
(Cassell, p. 435).

" Of late years varieties of the Undulated Parrakeets h.ive l)fen
""bred with increasing frequency. More or less pure yellow birds have
" been bred, mostly in Belgium. Since the first edition I have seen
" for the first time pure yellow Undulated Parrakeets bred by Mr. .Foscph
" Abrahams from yellow parent birds obtained, I believe from Belgium.
" Although these yellow l)ird-. were amongst dozens of green Budgerigars,
" and nothing prevented their cross-breeding, they seemed to have bred
" only among iliemselves. Even a blue variety has occurred, and at
" least one breeder has, through careful selection of stock, produced
" a breed of unusual size. Without doubt another ten ur twenty years
" will witness as great results of intelligent breeding of varieties of the
" Budgerigar as has been witnessed in the case of the Canary."

Dr. W. T. (ireene, in his "Amateur's aviary." says
that it is stated that a blue variety has been produced more
than once, and of the yellow form writes as follows (p. 33).

" Of late years, a breed of Yellow Budgerigars has been pro-
" duced , a pair of this colour, in which the characteristic undulation*

150 The History of the Budgerigar.

were very faint, were exliibitcd soinn years apo (I.e. In relation tO

"1883, the date of the publication of his book E H). at the Alexandra

'■ Palace Show, and were sold for £6 los."

The only fact or date in connertion with these colour
Mirieties which stands out prominently is that Yellow Budger-
igars appeared in or about 1872, and that they were pro-
duced gradually from the original greens. The rest is all
very indefinite; the albinos apparently were chance-got freaks,
which did not perpetuate their kind, while of the blue all that
one can learn is that they were known before 1880. To put it
crudely — someone had bred some somewhere at some time.

At the present day we have the yellow race firmly es-
tablished as healthy freely breeding birds, having rapidly
passed through the stage of delicacy, which was common both
to them in their earlier stages and to their green relations
when first known. Now in most fiocks there is a good deal
of Yellow blood, without, however, affecting the distinctness
of the two colours in the individual. Dr. Butler in "Foreign
Birds for Cage and Aviary," written 1909 or 1 9 1 o, mentions
the greater delicacy of the Yellows, so that this change for the
better in their constitutions is one of quite recent develop-
ment. The Blue form, he tells us, he has never yet seqn,
though it was well known to Mr. Abrahams, who considered
it, like the yellow, the result of in-breeding. Dr. Butler be-
lieves it was more probably the result of just the opposite
treatment, and that it should be extremely vigorous. This
belief has, I am afraid, not been borne out by the experience
of the owners of the present race of these birds.

Another of the anticipations of the writers I have
quoted regarding the possibilities of the Budgerigar emulating
the Canary as regards multiplicity of varieties, has al.^o hither-
to not been fulfilled, in spite of the numbers bred. I expect
the truth is that what occurs with my own birds, also occurs
with other people's. When the time for disposal 6f the sur-
plus comes, one cannot think of selection for the room is
wanted much more than the birds, with the result that all the
easily recognisable young ones and all the adults which are
not obviously nesting are caught and disposed of. Improve-
ment in breedin ^^ is not likely to occur where these methods
prevail.

Some Colony Birds. 151

We now come to what M-e may rail the Blue Budgeri-
gar period, which has received full attention in recent volumes
of Bird Notes, on which I propose to freely draw.

At the L.C.B.A. Sliow in November, loio Monsieur
Pauvvels exhibited a perfect pa'r, the first appearance on the
English Show bench. They were the admired of every eye,
and as was only their due, took premi?r honours.

In Bird Notes of January. 191 i, Mr. O. Millsum, who
was then in charge of M. Pauvvels' wonderful aviaries, gave
a full and most inti-rcsting paper (illustrated by ;i perfect
plate) on this variety, which is so full of information and in-
terest, that I quote it almost /// toto. After mentioning that
that he had known of the existence of Blue Budgerigars* with-
out ever expecting to sec them in the llesh, he continues :

"An article from the Standard of March 21. 19:4. is reprinted in
fiirJ Notes, 1914. p. 139, in which the existence of Blue Hiids^erigars
nearly a generation ago was referred to, the writer believing that they
appeared nearly as early as the Yellow v.uiety. He continues :

" Possibly, ITowever, this variation has also appeared more than
" once, and in any case the fact remains that, in spite of the high pries
" obtainable for Blue Budgerigars, the breed of this colour has not been
" multiplied greatly, and the specimens that turn up are generally very
" weakly-looking. This is curious as they sesm nearer the ty;,'ijal bird
" than the yellow breed, having the same black pencilling ; but one diffi-
" culty in breeding them appears to be that females " among blues are
" produced much more freely than males, so that it is difficult to get the
" latter mates of their own colour, and much in-breeding has probably
" been practised, " a proceeding particularly injurious to these liitle Parra-
■■ keets, hardy as their constitution is."

( To be contituicd) .

♦

Some Colony Birds

By Rev. Chas. K. D.wv.sox, S.J. M.A. (Oxon):

Kepiintecl from "IIMEHRI" ( 1 he .Journal of the Koyal Agricultural
and C.'omnieicial Society of British Cuian i ), May, 1915; with com-
pliments and thanks to the .Author and lOlitors. Kn. "B.N."

{Continued from page 133).
Doves. ihere are twelve or more species of Doves
indigenous to the colony. I may say in passijig that ;he lerms
Dove and Pigeon are interchangeable. As a general rule the

lo2 Some Colony Birds.

smaller and gentler species are called Doves, the larger and
bolder, Pigeons. The word Pigeon is derived from the
French (O. F. i'ijon) and means (Lat., pipio) a young
piping bird. The word Dove is from the old English dujan,
to dive : a word which may have reference to its undulating
tiight, for needless to say, neither Pigeons nor Doves dive into
water. All observers of Nature must have seen a flock of
Pigeons, disturbed from their feeding ground, rise in a body
and diving, as it were, into the bush, disappear.

Doves and Pigeons are to be found all o\cr the world.
They /are homogeneous in form and feature and their habits are
much the same. There are in all five hundred species.

Savannah Ground Dove. Of the Ground Doves
{Peristcridae) seen in Georg-etown, the Sa\'annah Ground-
I^'ove iL the largest as it is the commonest. Its scientific
nam? from the Greek, Chamaepelia talpacoti. means " the
ground bird that scares the mole!" It is from six to seven
inches in leng:h, the bill being half an inch and the tail an
inch and a half beyond the wings. The bird is a uniform
pinkish red, fading into pink on the throat and cheeks; the
crown of the head is cloud-grey. There are downward lines
of black or blue-black upon the wings like the jottings of a
pen; the under-wing coverts are black as also the under-
featherh of the tail; the primaries are blackish-brown. The
eye is red and the feet, of course, pink. The Indians call it
w'ihi which means " shaven " and in truth the head has that
appearance, being small, smooth, and light in colour. The
hen is brown with corresponding markings.

The Dove is gentle and timid, li\ing amicably with
smaller birds, though it defends itself with its wings should
they shew themselves aggressive. Little finches if placed in
the same cage will take advantage of its gentle disposition,
and sidling up, will pluck a small feather and then, inirabilc
dicta, swallow it I

The Speckled Dove. The speckled Ground-Dove
{Cliamacpclia passerina) is smaller, being barely six inches
in length. It is brown-pink, fading into pink on breast, throat,
and head; and into white on the vent. The feathers of the

Som^ Colony Birds. 15H

breast, head, and neck are centred with dull black giving the
bird a speckled or scaly appearance. Th<ire are spots of
purple-black upon the wings in irregular lines; the under-
wings are red, the primaries also are red, edged and tipped
with black; the under-feathers of the' tail are also of this
colour. There is a rim of minute feathers around the eye in
lieu of eye-lashes. The hen is duller and smaller but is
otherwise marked the same.

The bird is coimiion in country districts and may be
seen in open places, bustling about in, a business-like manner
in search of small seeds, and holding its tail at an ascending
angle to keep it out of the way. Besides cooing, as all Doves
do, it ha3 a curious note when alarmed like a tiny bark of a
dog, '■ whuh-wluih-whuh.'

The Tiny Ground-Dove. There is another fJove a
little smaller still, Chaniaepelia ininuta or grlseola, that is
bluish. It is much like the Speckled Dove but has no speckled
breast. The breast is pinkish blue, fading into white on
throat and vent. The cheeks also are whitish, the crown of
the head, nape, and shoulders bluish; as also the upper tail
coverts. The back and wings are pinkish brown, and on the
wings are a few purple jottings. The tail is grey tipped
with darker colour; the under-wings are red; the primaries
are red, but light brown on the outer edges and ends of the
feathers. The hen is light brown generally with lighter
breast and vent ; the feathers of the back are edged with
lighter colour; the bastard wing is red and there are a few
black jottings on the wings.. These three species live to-
gether peaceably in a cage, fccdiny and roosting together as
if they recognized their near affinity. Their nests may often
be found in low trees near human habitations, or even upon
the creepej tha' grows on the wall. I'hey will nest in ca[)-
tivity imder favourable conditions.

The Com.mon Thrush. One may wake u|) m Deni-
crara and fancy oneself back in England aroused by the
familiar notes of a Thrush. A few minutes of drowsy atten-
tion, however, will be sufficient to dispel the illusion. The
song is not so well sustained as that oi the home bird; thero
are lazy intervals between every few noti's, and there is not

154 Some Colony Birds.

the same vigour and variety. We have been listening to
the song of the common colony Thrush {Meriila alb Ive titer),
a welcome though poor substitute for our own king of song.

After the kiskadee, no bird is so much in evidence
as the Thrush. He may be seen on our lawn pulling worms,
or flying low from tree to tree uttering a low-toned note of
.alarm, something like our English Black-bird: ''Whafs fids?
What, what, what, whafs that? Cher, cher, cJier, cher.'"

In many respects, indeed, it is nearer the Black-bird
than the English Thrush despite its colour. It is slightly
larger, being seven or eight inches in length and is a little
fuller in body. It is the plainest of plain birds, the prevail-
ing colour being earthy brown, inclined to red -on back and
wings, greyish on the breast, and fading into white on the
vent; hence its ungainly scientific name " White-vented-
Thrush." The throat is white with downward streaks of
brown; the under-wing coverts are light russet-red; the iris
of the large, prominent eye, is reddish brown. The sexes
are alike. Young Thrushes have spots of darker colour upon
their breast, which fade away when they approach maturity.
Hence perhaps has arisen the deeply-rooted conviction that
the colony Thrush is descended from English parents im-
ported into the colony some fifty years ago. This, perbaps,
and the fact that there is nothing peculiarly tropical about
albiventer . Like ouir English Kingfisher, it seems to have
strayed out of its proper lattitude.

This colony Thrush is semi-domesticated, frequenting
our gardens and building its conspicuous nest in accessible
places, such for instance as the top of the pillars that support
•our dwellings in this mosquito zone. The nest is like that of
our Blackbird, though not so neatly made, and the eggs, two
in number, are hardly distinguishable from the same black
relative. No one seems to keep the Thrush in a cage. I
have a pair which. I reared from the nest; but they are not
tame now, dashing about the cage like mad-caps when 1 ap-
proach; and, screaming at the top of their voices, ihey peck,
fight and struggle when 1 Uake them in my iiand. But they
feed well and are healthy. I had hoped better things and
more intelligence from them, for when they were barely

Sonir Colony B'rds. 155

reared themselves, one of tliem would fe^d some rudder-tails,
a little young'cr, \vhi( h for convenience' I had put into their
cage. But Dame Nalu'e has given all young birds an ir-
resistibly appealing cry when they are hungry; and when
are they not? These Thrushes are v^ery pugnacious among
themselves, and no bird of equal or smaller size can be kept
in the same cage. The pair I have, reared together, although
not from the same nest, have occasionally terrific encounters,
first one and then the other gaining the ascendency.*

There is another Thrush \ery like this, called the
Grey-breasted Thrush ; but I hope to write about that in
a subsequent article. It may be distinguished from this by
its under-wings, which are grey, and not russet-red.

The God-Bird. Even more familiar in its semi-
domesticated habits than the Thrush is the charming little
colony Wren yclept the Grod-bird {Troglodytes miisculiis) . It
receives its generic name (Cireck, one Avho creeps into holes
and crevices), and its specific name^ "the litlh:* mouse,'' from
its mouse-like way of running about trunks of trees, under
the eaves of houses and other places in search of spiders of
which it is very fond.

It is first cousin to our English wren which it grea-
tly resembles in colour and form. But it is more engaging
in its habits, being in tlvis respect our robin out here. He
will come into our houses in a confidential way, chuckling
greetings as he goes. Sometimes he brings his wife and
then the pair of them will go running along the pictures and
shelves on a tour f)f inspection, making comments to each
other ; and now and then the little lord will break out into a
song jus*- to relieve his merry little soul. The song is a catch
of twelve or more notes with a preliminary strophe on a lower
key. I liave noticed that he repeats the same arrangement of

♦NoMV. Sinco writing the .t1)(i\c one of ilu^c tlini^lu-s lias come to
-< tragir end. As ihey were- always fighting, I separated them. .Accident-
ally I U-ft open the door of the rage of the hen. A wild thrush got in,
the (loot slipped tlown, the birds fought. I riuirned to find my poor hen
literally bial[)ed .iiid the intruder with its beak broken.

156 Some Colony Birds.

note? many times; but he rhan,s:es it at intervals. Perhaps
he tune- up each morning for the clay.

He is called the God-bird on account of h-s predilection
for churches when choosing' a .site for his nest. I took a ne^t
from a country chui-ch that was simply bu^lt upon a beam in
a corner. The young one? were toe shy to take food from
my hand, being past the age when birds open their mouths
to everything. I carried them to the gallery of the house
some twenty yards ^iistant and the parents did the work of
feeding, making much n.oise and revealing nnich of their in-
teresting and lovable character in the process. In the end I
gave 'them their liberty, for they would not take the various
kinds of food I offered and I could not subject them to suf-
fragetic treatment with their delicate mouths.

As I said in a former article, it is chiefly the God-
bird that is seized upon by the Lazy-bird to be wet-nurse lo
its babes; and it i s no uncommon sight to see a pair feeding
their great foster-child which with pitiful cries follows them
about, long after it should have relieved them of the burthen
of its support. Yet, after all, it is only carrying out the tra-
ditions of its family. Heredity is strong in the animal world.
The God-bird is slightly larger than our Jenny Wren. Its
beak also is longer in proportion and tl:e bird is not so
deeply-red. The throat and breast, indeed, are almost white;
light reddish brown at the sides. The feathers on tail and
wings are transversely barred with darker colour; a feature
common among Wrens; and the feet are large. It has an
alternate specific name of furviis, that is, dark or gloomy : a
libel on the character of this singularly bright and sprightly
creature.

The Cotton Bird. Plying along the trenches on
the outskirts of the city, the; Cotton-bird is a conspicuous
object. I presume that it derives its name from its appear-
ance, for seated on some bush beside its favourite trench, it
might be mistaken for some fully-growa' cotton pod. It is
a small bird hardly five inches in extreme length, and being
of an unobtrusivef and prosaic nature might easily be unob-
served but fof its colour. For the body of the bird is pure
white, and the tail, wings, back of the head and the upper

Some Colony Birds. 157

part of the' back, black. The lower wing coverts as also the
rectrices are tipped with white. It has the appearance of
wearing a cap pushed back from the forehead, and a black
cloak slipped over the shoulders. It is known scientifically
as the Black-und-White Tyrant Bird {Fluvicola p'ca); but
there i^ nothin<, tyr^^nnical about its nature. It is one of those
birds which from its habits and environment has accjuired the
peculiarities of a bird of another order. It has, in fact, the
habits of our Water \\'ag-tail, and even goes so far as to ierk
its caudal appendage; but as this is short its efforts to imitate
its prototype are more ridiculous than graceful. It is truly
fluvicola A river-dweller, but it is not pica, that is, a bird
that pecks its food from the bark of a tree." It is never
found far away from water, feeding as it does upon the flies
and othc: insects that gather about that element. It builds its
nest upon some low bush or stunted tree, if it should find
one fairly inaccessible to its enemies; failing that, it will not
hesitate to build its homestead high.

I once had a nest of young ones; little animated balls
of coiton They were coming on nicely until one night (I
was ir the Xorth-West District) they succumbed to the cold.

The Cotton-bird has neither high bird-intelligence, nor
tuneful voice, nor yet splendid plumage to recommend it as
d cage-bird. The only note I ha\e heard it utter is a
modest tweet- iweet; and this is not very often.

[Below \vc give English equivalents for the names Uied in this
article, covering May and present instalments.— Eu.j
Great Rice Bird^Black Cassique.
Guiana Blackbird::=Savannah Blackbird.

Reed Bird or Vellow-head= Yellow-headed Rccd oi Marsh Bird.
Savannah Ground Dove^Talpacoti Dove.
Speckled Dovc=Passerine Dove.
Tiny Ground Dove=Dwarf Ground Dove.
Common Thrush=\Vhite-beliicd Thrush.
Cotton Bird=Black and White Tyrant.

{To be continued).

158 Editorial.

Editorial.

Nesting Notes: Sad stories Jia\e come trom many
quarters as to spoiled prospects owing to one of a ])air dying,
and numerous are the records of failure with hrst clutciies —
this morning (June 7th) at 7-30, the thermometer stood at
46 deg. F. in a sheltered unheated greenhouse! However,
more encouraging accounts are now c'oming. We will give
precedence to one from the north and another from the south.

Mr. Bright's A\tarii:s: In these aviaries, we figure
two pleasing snap-shots of No. i aviary, situated near Liver-
pool the birds are not put out till the weather appears settled,
though some few, of proved robustness, remained out all the
year round. In a letter dated June 5th, reviewing for the
•w^riter's benefit the commencement of the season he mentions
the following interesting" facts :

" I have young^ in nest of \'iiginian and Pope Cardinals, " Long-
" tai'. Grassfinches, Zei)ra Finches, Geoffry's Doves and a numlier of
" Budgerigars. The Lovebirds and Cockateols first cJutches came lo
'■ nothing."

■' The following have ncsls most are incubating clutches of eggs :
Malabar Starlings, Yellow-bellied Buntings, Firefinches, Orange-breasted
Waxbills, Parrot Finches, Pintail Parrot Finches, Himalayan Siskin,
Ind. Red-headed Bullfinches, Bearded Tits (2 pairs— one p.iir in a Hartz-
cage and the other pair high up under tlie c;)ves'i, Bl.nk-faccd 'Juail
Finches tnest built on a bank, no eggs yet, I think 1, Aurora Finches
(a. wonderful nest in some old tree roots ,ind the difficulty is co see
which is the nestlj; Cape, Diamond, \'iolct, and Brush Bronze-wing
Doves , and Challinches."

" A cross-mated Yellow Sparrc)w has mated with a Desert Trump-
" peter Bullfinch and a nest is being built."

'■ Have seen the Malabar Starlings go twice into a barrel, in which
" nesting material ends can be seen, with their beaks full of gentles, so
" apparently they must be feedmg young."

We can only hope that the above episodes may be
carried to complete success.

Dr. Lo\ei.L-Keays' Noifs: From n scries of notes

Bird Notes.

Snaps in Mr. \\y\'A\i\'

I'jijn-: Sliiiws (inc Slii'lifi- Slicd and
Kuoil Tia.v.

f.llll-i I : 'I'llC opIinsitL' cikI.

Editorial. 15§

May 15th to June 6th I glean the following:

Thf, Young WiriTE-EVES (Z. vireus). mentioned in
our last issue, were fully reared, and became quite independ-
ent of their parents, only to succumb to the terrible wind and
rain storms of June 4th. Another young brood of three are
in the nest and thriving.

A pair of Chaffinc-hes nested and duly hatched out, but
the young were not fully reared; however another pair, in
another aviary, have young which are doing well.

One or more pairs of fJlue Tits are engaged in
incubation.

Passing mention of a disheartening tragedy must be
made. Success had been all but achieved in the rearing of a
young Malabar Parrakcet, when the hen Malabar was killed
by a Mealy Rosalia Parrakcet. Not only is there the acute dis-
appointment of the "all but" reared youngster, but there
is the serious loss of an apparently unrcplaceable bird. We
sympathise with Dr. Lovcll-Kcays in his keen disappointment
and loss.

As stated last month Dr. Lovell-Keays is kindly taking
care of Mr. W. T. Page's birds while his aviaries are rebuild-
ing. Some bird (or birds) among them has apparently
changed its demeanour with new quarters, for the first broods
of Pekin Robins and Black Tanagers were murdered in the
nest — the culprit has yet to be discovered. However, the
Pekins have now one young bird on the wing, and the
Black Managers are again rearing young. One, or more.
young Grey-wing Ouzel is independent of its parents.

We have mislaid one letter, so cannot give details fully,
but several species of Parrakeets and Lovebirds arc nesting.

Mr. G. E. Haggie has young of Peach-faced Love-
birds and Zebra flinches. It will interest many to learn that
in hi.-. Finch aviary (moderate size) Jie has two cock and one

160 A Roadside Tragedy.

hen Yellow-winged Sugarbirds and a cock Gold-fronted Green
Fruilsuckcr among the Finches living together in amity.

Other notes unavoidably held over till next issue, in-
cluding visits to two Farnham and district aviaries.

A Roadside Tragedy.

By Dr. L. Lovell-Keays, F.Z.S.

On the morning of May 9th, c noticed on a door step
the scanty but mortal remains of a young Thrush. I natur-
ally put it down to Felis domestica but inquiry proved my
assulnption to be quite wide of the mark. It seems that a
bird which the cottagers declared was a cuckoo was seen devour-
ing the Thrush on a gate within i 5 yards of the house, the
parent bird meanwhile displaying the greatest possible dis-
tress and concern. The supposed cuckoo was driven off and
my informants declare it flew into a neighbouring oak tree, and
gave vent to its characteristic call. As soon as they went
indoors the " cuckoo " returned to the feast and proceeded to
oat nearly the whole of the young bird, the mother bird mean-
while standing by and uttering notes of most poignant grief,
o. much so that the onlookers drove the " cuckoo " c>ff and
rescued the mortal remains which were just enough to identify
the bird. Now there is no shadow of doubt that some
predatory bird actually attacked and devoured a young Thrush
within fifty feet of an inhabited house, and that^ although driven
off at once returned to the feast. I have three witnesses of that
and also the skin of the bird. The only question is whejher
the marauder was really a cuckoo or possibly a sparrow-
hawk. In any case the bird showed great fearlessness, and
unless the sparrowhawk was a tame one would hardly be
likely to tolerate such nearness to human beings. More-
over, sparrowhawks are very uncommon about here. If a
cuckoo, and personally I have very little doubt that it was,
as country people are fairly accurate about such Natural

Correspondence. 161

History as they do know, it shows Avhat a bloodthirsty bold
ruffian the cuckoo is and whv he is "mobbed" wherever he
goes. Talking about cuckoos reminds me that near a certain
lane I often go down 1 see a cuckoo or pair of cuckoos year
after yeai huntin,^■ a certain range of hedgerows. At no other
part CKf my district do" I have the same experience. My theory
is thai it is either the same pair of cuckoos or their progeny
that return to the same locality year after year. To add to
my point I may say that I habitually go into at least a
dozen different parishes and yet at no other place can I be
sure of seeing frequcntl}'* a pair of cuckoos hunting a given
set of hedgerows. I always .see them and on returning home,
remark to my wife " I have seen my cuckoos again this
year at Ripe " (the nam-;* of the village). There is, I think,
not the smallest doubt that birds of other species or their
progeny do return to t he same nesting place year after year,
and such birds as swallows will endeavour to gain admission
into an out-house, the door ol'' which is constantly kept shut
after having nested there the previous year, hut make no
attempt to enter another out-house in the same row. This
year I intend to make a pigeon hole over the door and next
year keep the door absolutely locked from April ist. to .A.pril
2isl. If they find their way through that pigeon hole I shall
consider that very strong evidence that the birds have been
there before. All of which is a dreadful digression and shows
what evil consequences may arise through writing about a
" Roadside Tragedy."

Correspondence.

LI.ST OF HIKD.S SEE.\ IN FLANDERS.

Sir,— We are up in the trenches again and the sunsliine is remark-
able We arc getting known as lucky Chcshircs in the Division, as we
always seem to get good weather when our turn comes. It is really
hot to-day.

162

Correspondence.

It struck mc tliat porliipis a Is* nf birdf 1 Ktvo noticed since landing:

Rook.

Hooded Ceow.

Jay

M;;gpie,

Starling.

Blackbird.

Song Thrush.

Robin.

Hedge Sparrow

Wren.

Skylark.

Pied Wagtail.

Grey A\'agtail.
Great Tit.
Blue Tit.
House Spairow.
Tree Sparrow.
Greenfinch.
Chaffinch.
Yellow-hammer.
Swallow.
Tawny Owl.
Barn Owl.
Little Owl.

Kestrel
Sparrow-hawk.

Pheasant.

Common Partridge

Red-legged Partridge.

Snipe.

Wood Pigeon.

Stock Duve.

Lapwing.

Heron.

BU-ck-headed Gull.

The noteworthy features of the above list are: firstly, the Hooded
Crows and Magpies which, 1 think. I told you before are very plentiful
out here; secondly, the Little Owl, of which 1 have seen several, one
mobbed b\- several Sparrows: thirdly the B.il. Gull, which was remarkable
so far from the coast as we were, and lastly, the date of the first Swallow,
which was April iSth. More than half these birds I have seen right
up to the trenches, within one hundred yards of the firing line.

At one village we were billeted in I saw several fine specimens
uf ornamental Pheasants. On enqufry I found that a wealthy neighbour had
experimented with Gold, Silver, and Amherst Pheasants, and liberated
them in the surrounding woods. He cleared off at the outbreak of war
and the villagers had captured many of these birds. One fine cock I saw
w,0s a hybrid Golden )< Amherst.

f Lieut.) W. R. BATTY.
Somewhere in I-landers,

April 26th, '16

[The above reached us per C.S.M., R. Suggitt.— Ed.]

A SUBSTITUTE FOR FRUIT.

Sir, -The price and difficulty of procuring fruit has been exercising
my mind recently, and how to secure a substitute was a puzzle.

1 n ow tinil that practically all my birds, seed eaters and fruit
eaters alike, are fond of boiled greens made crumbly l)y the addition of
biscuit meal.

Correspondence, 163

Birds that looked discontented if they did not get their usual allow-

•ance of fruit are quite happy with this cabbage preparation.

Hoddam Castle, lojifib. E. J. BROOK.

FIELD AND AVICULTURAL NOTES.

Sir,- The following rough notes may prove of interest- they refer
to birds within a fifty yards radius of the house.

R( Jatarts. A pair have built in a nest-box fixed to a tree on
the front lawn, about fifteen yards from the front door. I looked at the
nest or May 2rst, and found it contained seven eggs, five of which hatched
out on the 26th. I took the two remaining eggs for my collection, which
I hav-; started since arrival here.

Pied Flycatchers. -Ontt pair have built in a box I put up in an
apple tree in the orchard, about twenty yards from the back of the house.
Six eggs have been deposited therein— incubation commenced with the
laying of the sixth egg on May 27th.

Another pair have built in a hole in the wall behind some ptgsties,
fifteen feet from the ground. This nest also contained six eggs, which
were quite fresh so I should think incubation must have only just com-
menced when I saw the nest on May 28th.

y /Vs.— Several pairs of Great, and Blue Tits are nesting, mostly
in nest boxes, which have been put up for their convenience.

In the hedge of one of my meadows a pair of Long-tailed Tits

have nested and hatched out safely a few days ago. I found two more

Long-tails' nests in a wood behind the house, both built in bramble

bushes One contained eggs, the other almost fledged young.

On7s.— Pairs of Brown and Barn Owls, and Kestrels are nesting
in the same wood.

Lo/nmori i/Tf/V.^.— Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Thrushes, Blackbirds,
and many other of the commoner birds' nests are very numerous about
the g.iiden

Woodpeckers : The Green Woodpeckers are very common and are
often t(j be seen around the house, though I have not vet sucireilcd \t\
finding any of their nests.

The Greater Spotted Woodpecker I have only seen on two occa-
sions so far ; one some months ago, and a pair last Monday in the wood

164 Correspondence. \

behind the house; 1 fancy, therefore, they are rather scarce in these parts.

Magpies and Crotrs. — A pair of Magpies built in a fir tree near
the pigsties and laid eight eggs, but the nest has since been raided by a

pair of Carrion Crows, which after battles lasting over three days finally
succeeded in driving off the pies and plundering the nest. I shall have
to " strafe " these black Huns before long as they are always up ta
similar mischief, and have recently carried off three young Golden Pheasants..

The /1i'/a/-j'.— Nothing much doing yet, the difficulty being to mate
up odd birds. However, Black Tanagers : have young nicely feather-
ing. Calijorniaii Quail have laid seventeen eggs, but are not yet sitting.
Virginian Cardinals (old pair, have had the hen since 1908 and when
I bought her she appeared by no means in the first blush of youth) havef
nested twice, both times the hen laid two eggs, but on both occasions^
somehow or other they got thrown out of the nest, probably through
the interference of one of the numerous old birds in the aviary ; she has
now, I believe, gone to nest again. " Some " bird, I think I

Caersws, Montgomeryshire, i/6/'i6. GERALD E. RATTIGAN,

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

Grebes.

By Wm. Shore Baily.

One of the commonest and most interesting of our
water-birds is the Little Grebe {Podicipes fliiviafilis), or Dab-
chick as it is more often called. Very few ponds of any size
are without one or more pairs of these little birds, although
it is quite possible for the unobservant to pass along the banks
daily without being aware of their presence; the teatering cry
of the birds conveying no hint to their untrained ears.

Early in April they build up a little floating raft of
a nest, attached to some growing waterweed, or overhanging
bramble. In this the hen deposits four or five white eggs,
which, as incubation proceeds, gradually turn to a dirty coffee
colour. On anyone approaching the nest, she carefully covers
the eggs with loose waterweeds, and silently disappears
beneath the water. Even a trained observer might now pass
the nose without noticing it. The hen sits for about three
weeks, being fed on the nest by the male bird. The young
leave the nest as soon as hatched, but return to it when tired,
and also to sleep at night, Both parents now have a busy
time, with four or five chicks to feed. For the first week or
two aquatic insects are principally used, but as the little
ones grow, young sticklebacks and other fry are given.
With one nest of five young I kept under observation, I
saw both parents feed each young one every minute, that
is tc say five visits to the nest by each bird, and this was
kept up until the young ones were satisfied and went to sleep.
It meant pretty rapid fishing. When the young are about a
month or six weeks old, the hen leaves them in their father's
cftre and promptly goes to nest again, generally succeeding

ICC) Grebes.

in fully rearing a second brood.

The chief enemies the little ones have to fear are the
btg" fish. Many disappear down the liungry maws of the
common pike, which is found in most of our larger ponds
or streams, and on my own pond the big trout have proved
to be equally fond of a mouthful of dabchick.

In the autumn the young migrate, but whether
they leave this country for Southern Europe, or simply con-
gregate on our larger sheets of water, I am unable to say.
Personally I have never seen more than seven or eight to-
gether. Before leaving they have to be taught to fly, and
great teatering and splashing takes place whilst this is going
on. It is some time before they are able to lift themselves
quite clear of the water, but one morning early in October
one finds that they have all cleared off except "the old birds.

These birds do a good deal of damage on salmon and
trout streams in the spawning season, probably more than
the gorgeous Kingfisher, or even the lovely Heron. I remem-
ber seeing a little flock of seven, probably a family party,
feeding ion salmon spawning beds on the Itchen. Five of
the birds were continually under the water, and this one party
alone must have accounted for thousands of ova. In hard
frost they are driven off the ponds to the more rapidly
running rivers, or even to the coast. I have occasionallv seen
one fishing in the shallow waters in one of the more sheltered
bays in the Isle of Man.

Of the other English Grebes that nest with us. the
Great Crested Grebe {Podicipes cristatus) has not come under
my notice, the inland waters in the west of England, not
being of sufficient extent to provide it with a permanent
home. I 'think: 'that it is quite likely that the Bristol Water
Co.'s fine reservoir at Blagdon, as soon as the reedbeds around
the banks are thoroughly established, will prove to be an-
other of its* breeding haunts. One other British Grebe I
have met with, and that is the Slavonian Grebe {P. aiirl-
tus), a really pretty bird with its bright chestnut ear-patches,
but this was in a remote district of California, a matter of
6,000 miles from this country. It was, I think, quite as

Bird N c 'j

l'hi,h, l,!l W Shun' /tail;/.

Grebe Skiiiiiiiiii' in IIH).").

P)Ueii;i Yii^ta l.iike. — S. C;ilife!'iiia

Grebes. 167

unconmion there as it is here. I only saw the one specimen
during a sojourn of fiviei years. It is, I understand, quite
common in the colder states in the north and east, as well as
in Canada. The bird that takes the place of our Dabchick
in North America is P. podiceps, commonly called the Hell
Diver I Why, I don't quite know. One has always been led
to believe that Hell was the one place in which water was at
a premium, and where swimming and diving couldn't be in-
dulged in. As divers, they easily take first place. They are
the only birds that I have seen that can dive tail first. If
suddenly surprised from' the front, they just throw a back
somersault and disappear. They can also sink at will and it
isi very amusing to watch them gradually submerging them-
selves when any object they may be inspecting seems to ihem
as if it might be dangerous. I have often had one examine
me from' a distance of a few feet, for' a minute or more at a
time, its head and neck only being above the water, the
length of the neck visible, varying as the bird's contidence
in my harmlessness increased or declined. Their nest is a
floating mass of weeds, similar to that of our Dabchick, and
several nests are found together. The grebe, with which I can
fairly claim to have the closest acquaintance, is the largest of
its kind, the grebe of commerce {Aechmophonis occid entails).
This bird, when fashion demands, is slaughtered in .housands.
just as are the seal and other fur-bearing animals. Truly our
lady friends have much to answer for. Luckily, from the
birds' point of view, theJ demand for grebe-fur is a very
intermittent one, and for long periods there is no sale for it
in any of the markets, consequently, the birds are then abso-
lutely unmolested, and their numbers soon again become
normal. My acquaintance with this bird was made on Lake
Buena Vista, Southern California. Early in the spring very
many of these birds visited the Lake, but whether to breed
or simply as a resting, place on their way to more northern
latitudes, I am unable to say. I am inclined to think the
latter, as, although 1 spent^ the season there well into May,
I never came across one of their nests. They are rather timid
birds, but like the Pronghorn Antelope, curiosity is an obses-
sion with them, and when their skins are in demand this leads

168 Grebes.

to their undoing. The hunter has simply to conceal himself
andi his boat in a clump of tules, throw out a wooden decoy
duck and grebe after grebe will come up to inspect it. They
are shot through the head, death of course being instantaneous,
and the skin undamaged. In preparing the pelts for market
the' Vings and legs are chopped off, an incision is made in
the back from the head to the tail, when the skin is easily
removed. This is then tacked on boards, sprinkled with a
little plaster of Paris, to absorb the grease and allowed to
dry. They fetch from 2s. to 3s. each on the San I'^rancisco
market, iand at the beginning of the season while the birds
are numerous, one man will kill and cure about eighty skins
a day netting from G8 to £10 a day. I estimate that in
three weeks from 12,000 to 14,000 birds were killed on this
lake alone.

I remember securing one specimen that was covered
entirely with thick down, having, as far as I can reccllect, no
feathers on any part of its body. It made a lovely pelt.
Another that I killed had the fangs of a large rattlesnake
embedded an the fat beneath its skin. This was in 1906.
Of late yeans I hav<5 not noticed any grebe in the furriers'
shops so that I ^hope the birds have now had a long rest.

Bird Catching in India.

By Douglas Dewar, F.Z.S., I.C.S.
{Continued from page 141).

We have already noticed one m.tiiod of securing
Peafowl. Another is by means of tish-hooks baited with friiit
and attached to a long string. Numbers of these baited hooks
are thrown about where Peafowl come to feed. The fruit is
eagerly gobbled up, atid the hook sticks in the gizzard of the
peafowl, land then to secure the luckless bird is easy work.

In the United Provinces large (numbers of cattle egrets
are caught shortly before the breeding season and denuded
of their nuptial plumes which constitute the "buff ospreys "
of commerce.

Notwithstanding the Government of India notification

Bird Catching in India.

169

prohibiting the export of plumage a large traffic goes on in
egrets' plumes, which are smuggled out of the country.
Every yeai early in May parties of Muhammadans go round
the United Provinces foi; the purpose of securing these plumes.
Each party is composed of from seven to eleven men with
three nets to seven men, four to nine men, or five to eleven
men. Their otperations last till the setting in of the monsoon,
that is toi say, for about four weeks. The apparatus they use
consists of two. nets made of fine string. These nets are;
about twenty-five feet long and nine wide, but they taper
ofif tOt a point at each end.

The nets are laid flat on
the jground in shallow water, side
by side with a space of about 2
feet between, except at the ends
where the nets meet..

A rope runs along the outer
edge of each net, ending in a loop
at each end of the net. The loops
are put round pegs driven firmly
into the ground. The inner side of
each net is pegged to the ground.
Across each net, at the places where
it begins to narrow, are fastenc'd
sticks (a b and c d). Each stick
is attached at one end (a) (c) to a
peg, so that when it is lifted up this
end acts like a hinge. Round the
far end of each stick (b) (d) the
nope threaded through the outer
edge of the net is wound.

To the end (d) of each of
the sticks (c D) a rope about 8
feet long is fastened. To the mid-
dle (of this a longer rope is joined,
to the far end of this a long piece
of cane is attached.

When the nets are set, a
sharp pull at the cane causes the
free tends (c d) of the four sticks

170 Bird Catching in India.

(aB' cd) to) be jerked upwards, so that they meet in the/
air, carrying with them the nets ; these then stand up as a
closed cage, looking like a tent.

The [above description is, I fear, not very lucid. A
roug"h idea ofj how the apparatus works can be obtained by
taking a couple of playing, cards and placing them side by
side fiat on the table, about an inch apart, and raising each
cArd !by the edge away from the other card, until the. two
edges meet in the air and thus form the first stage in the
making oif, a card house. The cards when placed flat on the
table resemble roughly the net when set, and when leaning
against lone another give the position of the net after the cane
has been pulled.

The egret catchers repair to a, village in
the trees of which cattle egrets roost and rest in the middle
of the day. Such, trees are always near a jhil or tank. In
the shallowest part of this one or more sets of nets are set,
and at, the place where the wild birds must alight, in order
to be caught, two or, taore; decoy egrets are tethered to pegs
placed tinder water. These have their eyes sewn up to pre-
vent them from struggling. In order to give an additional
touclij bf colour these bird-catchers often have with them a
Black-leggedl Stork, which they allow to wander about the
tank after having blind-folded it. Having set the nets and
placed the lure birds in position, the bird-catchers hide near
by, lOne of them holding the end of the cane ready to tug at
it as soon as a wild egret walks into the trap. The egrets
in! the tree seeing some of their own kind standing placidly
in the water and the stork wandering about think that the men
who have been working on the }hil have gone away. Sooner
or later one of the wild egrets alights near the decoy birds;
the cane is at once jerked and, before the wild egret realises
what has happened, it finds itself caught within the net. One
of the bird-catchers at once runs up, secures the captive
egret, opens out its wings, holds the bird's left wing between
the big toe and the second toe of his right foot and the
right wing in his left foot and pulls out the dorsal plumes
if these are well-developed. Having performed this opera-
tion, which takes only a few seconds, he releases the deplumed

Bird Catching in India. 171

egret, which rejoins its fellows in tTie tree, far more astonished
than hurt. The net is again set. I,n this way a pair of
men can catch from 20 to 40 egrets in a day. Ducks and
other waterfowl are often captured by this device.

Rosy Starlings are also caught in this way. .In their
case the nets are set under a mulberry tree, in a place that
has been slightly hollowed out. The nets and poles are
hidden by loose earth over which is scattered fruit which
attracts the Rosy' Starlings. When a goodly number of these
are collected, the nets are closed on the unsuspecting
starlmgs.

The usual method of catching small birds is by means
of a thin bird-limed cane, which the bird-catcher can lengthen
by adding pieces to the stick in the same way as the pieces
of a fishing rod are joined together. Having limed well the
end of the stick, which is very slender, the bird-catcher seeks
outi the particular kind of bird he wishes to procure, and
pushes up his s'tick gently until he succeeds in touching his
victin> with it. So sticky is the 'lime that the bird adheres
to; the stick and despite frantic struggles and loud cries is
drawn down and secured by the bird-catcher.

In order to attract small birds the bird-catcher stands
under a leafy tree and makes a curious noise, something like
the sound made by Indians to quiet a restive horse. The
small birds in the vicinity, fired by curiosity, come to see
wliat the noise is about and are promptly limed and piit into
tlio bird-catcher's loin-cloth, where they remain till he gets
home and cages them.

In 'the case of some small birds— White-eyes, for ex-
ample, it is only necessary for the bird-catcher to flourish
his stick on which one bird has been caught to attract its
fellows. These flutter round the victim, making a great
uproar, and the bird-catcher waves his stick among them,
ana tnus secures several more of them. Only small birds can
be easily caught by means of the limed stick. The larger
birds arc often able to shake themselves free. For insectivor-
ous birds an apparatus known as a Karnani is largely used.
This consists of two or three thin twigs bent to semi-circles
and joined together at the middle. When this apparatus
stands up it has sonicw'hati the appearance of crossed croquet

172 Bird Catching in India.

hoops. This is thoroughly limed, all over, and under it is
tethered the insect known as the mole-cricket. The latter is
speedily seen by some insect-eating bird, such as a roller,
which, when it flies to it has its wings caught in the lime
on the Kainani.

Mr. H. S. Raines, states that in the Sunderbunds
young Paroquets are caught by placing limed bamboos a-
mong the reeds along the water's edge on which these birds
roost. According to this observer the patches of jungle
where young Parroquets are in the habit of spending the
night in large flocks are leased for Rs. 20 or more for the
season 1

The more usual ^method of securing Parrots for the
market is to take the young birds out of the nests just before
they are ready to fly.

Several devices exist for catching Amadavats, which
are the birds most commonly caged in India. In all of them
advantage is taken of the fact that Amadavats are gregarious
birds and are attracted by the call of their fellows.

In the Punjab the amada vat-catcher supplies himself
with one of the ordinary pyramidal wicker cages to the base
of) one side of which is attached by a hinge a flap, which is
of the same shape and size as the side of the cage. The
flap consists of a fine net stretched over a wicker frame.
To the apex of the flap is fasten'ed a long string, which
passes through a loop at the top of the cage. When the
cage is iplaced on the ground with the string loose, the flap
lies flat on the ground. A smart pull at the string jerks the
flap close up againsit the side of the cage. Having put
two or three amadavats in the cage the bird-catcher sallies
forth into the grass land frequented by amadavats and, having
set down the cage and sprinkled some seed on the flap,
squats behind a bush, holding the end of the string in
his hand. Sooner or later an amadavat, attracted by the
calls of the captive birds, comes to the spot and alights on
the flap to obtain the seed. The string is pulled, and the'
amadavat is caught between the wall of the cage arid the
flap. It is then taken out of this and put into the cage
along, with the other captive birds. The trap is then set
again.

Visits to Members^ Aviaries. 173

In conclusion, I may mention that in some parts of
the Punjab the common babblers or seven sisters are con-
sidered to be table delicacies by the natives. The following
device is used to catch these noisy birds :

A dome-shaped structure, about the size of an open
imibrella, made of twigs is placed on the ground and a num-
ber of horse-hair nooses attached to. it. Into this a sparrow
is put. His cries of distress usually attract a butcher-bird,
which gets caught in one of the nooses. Then he and the
sparrow are tied together under the basket, to the great
disgust of both, which causes them to make a great uproar.
The noise never fails to attract any company of seven sisters
that happen to be in the neighbourhood, for they are most
inquisitive creatures. They hop on to the basket, chattering
loudly and become entangled in the nooses.

Visits to Members' Aviaries.

By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.

Mr. Fisher's Aviaries and Birds: In the first week
of April I once more had the privilege of a talk with this
member and seeing his collection. The aviaries have been
several times referred to in, our pages, so that concerning
them I need only remark that certain renovations and improve-
ments have been carried out, which enhance the comfort of
their occupants. These, perhaps, were not quite so numer-
pus as usual, but all were looking very fit and some bent on
nesting operations. I cioted among others the following :

Pheasants.— Goldtn, Silver, Swinhoe's, Ring-necked, White, and
Lady Amherst's, also handsome crosses between the Golden and Lady,
Amherst's.

I'arrakects.—T^ws enclosure was gi\cn up to Budgerigars, which
were breeding freely, Madagascar Lovebirds, Cockateels, Moustache, and
Ring-necks.

Finches.— In this aviary were certain Waxbills and Weavers, British
Finches, Buntings, Foreign Finches, and Cardinals.

Tho aviaries were ^cleanly and well kept, and with
their occupants made quite a pleasing and interesting display.

Mr. C. E. Croker's Aviaries; From the preceding

174 Visits to Members^ Aviaries.

aviaries I went on to Mr. Croker's and spent a pleasant
day and night' with him and his feathered and furry friends.
Mr, Croker's aviaries, too, have been described more than
once ; the main improvement, which has been carried out since
my hist visit, has been the additioii of a domed roof to the
flight of the Finch Aviary, adding materially to the space for
exercise. Here, too, though there were a goodly number of
birds, losses have not been replaced. The birds have gone
through the winter well and more than one brood of Cut-
throats and Zebra Finches have left the nest and been suc-
cessfully reared during its course.

In, the various aviaries I noted the following species
(no,t; a full list) :

British Species.— Gold,- Chaff-, Green-, Bramble-, and Bullfinches ;
Corn, Reed, and Cirl Buntings; Hedge Accentors; Blue and Cole Tits;
Linnets; Redpolls; Jays; Magpies; Raven; Yellow Wagtail.

Foreign Finches and Weavers, etc.,— Rihhon, Zebra, and Saffron
Finches ; Paradise and Pintail Whydahs ; Russ', Red-billed Madagascar,
and Orange Weavers ; Gold-breasted, and Grey Wagtails ; Cordon Bleus ;
Black-headed Mannikins ; Combasous ; Pekin Robins; Pope Cardinals, etc.

Pheasants. — These comprised Golden, Lady Amherst's, and hybrids
between these two species, also Silvers.

Doves.— These consisted of quite a flock of Barbary and Turtle
Doves, and a number of fertile hybrids between the two species ; many
of these hybrids being very handsome.

Parrakeets -.—i^inmerous Budgerigars, and Madagascar Lovebi.d;. ;
Quaker, Rosella, Moustache and Ring-neck Parrakeets. The Quaker Parra-
keets, whose nest we figured in last Vol. of " Bird Notes," successfully
rear several young birds annually.

In cages I jioticed a fine and talented Roseate Cocka-
too, and a beautiful ancf rare Horsefield's Whistling Thrush
(probably the only one in England at the present time).

In the Finch aviary were quite a number of Crest and
Crest-bred Canaries, which stay out of doors all the year
round, all but fully fledged young were in the nest at the time
of my visit.

Mr. C. F. Le.'\ch's Aviaries: My visit was but a
short one, a walk round without a note book, so I must
jot down a few descriptive notes from memory. The aviaries
are 'picturesquely placed in the midst of a beautiful and spaci-

Visits to Members^ Aviaries. 175

ous garden, ot which they form an attractive feature. The
aviaries are roomy and with one or two exceptions are not
of the garden or natural type. With the exception of the
latter they are mostly given! up to Cranes, Pheasants, and
British birds. The aviaries have concrete floors, and mostly con-
sist iof three compartments — shelter, covered flight and open flight'
— in the shelters and covered flights heat (hot-water) to almost
any! extent is at command and these compartments can be
shut oft from the open 'flight at will, so that there is ainple
protection and accommodation for almost any tropical
feathered denizen 'that may be accjuired. The aviaries are
constructed of wood and glass on a brick base, and the
flights oi half-inch mesh netting stretched on iron framing;
and their design plain and handsome.

I cannot attempt any description of the birds I saw,
as I was engaged in talk with their owner while walking
round, but among others, I remember seeing, perfect speci-
mens of :

Toucans (several species), Macaws, Diademed and several other
species of Jays, White-winged Starlings, Red-crested and Pope Cardinals,
a flock of various Ploceidae, White-throated Jay-Thrush, White-crested'
Jay-Thrush, etc., etc.

Passing on we came to the wildernessitype of aviaries,
one or tvvo of which contained spacious shallow ponds, con-
structed of cement; these formed a very pic'juresque feature of
the garden. In two of them stalked the stately Stanley, and
Crowned Cranes; in others were several species of Pheasants,
including a pair of rare Crossoptilons, I think the Manchurian.

I may pause here to mention that the day before my
visit six young Crossoptilons had been hatched out, and at time
ot writing (June 29) are doing well, with every prospect of
being fully reared; if this, to be desired, result is achieved,
I believe I am correct in stating that they will be the first
of their kind to be reared in captivity.

In another roomy aviary were a flock of Fancy Ducks.

In. another aviary were gathered together a Hock of
British Finches and Buntings, and very happy and contented

176

Vlsiis to Members' Aviaries.

they looked in the midst of plenty, shelter, safety, and natural
quarters.

Another picturesquely constructed aviary was given
up to a flock of Budgerigars.

My memory fails to recall all that interested me so in-
tensely, and I sincerely hope Mr. Leach will have photos
taken and accompany them with a descriptive article from his
own pen.

Dr. Lovell-Keays' Aviaries : These, too, have been
described and figured in "B.N." more than once, and I will
only add that on the occasion of my last visit (June 25th) I
thought that my friend had made a mistake in not using the
pruning knife more freely m the early spring — so dense has

Photo by Dr. fiovell Keays.
Nest of Pekin Robin. External view.

the growth become in several of the aviaries, that they are
like small woods; splendid cover for the birds, but too thick
for much observation of the doings of the occupants.

With such aviaries it is no cause for surprise that
almost everything has attempted to reproduce its kind; yet
even, these, almost ideal, conditions have not been sufficient
to triumph over the adverse weather conditions of May and
June; the result being, as in hiany other aviaries, that much

Visits to Members^ Aviaries.

Ill

labour and careful thought, have resulted in little more than
all-but-successes.

True there were a number of young of many species
again "being fed in the nest, as well as clutches of eggs in
the process of incubation, and the writer hopes that with

riinlfi. by Dr. L'H-ell Keays.
Nest of Tekin Rohin and llggs.

better weather conditions better luck may attend the latter
portion of the season.

I glimpsed young of Zebra Finches, Rosrlla, Parrakeets,
Ring-necked Parrakeets (still in nest barrel), Pekin Robins,
ftnd Grey-winged Ouzels.

178 Visits to Members^ Aviaries.

To give a list of Dr. Lov^ell-Keays' birds would be
merely to repeat previous pages. They were a/l in perfect
condition, as slcel: and fit as birds could wish to be. I will
mention a few pii passant which particularly interested me,
as follows :

Rufous-belHed Niltava (q" only). Purple Sugarbirds, Malabar Parra-
kcets, Euops' Conure, Lavender Finches, and many other Ploccidar.

I was particularly interested in the many British
species he has gathered together for this season, viz.:

Blue Tits (feeding young), Chaffinches (with young\ Yellow Bunt-
ings (incubating), Bramblefinches, Nuthatches, Tree Creepers, Garden
Warblers, Blackcaps, Nightingales.

I think there were others, but here again I took no
notes, merely wandered round discoursing aviculture >and enjoy-
ing a look at my own birds again, as well as* the still
larger collection belonging to my host and colleague.

Other visits must be left to other issues, . as I have
already occupied too much space in this issue.

Some Colony Birds.

By Rev. Chas. R. Da\vson, S.J. M.A. (Oxon) :
{Cont'niied from page 157).

Reprinted from " TIMEHRI " (The Journal of the Royal Agricultural
and Commercial Society of British Guiana), May, 1915; with com-
pliments and thanks to the Author and Editors. — Ed. " B.N."

The Rustic Tyrant-Bird. Another bird that is no
tyrant, though it bears the name is Eleinea pagana, vulgarly
called the Mufif Bird, which in Creole language means "a bird
with a crest." How the word 'muff in this colony has come
to mean a cresc passes myr comprehension.

Thei name Eleinea, that is (Greek) "[belonging to the
olive tree," is givetn to the bird, I suppose, on account of
its sober colour of drab. If by some magic art an olive-tree
could be changed intoj a bird, this might well be that denoue-
ment. Its tail would represent the trunk of that tree; the
olive-grey feathers, the leaves ; the yellow markings, the
young shoots, and so on. But I must describe the bird
itself.

Some Colony Birds. 179

Six inches in extreme length, of which the tail is nearly
two, the bird is a dull, homely, olive-grey above and light
olive, fading into yellowish grey, below. There are two bars
of yellow-olive upon the wings, the two lines of upper wing
coverts being tipped with this colour; the outer edges of the
primaries are also of the same colour; the vent feathers are
yellowish-green; the under-wing coverts are also light yellow.
The bird has a conical crest which is generally kept erect.

Its note is like a low-toned policeman's whistle, whre ah.

The mated plairs have a habit, comimon to kiskadees and some
other tyrant birds, of taking a sTiort flight together and then
alighting, of saluting each other with shaking wings; and
whereas the kiskadee utters his own name several times,
little pagana seems to say, " Wre — wre—wre, look at me,
look at m£ !"

Its name pagana must refer to its rustic appearance
for the bird is common in towns, and in Georgetown its little
pea-whistle, as T may call it, is heard at intervals througliout
the day. True to its name, however, it remains unsophisticated.

It has the habits of a fly-catcher, though one I once
possessed subsisted on a diet of bread and milk, fruit, etc.
But this was due I think to the excessive friendliness of a
black-faced tanager which, as soon as I ^ut the stranger into
the; cage, flew to it and showed it signs of undisguised aft"ec-
tion, caressing it and twittering to it. And thus it seemed to
speak: "Friend, take it not toa much to heart that you are
captive. Captivity is not so base a thing as it may seem.
Here we have wholesome food in plenty, with neither hawks,
nor cats, nor boys with stones our souls to vex. How nice
it turns about I And in this mirror's smooth and glassy

surface we see reflected our most noble selves "

And so the rustic tyrant-bird took heart of grace and lived
contented.

Parrots. But I must no longer delay writing about
parrots, the most intelligent and, in inany respects, the most
interesting of all the feathered tribes. Of the five hundred
species of this great family found in tropical countries
throughout the world twenty-five or more belong to this

180 Some Colony Birds.

colony and include macaws, parrots (so-called), paroquets and
love-birds. I may say in passing that it is a fault of our
language that we have to call, not only parrots, parrots; but
the whole tribe of Psitiacidae : macaws, cockatoos, lories,
paroquets, love-birds and the reft. The same defect is found
in other departments of Zoology; thus we call apes, baboons,
gibbons, and the rest, monkeys, as well as monkeys proper.

The word " parrot " is derived from the French " pier-
rot " : the French call the bird "Little Peter," just as we
call it "Pretty Poll." Parrots have more brain, proportion-
ately, than any other bird, their upper beak or maxilla,
unlike that of any other bird except the flamingo, is movable
and not anchylosed to the skull. The tongue is thick and
generally black, the eye intelligent and the pupil often highly
dilatable. The feet, in common with cuckoos, toucans, wood-
peckers, and a few others, are zygodactyl (Greek " yoked
fingers ") having two claws before and twoi behind; the
outer claw i s forced back into what is evidently a primarily
unnatural position. I might remark that the word zygodactyl
would be more applicable to thid chameleon, the claws of
which are not only disposed in this way, but those before
and those behind are actually joined together. We have
here an evident sign of evolution; it was necessary for
climbing biids \o Jiase as firm a grip behind as before and so
nature accommodated itself to their need.

Evolution as an active force in organic beings is too
evident to every student of nature to be gainsaid; but that
it has effected all that Darwinians would have us believe, is
precisely what thinking men are beginning more and more
strongly to deny. Many facts that seem at the outset to lead
to evolution are like blind alleys; they go a certain way in
the right direction and then suddenly terminate in a blank
wall. Ruskin, approaching the subject in. a rhetorical rather
than a scientific mood, writes: "Had Darwinism been true,
we should have split our heads in two with foolish thinking,
or thrust out from above our covetous hearts a hundred de-
sirous arms and clutching hands and changed ourselves into
Briarean cephalopods. . . ." He is in a more scientific
temper when, writing of the supposed evolution of the pea-

Some Colony Birds. 181

cock's tail, he says, " I went to it myself, hoping to learn
some of the existing laws of life which regulate the local dis-
position of colour. But none of these appear to be known;
and I am informed only that peacocks have grown out of
brown pheasants because the young feminine brown pheasants
like fine feathers. Whereupon I say to myself "then either
there was a distinct species of brown pheasants originally
born wi<^h a taste for fire feathers; and therefore with remark-
able eyes in their heads, — which would be a much more
wonderful distinction of species than being born with remark-
able eyes in their tails, — or else all pheasants would have been
peacocks by this time!"

Much as scientists condemn the a priori reasoning of
scholasti: theologians, they instinctively fall into it themselves.
For example, they would say that the parrot has obtained its
movable inaxilla by the continuous use of it as a climbing
instrument, because, a priori this would be in accordance v/ith
their theory of evolution. But it is equally reasonal)le to
argue, on the contrary, that the parrot having been endowed
by nature with this most useful adjunct to its claws, immedi-
ately proceeded to give it its appropriate employment.

Parrots are the only birds that have conceived the
bright idea of using their foot as a hand. Hawks, indeed,
hold their victims with their feet while they tear them to
pieces; yellow backs and birds of that class will hold a morsel
of food beneath a foot that they may eat piecemeal; and even
grass birds will so hold an ear of grass while they peck out
the seeds; but only parrots use a foot to convey food to the
mouth. Wlien I was in India I had a paroquet that, plant-
ing iisell firmly on its left foot, would, after the manner of
an East Indian, gesticulate with its right, while it poured forth
a torrent of imaginary eloquence I

But to return to our immediate subject.

As I am foil-owing no definitely scientific order in these
papers, I may begin with the Love-bird.

Thf Love Bird. Only one species of this charming
family is to be found in the Colony; but it is common in
gertain localities and has been seen about Georgetown. This,

18? Some Colony Birds.

Psittaciila guianens's. is of a uniform pea-green colour, lighter
below. It is hardly five inches in length, the tail extending
but liillc beyond the wings. The under-wing coVerts of
the male are of a beautiful ultramarine blue; the basta/d
wing, light blue. The ends of 'the 'primaries are brown and
the tail feathers are pointed like the blade of a spear. The
hen is 'paler, and yellow on the forehead. It well earns its
name for it is disconsolate when alone, and, when paired,
neither seems content except when " sitting* adjacent." And
they are forever billing, warbling, and feeding each other.
Like all true lovers they have their quarrels and reconcilia-
tions, and it is interesting to Watch them. Now, the little lord
will bury his beak in the feathers of the neck of his spouse
and whisper protestations of his love into her willing ear;
then something too trifling for human eye to note will happen
and their shrill voices raised. But it is soon over. The little
lord gains tho supremacy and they both go down to the seed-
box to soothe their ruffled spirits.

I ^li'ive three of these birds, the odd one being a hen
and very de trap. The other two combine to drive her off
as if s'he were a. step-mother. Occasionally they relent a little
and then the little lord has an affectionate mate on either side
vying with each other in their fond caresses. Me bears him-
self nobly.

Under favourable circumstances these charming birds
will breed in captivity as freely as canaries.
{To be continued).

Early Notes of the Season.

B\' h2. M . Hrk'.ht.

The promise of the very early days of the season has
not been upheld, the warm spell being succeeded by very
wintry and wet weather, and up liil quif^ recently frosts in
the early morning were quite common. In consequence many
promising broods came to nought, and only in a few cases
have young been fully reared.

Pope Cardinals {Paroaria larvata): In the early days

E-"
O

Early Notes of the Season. 183

of June a brood was successfully hatched out and all went
well, the parents proved excellent feeders and the young
(two) progressed rapidly, only to succumb one bitter, windv
night when fully fledged and all but ready tc leave the nest.
The nest was a very flimsy one and little or no protection
against the bitter weather prevailing in this district (Liver-
pool). However, they are not giving up in despair, for another
nest has been built, but in a more exposed position than the
last, so that, unless we get a little summer weather soon, the
outlook is none too hopeful.

Himalayan Siskin x Greenfinch (Chrysomitris spl-
noides X Ligurinus chloris). This is a happier story than
the preceding, for four strong young hybrids are now disport-
ing about the aviary. An interesting fact about the rearing
of these hybrids is, that a pair of V^irginian Cardinals who
lost their own young one bitter night, at once took charge of
the young hybrids. 1 hey take t'lie greatest care of them and
will hardly allow their own parents to approach them. The
hen Virginian at once took them over when her ow.i young-
died and I could hardly drive her oft the nest to lei the Siskin
and Greenfinch feed their oft'spring. They used to sit waiting
for me to' drive the Virginians away, and then rushed to feed
their young ones. A pair of Chaffinches have young just
underneath, and they and the Siskin are continually attacking
the Cardinals, and 1 have seen the Chaffinch holding on to
the Cardinal's tail while flying. They do not seem to have
taken any harm, as the small birds are so quick, but it is
curious and interesting that the Cardinals should have taken
over the young hybrids instead of going to nest again.

Virginian Cardinals {Cardinalis carduialis). These
hatched out a little later than the I'opes, and with exactly
thei same result, so I need not recapitulate the tale of woe.
It was most disappointing on looking into the nest to see the
two young, nicely feathered but dead. So far they have not
gone to nest again, but instead have become sort of foster-
parents to four young hybrids as stated above. I should say
that though in the same aviary the two species of Cardinals
did not interfere with each other in the least.

Bearded Reedlings {Panunis biannicus) : This is

184 Early Notes of the Season.

the first season that this species has nested with me, and two
pairs built, laid and commenced to incubate in the early days
of June — one pair in a Hartz cage, in the shelter, and the
other pair high up under the eaves of the aviary. On June
25th I had a look at the nest in the Hartz-cage and could
find no trace of either eggs or young, though previously I
had -seen the eggs (exactly the same result has followed the
nesting operations of a pair of Cuban Finches in the same
aviary) : I do jiot know what is in the other nest as it is
very difficult of access, but as this pair are still very anxious
for live food there may be young there, at least I hope so.
This nest is high up under the eaves at the back of a tall
privet bush, and. I can't get to it. The first pair of Reed-
lings have built again; outside this time and quite low down,
so I shall be able to watch their operations.

Yellow-throated Sparrow x Desert Trumpeter
Bullfinch (Gymnor/i/s flavicoLiis x Erythrospiza githagi-
nea) : This odd-assorted pair duly mated up and spent some
time in nest construction and later a clutch of four eggs was
laid, I think now there must be young in the nest, as this
evening (June 27), I saw the Sparrow take a gentle to the
nest and leave it there, but could not see what took place.
If reared it will be of some interest to see v/hat sort of young
sudh a crioss produces.

Malabar Starlings (Polwpsar maLabaricus) : These
charming and handsome birds went to nest in a barrel, high
up, and duly hatched out young, cannot say how many, some
are still living. The old birds clear all comers away from the
piece of open grass near their nest, and have sparring matches
with the Cardinals; if he or she is getting worsted, whichever
it is calls out, and the other at once comes and lends a hand
ten drive ofi the enemy, and then gabble away to each other
their congratulations. I aXn expectantly awaiting the emerg-
ence of the young, which apparently are always hungry.

Young Long-tailed Grassfinches and Diamond Spar-
rows are flying about fully reared, and more have just left
the nest.

Of all my many species of Doves and Pigeons, only

Editorial. 185

Geofifroy's Doves have young fully reared. Most of the
species have nested and incubated clutches of eggs, which
have failed to hatch out.

A Jiopeful feature is that many species are nesting
or prospecting, among which 1 may mention Hair-crested,
and Indigo Buntings, Orange-headed Bullfinches, Pintail Par-
rot-Finches, and numerous Doves. Besides those enumerated
the only other young reared are Budgerigars.

If any of the present nests come off successfully I
will send notes later.

Editorial.

Errata: Page 178, line 11, for "Garden Warbler" read Reed
Waibler. Page 178, line 12, after "Nightingales" add. Redstarts, Gold-
crested Wrens, and Long-tailed Tits.

Yellow-wing Sucakbirds : We regret to have to state that Mrs.
E. F. Chawner has been again disappointed in her effort to rear young
of this exquisite species (see letter in correspondence section). The young
lived to be seventeen days old, were fully fledged, anJ practically ready
to leave the nest. A most inadequate reward for the time and labour spent
in capturing insects, larv;c, etc.— to have come sa near and yet to fail is
disappointing indeed I In a liirger flight, filled with growing bushes, plants,
and their attendant insect parasites, probably complete success would have
been attained. A detailed account of this episode would greatly interest
her fellow-members.

Red-deakhd Weavers : In several of our members' aviaries young
of this species {Quelea quelca) have been reared during recent years
—we should be glad to know if any member can definitely state whether
the young cocks come into full colour, that is, don the black mask the
following season, when about one year old. We hope members will
record their observations upon this point.

Redstari : Our member, Mr. W.^ E. Teschcmaker, has successfully
bred thi.s charming species we heartily congratulate him on this success.

Ruhcauda Finches: We recently noted in Lady Samuelson's aviarits
a family party of this pretty Gra? sfinch— s/a: strong young birds and their
parents— disporting themselves amid the bushes and herbage. This species
is somewhat eratic in its! nesting operations, often falling short of com-
plete success, and the rearing of so large a brood not Ircqucnt.

186 Correspondence.

Correspondence.

BREEDIxNG RED-COLLARED LORIKEETS.

Sir,— I have been very successful with my Red-collared Lorikeets
{Trichoglossus rubritorqiies) again. At New Year time I had a tine
young pair liatched out. I fed exactly as on the occasion of my pre-
vious success, except that no green food was given. They nested in
a barrel, and were in a large cage, three feet square ai base by six
feet high, and it was as easy as rearing canaries, for I did nothing
but, keep them well supplied with food.

MISS E. G W PEDDIE WADDELL.
Slamannan, i7-6-'i6.

[It would be of great interest if M!sf Peddie VVaddel) would kindly
write an account of her success, for publication in this journal.— Ed.J

PRODUCING A BLUE BUDGERIGAR, ETC.

, Sir, — I am pleased to report that I have at last bred a Blue

Budgerigar. It was produced by a pair of Greens which I bred, the
hen in 1914, and the cock in 191 5, both from: a green hen (three eighths;
Blue, three eighths Green and one quarter Yellow).

I boughit a few days ago a cock, which was yellow on face, crown
of head very dark green, very little yellow on back and not as much
as .normal on wings, the two long feathers in tail white, with the excep-
tion that the tips for three quarters of an inch were blue, other pans
green. I also bought two yellow cocks, one with blue tail, the othei
darker in tail and the blue extending over the rump.

1 used to think that Blues were bred from Greens, though I had
heard and read that Yellows were used to breed them, and these last
make me think they may have been.

Harrogate, i8-6-'i6. JOHN W. MARSDEN.

[I', would be of general interest if Mr. Marsden would kindly
write an article, givmg all possible details of the above most interest-
ing) event, for publication in this Journal.— Ed.]

NESTING OF YELLOW-WINGED SUGARBIRDS, ETC.

Sir, — You will be interested t o hear that my V^ellow-winged Sugar-
bird hatched two young ones on Thursday last, and is a most devoted
mother She only uses live food, will not look at ant's eggs or fruity
but catches all sorts of small insects, and, to-day has added tiny metal -
worms to the menu. I " sweep " for her several times a day, and shei
quite understands and scrambles about the net pecking over the contents
as soon as it is brought into the aviary. The cock accompanies her
and drives otY other birds but takes no share in feeding or incubating)

Correspondence. 187

The young look ivell, are covered with flufY, and grow fast.

The Indigo Buntings also are nesting, but have onl'y reached the
egg stage as yet. I wish I could get hold of a hen Rainbow Bunting
for I have a oock whiclt is anxious to go to nsst.

Last year someone gave me a crippled cock Greenfinch, which I
turned into the aviary ; this spring I picked up a hen temporarily dis-
abled and turned K er in likewise. They have a nest of young, but I
do no', know how many.

ETHEL F. CHAWNER.
Lyndhurst, Hants, i8-6-'i6.

WHOLESALE FLY-CATCHING.

Sir, — The enclosed newspaper cutting is of interest as describing
the methods of capture and preserving of dried flies, and as indicating
the extent of the industry.

" Among the Sierra Madres of Mexico, eight thousand feet high
" and about fifteen miles from, the capital of the republic, is San Vicente,
" a town with a population under fifteen hundred. Most of the inhabitants
"earn their living by catching flies.

"lAlthough the elevation is so great, San Vicente lies in the
";midst of a marsh that surround? ^ chain of lakes— Tczcoco, Xochimil'co,
" and Chalco. Here, in the black mud, subsisting on the rank vegeta-
" tion, breed countless millions of black flies, somewhat larger than out
"ordinary house fly. Day in, day out, month after month, hundreds
" of peons splash about, up to their knees in water. They are dressed
" only in cotton trousers, rolled halfway up the thighs, supported by a
" banda, or sash, wound many times about the waist, a cotton shirt, and
"p grea; sombrero, or conical wide-brimmed hat. Each is armed with a
" fine-meshed long-handled net, and carries a leather or cloth bag slung
" by a jdraw-string from the shoulder. At the approach of the peon the
" the flies rise in great clouds, and, as quickly as the peon moves his
"iirms, snares the insects in the net and literally shovels them into the
" bag.

" At, the end of the day he takes the bags to certain primitive
" presses of wood and stone. Rows of boxes, six inches by six incheii
" stand side by side. Each box has a lid three or four inches thick,
"which fits into the mouth of the box, ijul so loosjly that it can slide
" up and down like rlie plunger on the end of a piston rod.

"The natives shovel the flics into the boxes with wooden paddles.
" As fast as each box is filled the men lay the thick lid on the squirming
" mass. When two lines of boxes have been filled, planks are laid along.
" the tops of the boxes, and stones to the amount of several hundred-
" weight arc piled on them. After a day in the ])rfss the men (Mnpty the
"boxes and dry the six-inch cubes of pressed flics in the sun. The*
"process makes the finest bird food in the world."

188

British Bird Calendar.

These details concerning one of the chief items of the soft-bill menu
should be of general interest.

Calcutta, 3-6-'i6. E. W. HARPER.

British Bird Calendar.

ARRIX'.ALS, ETC., CATERHAM DISTRICT.

April 17.— Tree Pipit.

i8.-ChifYchaff and. Willow Warbler.
,, 21. — Heard Cuckoo.
,, 24. — Swallows and Yellow Wagtails.
J, 25. — Sand Martins and Wheatcars.
May 4. — Swifts (same day as noted 1915I).
,, 9. — Heard Turtle Dove.
,, 19. — Red-backed Shrikes.
,, 21.— Spotted Flycatcher.
June 3.— Wryneck sitting.
,, 4.- Shrikes sitting.

6.— Nightjar sitting.

J. S. R., Caterham, 2o-6-'i6.

morning, he is staying late this

the latest date he was heard lost

27. — Heard Cuckoo this
year, June 22 was
year.

R.E.P.G., Sturminster, Newton, 27-6-*i9t6.

Al! rights reserved. August, 19! 6.

BIRD NOTES:

- THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

Breeding of Red-cotlared Lorikeets.

By Miss E. G. R. Peddie Waddeij,.

Notc;^ have already appeared of the successes of my
pair of these beautiful birds in past years, which still con-
tinue to nest regularly.

As regards this year's successes, nesting operations
commenced in December, 191 5. They Were kept in a large
cage (3 feet square by 6 feet high) in my bird-room. Their
cage is fitted with branch-pr^rches and a nesting barrel, hung
up at one end near the top, but not so high that I could not
see inside by standing on a stool.

The period of incubation was calculated from the first
night she sj^ent in the barrel, and exactly twenty-four days
later I heard the first sound of young birds. During the in-
cubation period I have noticed, that they consume less food,
and the cock bird is often in the nest barrel. For the first
week or ten days, though I gave more food than usual they
did not oat it all, but after that it was hard work to keep them
supijlied. 1 always kepi j)ltnt\- of canary seed in the rag-e,
and ir ihe morning about seveii o'clock I lit the gas and gave
them two tea biscuits, broken up and moistened with sop, made
of Mellin's Food, Horlick's Malted Milk and honey; at mid-
day half a sponge cake dry, and in the evening* half a sponge
<ake soaked in .\estle's milk. I have noticed that after about
ten days ihc hen did not remain constantly in tin- nest barrel,
bill only went ni to f(\'(i and in this duty the (oek look his
full share. I (lid not sup|)ly any ^reen food as I was afraid
it niighl be lro-,leid. 1 have also noticed that when ft'eding
young the parent bird-. ])reler the food fairly dry.

1 shoukl have said that the young birds appeared

190 Breeding of Red-collared Lorikeets.

simultaneously with the New Year, and they left the barrel
two months later. The young birds were very timid at first,
and I noticed that the parents each took charge of one special
baby, and if the wrong one happened to be next the cock
he would not feed it, but flew to where the other one was—
— 1 witnessed this pretty and interesting tableau many times.

From the? time the young left the nest I began to make
their food a little sloppy, but whenever they started to cat
•canary seed I imade it drier, as this contributes to a cleaner
•cage .

The young birds are much smaller than their parents,
but are beautifully coloured and growing daily.

When I came out to: the country in April I separa-
ted the young fro,!!! their parents, and put the latter in the
qompartment in the bird-room which they occupied last year;
it is fitted up similarly to the aforementioned cage, and, as 1
write (June 30) they have two more young birds, about three
weeks old, in the barrel.

I consider they are very easily reared; in fact, I do
nothing but give them plenty to eat and leave them to them-
selves, and I have been wonderfully successful with them.

The nest barrel is surprisingly clean when taken down
after the young have flown, as, even though it contained plenty
of sawdust, the parent birds must have done some cleaning up.

1 have also noticed that this wet cold summer does not
seem to interfere with their nesting, as it does with canaries.

Pheasant Rearing Under "Broodies."

By (iERALD E. Rattigan.

1 think my e.vperiences this season in the gentle art
■of raising Pheasants, etc., with the aid of " broodies," of
various shapes and sizes, may he instructive to the novice,
at all events in teaching him or her "some" of the many
pitfalls that lie in wait for the unwary. I do not remember
to have seen any article dealing with this subject in our r/nga-
zine, though I feel sure one, from the many members of our
club, who have expert knowledge upon the matter, vvoul i be

Pheasant Rearing Under "' Broodies.'' 191

of much general interest, and it is largely with the hope of
stimulating one or more of them to give us their experiences,
that I have embarked upon this short account of my own, for,
as will be seen later, I myself, am anything but an expert in
the subject in hand.

This, in fact, is the first season in which I have en-
deaxoured to raise Pheasants, etc., on a moderatelv large scale.

Hitherto, I have, in "most seasons, reared a brood or
two without any difficulty, or the losing of more than a stray
bird here and there, and began to think that the rearing of
fancy Pheasants was a very simple, not to say profitable
proceeding !

With this conviction firmly planted in my mind, I
calculated, basing my calculations on averages from other
season, that if I "set" say, 150 eggs, I could count pretty
certainly on 120 to 130 pheasants fully reared.

Li!;e tl: old woman of 'the fable I was in fact already
counting; up \\\; "chickens" and congratulating myself on
virtuous industry being well rewarded. For the pheasants
were quite a side line, and had to be worked into a day already
well filled in with other labours in these strenuous times, and,
I think, anyone who has raised pheasants on any scale will
adariit that it is not exactly an arm-chair pastime, especially
when, as in iny case, one is not provided with special outfit,
but has to improvise as one goes along.

I will now describe my various ventures, winding up
with the causes to which I attribute iny failures.

Vf'vTIirk No. I — My own sitting (Broody, Silky-Wynndottc cross).
My first venture, to get my hand in as it were, w;is with a sitting
of Silky and. Silky cross bantams which, I -merely record here for com-
parison's sake. These having at tlie moment no other place available,
I " set " in a pigeon loft (wooden floor) and unfavourable as these con-
ditions would appear every, egg hatched out and all save one, which fell
a victim to a hawk, were safely reared. (Of course, wlicn hatched I
removed the chirks to a coop outside).

A dozen eggs " set " and 1 1 chicks safely reared was quite an
auspiciou'^ beginning I

Venture No. 2.— (Set in Stable).

Broody: Black Silky- 14 Golden I'heasants (from my (»wn birds).

192 Pheasant Rcariii(r Under ''Broodies.'"

These were set in one of a four rompartment sitting l)ox placed

in a islable with stone or colihlcd floor. Tiiirteen chicks duly hatched,

one died ir shell and another was cruslicd by broody when emerging from

shell, The remaining dozen w>.'re put out in a coop and one disappeared
the same day.

One of the chief difficulties I have found in dealing witli
' pheasant chicks, as indeed those of CJuinea Fowl, and all game
bii'ds, is the fact that they seem very prone to wander away
and get lost during tho first two or three days after hatch-
ing, and I a-ln stronglv of opinion that all coops should have
a wire run fixed on to them of very small (half-inch) mesh
wire for at least three or four days after hatching, otherwise
losses are almost bound to ocmr. I fancy that the reason of
this wandering is due to the fact that the chicks fail at first
to recognise the "clucks" of the broody. The remaining
chicks were fully reared to be independent of the broody,
■ which had left them, but I allowed them to remain at large too
long, I suppose, for all except one, and two more which I
have just caught up, have now vanished. Whether they have
wandered off or have fallen a victim to some marauding beast
of prey 1 do not know, but I still entertain a " slight " hope
that they may turn up later on. And now disaster follows
disaster with tiresome monotony.

Venture No. 3.— (Set in Stable).
Broody purchased from farm. Sitting (my own), 16 Goldens, 5
Kaliges

Four Goldens a nd i Kaligc mfertile.
."Vine Goiriens and a Kalisre died in shell.

3 Sickly Goldens hatched, two of wliich were crushed same day
by broody.

Venture No. 4.- (Set in Srable).
1-arm Broody. Sitting (my own I 13 Goldens; 4 Ciuinea Fowl; 4
Kalige.

Broody deserted eggs the morning they were due to hatch ;ind
though two eggs actually did hatch out in <.\)\xc of this ; having no incuba-
tor or artificial foster-mother to put them into, I was unable to save them.
Nearly all the remaining eggs contained fully developed chicks.

Venture No. 5. - 'Stable ).
Broody: White Silky cross. Sitting 13 white Guinea Fowl 'pur-
chased). Only one egg proved fertile, which duly hatched out, the chick,
however, wandered off on being put out and died of exposure.
Venture No. 6.— (Set in Stable).
Broody : White Silky. Sitting, dozen Silver Pheasants (purchased

Pheasant Rearing Under "Broodies."' 193

tfggs). Every one proved infertile. One, in fart, that I tested on
arrival, proved to be rotten!.! !

It is only fair to add that the owner, a lady, returned my cheque,
but I Jost meanwhile the services of one of my best broodies.
\'e.nti;re No. 7.- (Stable).
Broody : Farm bird. Sitting 12 Amherst (purchased eggs), and
6 Golden anc3 '>■ Kaligi^ (my own).
9 Amherst infertile.
2 or 3 died in shell.

2 or 3 Golden died in shell.

3 or 4 Golden hatched.

1 Kalige died in shell.
, I Kalige hatched.

All save one Kalige and one, either Golden or Amherst, .subse-
quently crushed by broody.

(Venture No. 8.— (Stable).
Broody: F'arm bird. Sitting 12 Silver Pheasants (purchased), J
Silky (my own).

6 Silvers died in shell.

4 Silver: i fertile.

2 Silvers ' itched but crushed by broody same day.
Sill:y tied 1.1 shell.

Ve.mijRE No. 9.— (Set in pigeon loft).
Broody: Silky-Belgium cro.,. Sitting 12 Goldens.
Every one died in shell.

Venture No. id.
Broody : Black Silky. Sitting iS Californian (Ouail ; I Silky (my
own).

Incubatioi Irst 16 days in stable; remainder of period set out
of doors.

All but five dead in shell, remainder, and Silky chick doing well.
Venture No. 11.
Broody : Farm bird. Sitting 14 Guinea Fowl (my own).
(This lot and all .subsequent "sittings" were set in s;ime sitting
bo.xes with wire netting bottoms, but placed out of doors under the shelter
of thick rhododendron bushes).

12 hatched and doing well.

Venture No. 12.
Broody: Farm bird. Sitting 13 AVhite Guinea Fowl (purchased);
2 Silkies (my own).

3 Guinea Fowl infertile.

2 dead in shell.
The two Silkies and rcmaming 8 Guinea Fowl doing well, save one
of the latter, whose death I cannot account for.

\'e,\ture No. 13.
Broody: Game Bantam. Sitting 6 Goldens; 4 Kalige; 4 believed
Gani'- Bantam and Guinea P'owl iro';'..

194 Pheasant Rcarino; Under ''Broodies."'

Game lien made a nest (it tlic Ixntoin of a thick hedge ;'nd as it
tvas \vonderfulIy well hidden 1 decided to let her take her chance, adding
the Pheasants' eggs and leaving four of her own. (She has heen
paired to a cock Guinea Fowl all the season, the two having been quite
inseparable.) 1

These eggs after she had been sitting i6 days, began
to disappear until all except five had gone and the hen herself
deserted. I suspected a hedgehog or a rat, but to my ^iirpr's?
a trap baited with an q'^^^ produced a stoat.

Further investigation disclosed a regular collection of
eggs some i o yards further down the hedgte„ which consisted
of 2 Goldens, 3 Kalige, 2 Ban.'ams, and 4 small white eggs
about the size of a pigeons. W'ha*^ these eggs are I have
no idea.

I don't think i know of any other kind of white eggs
of this size except a pigeon's, and surely they could not be
that !

Perhaps Eomc of our members can help mc 10 idtniify
them.

I have put them for the present under a bantam, but
don't expect for a moment they will be any good, in which case
I would be very pleased to send them on to any member for
id.entification. The nearest pigeon loft is at least 60 yards
away, and this, a small one, to which there is no possible entry
from the ground so far as I can see, is situated on a lawn
near the house.

Moreover the eggs, while about the size of a pigeon's
are not quite the same shape and I can't think that they do
belong to one of these birds.

Though what else they could possibly be, I admit,
completely baffles me.

It seems rather curious, I00, that this animal did not
apparently attack the broody, nor, as vvill appear later, was
this his only depredation at my expense, neither did he inter-
fere with yet another broody v>hose clutch he raided.

Nor for the matter of that did I lose any bantams,
either, adult or young, which are always scratching about m
this particular hedge.

Pheasant Rearing Under "Broodies.'' 195

Possibly the numerous young rabbits which arc swarm-
ing everywhere provided all the meat he required for the
moment, in which case it rather tends to prove that, provid-
ing a sufficiency of the latter is obtainable, the stoat family
is content to sign a. truce with feathered game. However
that may be, this animal was either an enthusiastic egg-collec-
tor or he was endeavouring to "" corner" the egg supply of
the district, for none of the eggs recovered appeared to have
been injured in any way.

{To be continued).
«

Visits to Members' Aviaries, and Birdrooms.

By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S.. Etc.
■Lady Samuelson's Aviaries: I was recently privil-
eged, one July afternoon, to see these aviaries and their occu-
pants at Hatchford Park, Cobham. The aviaries are, as yet,
in their infancy, and consist of some half dozen enclosures, the
the main one of which has a heated shelter at the l:)ack:. There
has been much encouragement already this season, though
some hoped for successes, have, since my visit, had to be
relegated to the category of "all-buts"'! However, all avi-
culturists get their share of these, and when the contem]>latcd
natural flights are completed, "all-buts"' will be reduced to
a mniimum.

The area of ground, which is gi\'en up to the present
aviaries and prosp:'ctive ones, is well sheltered grassland amid
the beautiful gardens of Hatchford- Park. The general plan
of the aviaries at presenit is a snug shelter, with a moderate
sized flight in front of same, at present not naturally planted,
though the main aviary contains a number of box and privet
bushes etc., in pots and tubs, providing a certain amcnint of
cover to its occupants.

With this introduction, I shall lea\e further descrip-
tion till a later date, when. 1 shall hope to be, able to illustrate
the prospective and present aviaries

As regards occupants, the main aviary contains :

Mclba, Rufous-tailed (7.rass, r.oulcJi.in, Zebra, Alario, ami Pintailcd
Parrot Finches; Cordon Bleus, Rainbow Buiiung, Bluc-brcastcd, and St.

190 Visits to Alcm/wrs' Aviaries ami Bird rooms.

Helena Waxbills ; ;uk1 Indian White-eyes.

There are young Zebra Finches' galore and a pk-as-
ing picture they made, parents and young, some of the latter
still being fed 'arid' others cjuite independent and assisting
their parents with their latest babies. Another pleasing suc-
cess has been the rearing !of a brood of six young Rufous-
tailed Grassfinches, and a fascinating 'sight the family party
was — all are still (July 27) living and fine strong young birds.
The other records have nqt so pleasant an ending, as they
form part of the "ail-but" successes already referred to. A
pair of Melba Finches nested in the outside flight in one of
the bushes, and duly hatched out four healthy chicks; all went
well for ten days, when, three of them were picked up dead
in various parts of the aviary and one found dead in the
nest — storms and cold nights were -the suspected cause. Blue-
broasted Waxbills, similarly Inested and hatched out two young
(birds, one of which was ultimately found beneath the nest and
the other hanging out of" ithe nest, both dead of course — in
this case the interference of other birds (St. Helena Waxbills)
is isuspected. The writer is of the opinion that had the flight
been larger, and with an abundance of natural cover, both the
Melba Finches and Blue-breasted Waxbills \vould have suc-
cessfully brought up their broods; 'as he noticed considerable
competition among the birds for the existing cover, How-
ever it is not all discouragement, as Lady Samuclson is the
fortunate possessor of breeding pairs.

All the birds;! were fin the pink of condition, and I
do not remember to have seen a richer coloured or liner speci-
men in any way than the cock Melba Finch. The young
Rufous-tails were just beginning tO; show a little red about
the head.

The other (smaller) aviaries were occupied by Canaries,
Goldfinches, Pekin Robins, and Diamond Sparrows. The
Pekin Robins and Diamond Sparrow are indefatigable at
nesting and incubating, but so far, Avithout any definite result.

Lieut. Bainbridge's Aviaries: I had the pleasure of
spending July 20 and 21 iwith my colleague and fellow avicul-
turist, who was enjoying a bhort furlough from his duties at

Vis/is to Alcmhcrs' Aviaries and Dirdrooms. 197

the front. He has not lost any of liis keenness for aviculture,
in fact, short as his holiday has been, much of it has been
spent among his birds, some new accjuisitions have been made,
and during;- my stay, one aviary whicli has been empty for a
tw^eivemonlh. was peopled with two pairs of -Melba I- inches, and
five pairs of Gouldian Finches, and an exquisite living' pic-
ture they made too !

These aviaries have been described and illustrated in
past issues of ' ' Bird K^otes," so I need only remark that they
had vastly improx-.d, the bush and plant life having greatly
developed and that there is now an abundance of natural cover
for the feathered inhabitants. The young Zebra Finches were
very numerous, and more than one brood of Red-headed
Finches was on the wing. A beautiful young Indian White-
eye, quite independent of its parents (nesting again), made
a fascinating picture as it disported amid the living green.
Wa.xbills, pairs of Gouldian and Diamond Finches were nest-
ing, as also were the aforenamed birds and Diamond Doves —
the last named have already two young birds on the wing, the
whole forming a charming picturs of happy bird-life not easily
to be described, all the more appreciated by the writer, as
owing to a change of residence, etc., he is deprived of the
pleasure of his aviaries for this season.

Not one whit less pleasant was our avicultural talk,
and anticipations of the "to be" when the 'piping times of
peace " come round again.

The Delicate Life-Thread of the Young Grey

Parrot.

n\ M.D. (U.S.A.).

Young Parrots, before learning to eat seed, commonly
are fed with starchy foods of some sort. Now the envelope
of certain starch granules becomes digestible only after more
and different cooking than even the most careful person is
likely to give it.

Birds have extremely rapid digestive processes. Twice
its weight in food is none too much for a young wild bird
to assimilate daily. If the nutrient lluids pass so swiftly

198 Delicate Life-Thread of Young Grey Parrot.

through the membranccs of stomach and h)wcr digestive tract
•into the circulation, equally prompt will be the absorption of
noxious fluids or substances in solution.

In acute indigestion exactly this occurs. Commonly
with young birds it is starch-indigestion — if 1 am permitted
so inexact a tei^m. Acid fermentation is in progress and the
by-products formed by the splitting up of the ferments pour
into the blood. Some of these by-products are active toxins
— poisons.

Is it strange that the bird shows symptoms of digest-
ive disturbance and, as these poisons continue to flood his
tissues, becomes quiet, lethargic, comatose, and dies?

A young Grey Parrot of mine, not yet feathered out
fully, became listless. His discharges were bad; he vomited
scantily, and had recurrent attacks of palpitation with the
accompanying quickened respiration. Then he drowsily set-
tled himself upon his perch to die. So weak, apparently,
had he become that already he was swaying from side to side
preliminary to the final fall to the cage bottom. All this within
six hours.

We put an electric flat-iron under his cage-covering
and turned on the current. We floated a few drops of castor-
oil upon a dilution of blackberry brandy in which was a
pinch of Sodium Bicarbonate and urg^ed' it down the little
fellow's throat. In a few minutes he had brightened up and
in twenty minutes he was trying to move about on his perch,
fighting his way from his perilous position /// articiilo mortis.

So cramped and drawn up were the bird's tendons and
feet, that he fell from the perch and fluttered about pitifully.
We rolled him in a blanket, put the clenched feet in a hot
bath, and massaged out the drawn-up tendons and tightly
closed feet. Then, at half-hour intervals all night long we
gave him the brandy dilution and alkali. Next day the bird
was practically well.

So swiftly do these toxins develop and invade the cir-
culation, so rapidly are they absorbed, so overwhelming is
their effect, that this alone is ample explanation why so many
birds apparently well at night are found dead m the morning.

Dawn Amongst the Birds. 199

A young Parrot's digestive apparatus is more sensitive than a
baby's; the least carelessness or uncleanness in feeding is
likely to cause swift and fatal mischief.

In a like situation I should agahi treat with castor oil
for the gastric or gastro-enteric trouble, with brandy and
heat to provide the requisite stimulation, and with an alkali
to neutralize the acid fermentation. I do not suggest the
dosage because whoever has not judgment sufficient to modify
that according to conditions will doubtless lose his patient
anyhow.

May I say — to prevent in this case the common and
undue confidence in printed words — that I know very little
about Parrots.

Dawn Amongst the Birds in an Egyptian Garden.

By M.P.

It is interesting to notice how the smaller kinds of
birds wake earliest, in fact the Warblers begin singing first.
It is now high summer, and to secure some rest I sleep in the
cooler air on an upstairs verandah, the quiet peace of which
is brought to an end at the first hint of morning light. The
Olivaceous Warbler {HypoLais palUda) begins with a most
persistent song, one wonders how the little fellow keeps his
breath to the finish. Then the tiny Graceful Warbler {Prinia
gracilis) carols in a higher key. We know about the nest,
in a clump of Pampas grass just below the verandah ! The
Rufous Warbler {Aeclon galactodes) comes hopping along,
fanning his tail, down by the Vine Pergola, giving forth
short but lovely notes.

The Palm Doves {Turtur senegalensls) coo to each
other, and Sparrows chirp as the world over.

A certain number of birds are coming in to roost,
Night Herons {Nyclicorax griseus) coma honie with much
noise of "cluck cluck," and settle down in a great Banyan
tree, to sleep through the hot hours of the day, already a
Grey Heron {Ardca cincra) has finished iisiiing in the canal
near by. ihc " Caravan " {Oedicneinus sencgaLensis) shrieks

200 Dawn Amongst the Birds.

some final directions to worship, and a Barn Owl or two silently
flits across.

Over the roof like flashes of light, dart four or five
Kingfishers (Ceryle rud/s), going straight to the Nile to fish
therein ; they arc very noisy birds on the v/ing though looking
very beautiful hovering over the water to catch fish. Presently
two Egyptian geese {Chencdopex ncgyptiacus) hurl themselves
all round the garden, making a great amount of noise, also
Hooded Crows {Corvus comix) "caw" loudly, generally quite
close to me on the verandah railing I A small Kestrel {Falco
tiiiiuinciilus) circles round, uttering a shrill cry all the time,
lastly an Egyptian Kite {Alilvus aegyptius) with much wing-
flapping wheels up from some fir trees in great numbers, to
meet the sun that is just tinting the tops of the trees and
Palms vivid gold and shining! green, and all the individual
songs o- 1' birds merge into one great chorus of praise and
joy and I igive up h ope of going to sleep again, in fact I feel
rather pleased to have enjoyed the society of such a varied
number of happy uncaged birds. ...

The History of the Budgerigar

By E. Hopkinsox, D.S.O., M-.A., Etc.

" Mons. Pauvvel, with that keen avicuhural zeal of his had dis-
covered the whereabouts of the original strain, heard of by many but
seen by very, very few. We were fully cognisant that a Dutchman
some 25 years ago had produced this charming varietyi,. but at his
death they had been disposed of, to whom and to what place they,
had been transferred remained unknown, until by sheer good lurk
and watchfulness, Mons. Pauv\els unearthed their obscurity. When once
this knowledge had become ours, the next question was to secure all
particulars, which were quickly forthcoming, only to confirm the facts
already known, that the then lucky possessor, a lady living in a re-
mote district of another country had secured the two pairs belonging to
the Dutchman at his death, and not being deeply inte^-ested in avi-
culture, but like matty others, kept birds for the love of them and
theii beauty, had daring the intervening years kept these birds in her
po.sscssion steadily, very steadily I should imagine, breeding them.

" Mons. Pauvvel's desire in bird life being to possess the unique,
the next move was to either secure the existing lot, or as many as

The History of the Budgerigar. 201

' possible, and to arrange for the monopoly of the others remaining in
' tlic lady's possession. The latter was the offer accepted, as the lady
' would not part with her old breeding pairs,, atid that is exactly how
' matters stand — the monopoly of these charming, unique, beautiful birds,
■ remains in our hands at least for a few seasons so it is unlikely they
' will become at all common for some years.

" There is no question but that we are on the eve of most interest-
" ing experiments . It is most satisfactory to be able to say

" this newly acquired variety is no freak, it is assured and established,
" its colour isi absolutely fixed, and l!icy breed true to colour and type.
" They are not lacking in any way, but fine, robust specimens, whilst the
'■ type is even an improvement upon the original imported strain."

" Whilst to some extent they have been in-bred, no signs of such
" arc in c vidcnce, because each generation has more and more fixed their
" pigmentary tissues in the production of this strain by freely crossing
" with the Green and Yellow varieties. In each instance where this cross
" has been made the young have been true to the colour of the respective
" varieties, by which I mean where the blue and green have mated the
" young truly represented either the Blue or Green type— no spots or
" freaks, no mismarked or unsightly young. Personally, I am hoping,
" sincerely hoping, for a few of the former, so that I may by careful
" study and, by systematic mating, create something equally startling as
" the Blues

" A: present I believe the whole of the Blues living to-day are
" in three hands only,— the lady already spoken of, Mons. Pauvvels, and
'■ thf London Zoological Society, a pair having been presented to them
" by Monsieur Pauvvels.* I do not think it will remain so. Keen as
" Monsieur Pauvvels is to hold unique specimens, his interest in our mutual
" hobby and study of bird life, will prevent him reserving the study of
" this interesting variety to himself— his main object in this instance will be
" to restrict, as far as possible, their becoming at all common for some
" years."

In "Bird Notes " of the following year (1912) there
there is a =mggestive note (p. 216) by the Rev. J. M. Paterson
on the influence of dull light, or rather protection from direct
sunlight, on the production of the blue colour, which is due
to loss of the protective yellow pigment not needed under
such conditions. Young bred by hiin ;are mentioned on page
297 of the same volume as showing indications of blue and
white in their plumage.

M. Pauvvcl's collection of birds was dispersed in 191 2
and many of Iiis birds found new homes in England, among

202 Tlie History of the Budgerigar.

ihem a certain number of the Blue Budgerigars.*

Ir. "Bird Notes" for 191 4 we again are indebted to
Mr. Millsum for another valuable article from which, on the
principle that one cannot have ton much oi" a good thing, I
boldly again quote wholesale.

Having Learnt that but little success had been met
with by the new owners of the birds after they had passed
out of his charge, he writes (p. 25) that he thought it worth
while recording what h^ oelieved " from practical experience
to be the only methods to real success." He says '"two
conditions are absolutely essential for the successful breeding
of these birds," and these conditions together with other advice
he gives in the following words :

" (i). The birds must not be subject to any powerful light my
" contention being that powerful rays of light reduce the stamina of the
'■ of the birds. It must not be forgotten that their beautiful colour, a rich
" sky-blue, though pure, is not natural, having undoubtedly been produced

" by selection; therefoJa I suggest a semi-darkened indoor aviary or flight.
" not allowing any direct or powerful rays of light to enter any portions,

" of their enclosure.

(2). Birds must not be allowed to mate until fully two years
" old. This is a most important item, and has been in the past the
'■ gieatesi cause of non-success. .\s with the Green variety, these birds
'■ will male when quiie young, but it is rarely with success. The young
" of such birds are anaemic and often infected with rickets, as well, the

' colour exceedingly poor, more like grey than blue, they do not thrive,

' and but a very small percentage live to any age. The parent birds
'■ are more liable to egg-binding, and when this occurs the chances for
" recovery are very small.

" My advice then, is this, if too impatient for the birds to be-
" como fully adult, dispose of the birds. I know, for I speak with cx-
" periencc 1 made \.ht iam*, mistukt lu the yeai 191 1 I had about
" 30 of these delightful birds under my care at Everberg, and being
" an.xious to breed them freely, I located them in three large aviaries,
"each with a large open out-door flight. 1 had visions of such a lovely
" flock by the end of that year. My visions, did not however, niaterial-
" ise. Plenty of eggs and a fair number of young, but I finished up
" the season with I believe ten, and not a fine youngster among them.
" These were sold in one lot to a dealer on the Continent. So much

*\Vhat about the Belgian breeder Mr. Millsum tells us about later?

No doubt Mr. ^M. inadvertently omitted him, or only met him after
ihis was written. — E.H.

In the Catalogvie ol M. Pauvvels' sale, Blue Budgerigars were priced

"at 15 guinea^s a pair for adults, 12 guineas for birds of the year.

The History of the Budgerigar. 203

'■ for that attempt, but why my failure? I meant to find out. Wi'.hin
" a few miles of these aviariei I knew a Belgian fancier with
" a few of these birds, three pairs, I believe, but was neverthi'less h.uing
"fine success, breeding good colours and fine robust youngsters, as m iny
" as six in one nest. I visited him several times and had a good look
" round, seeking all the information possible. His birds were flying
" loose in quite a darkened out-house, the adult birds in one compart-
" ment, the young in another. Breeding boxes were permitted in the
" spring and summer and removeJ in the early autumn. Hence his success,
" and he admitted this was the only secret."

The more recent history of the Blue Budgerigars is
not, I am afraid, a very cheerful one. Qu'te a large number
must have come to England, but as far as can be gathered
from the pages of the avicultural journals but comparatively
few have been bred The Zoo had one or a pair of M.
Pauvvel's birds and later purchased four more blue birds,
but these were young bad-coloured specimens, whicli did not
long survive. A glance through the back numbers of " Bird
Notes," enables us to give the following list of recent owners
of Blue Budgerigars, Astley, Beaty, Clare, Fasey, Hawke,
Poltimore, Sutton, Tavistock. [These aviculturists will, I trust,
pardon this bare list and omission of titles, sexial or other-
wise, but i am trusting to notes j-otted down son:e time ago].

There are no doubt also others wholm I have missed,
but anyhow v.ith all these chances the number of lilues bred,
as far as one can gather from what has been recorded and from
report, seems very small. Mr. Astley has been successful,
but not as successful as he would wish. Some of his bred in
a cage in the winter of 1913, an occurrence he records in
the "Avicultural Magazine," 1914, p. 178. Other records
of success which I find in "Bird Notes ' arc on p. 30, 191 3
(Pelham Sutton), and p. 62^ 1914 (^ Devon Aviculturist).
The last it is noted was bred from Green (blue-bred) parents.

No doubt there are other successes, of which 1 know

nothing, but nearly all the other references to this variety

in recent numbers of ' Bird Notes " refer to failure, usually
due to infertile eggs.

Such then is the present position of the Blue Budgerigar
and one can only hope that it is in reality a little rosier iii
outlook, than one would gather from the above, and that there

204 Tke History of the Budgerigar.

are other successes which I have overlooked or which have
never been reported. Both the Green and the Yellows soon
got past the stage of shy-breeding, etc.; it only seems right
that thi^ new variety should follow in their steps, notwith-
standing the fact that its requirements seem somewhat un-
natural.

On its actual origin it will be seen that I have been
able to throw very little light, and it really appears as jif
nothmg very 'definite is now known, or at any rate published,
on this point. The question, which one would specially wish
to have answered, i.e. whether the present day birds are direct
descendants of those known before the eighties or not. is one
on which our informants arc silent.

Over che history of this feathered gem I fain would
linger, but having been always strongly of opinion that one
may bore a reader with impunity for, say, half an hour, but
that it is unwise to presume on his forbearance too much,
and expect him put up with an unlimited number of pages, I
will make a move towards an end, but must just refer (even
at the risk of the metaphoric boot) to one other little point
of interest in connection with the general history of the
Budgerigar.

This is (the question; was the common charge laid a-
gainst dealers, in the days when cocks largely exceeded the hens
in number, a true one or not? They were accused of burning
with caustic the ceres of a certain number of cocks, to
change the tell-tale blue to the brown proper to the opposite
sex, in order to sell them as such. Gedney and other writers
make statements to this effect, but Dr. Greene appears for
the defence, saying (The Amateur's Aviary) that the story is
unworthy of credit and quite devoid of foundation. He
appears to be almost alone on this side, and at any rate the
story was very commonly believed, whether true or not.

While on the question of sex, t^wo delightful pieces of
advice as to distinguish these, lure me to quote again. The
tirst I 'find in Gedney 's Foreign Cage Birds, Fart I. p. 20,
and runs thus :

" A;s a test of sex, put the birds one by one into a small travelling cage,
" and make believe to catch them. The males will all cry out, keeping

The History of the Budgerigar. 205

up a continual ' ping 1 ping ! ping ! ' but the hens never make any
noise. This is the best check which inexperience;! amateurs can adopt
if they have any doubt about their pets."

The Other is given by Dr. Butler in " Foreign Birds
for Cage and Aviary (Part II. p. 230) with strong backing
of Mr. Abrahams' authority and is to the effect that hens draw
blood when ihey bite, and that cocks do not, so that, as he
neatly puts it, "if you purchase your birds after the- breeding
season, you have nothing to do but let every specimen bite
vou, and th? tirst which draws blood will be a hen."

With this digression from the strait historical path I
will conclude, adding a hope that these pages will provoke
comment and further information on the many points still
left in the mists, so that the wish I expressed earlier of a
really complete history of this bird may be realised at no
distant date. I may mention some of the points, which have
suggested themselves to me on re-reading what I have written.
" Furthei informal ior. on the actual pigment-change in the
Blue Budgerigai. 2. Were there ever really White Budgeri-
gars, and where? How many Blue Budgerigars are there
in England now? Cannot some of our readers give us a
census?

{Concluded from page 151).
♦

Editorial.

We regret that the pressure of many duties has pre-
vented the continuation of the article " Endhrance of J>irds,"
it will, however, ho resimied as soon as Mr. Page can collate
his data, some of which is astray, owing to his recent change
of residence.

Nesting Notes: The following have been sent in
(see others under Correspondence).
L. PULLAR (Bridge of Earn).

Willi Du(k.— 4 fully rcarcu.

Golden Pheasants.— Produced iS eggs, all infertile I thmk new blood

lb needed.
Calilurni.m Quad. — ib eggs being incubated by a broody inn.
RingMR'ck Parrakeets.— 3 eggs laid, all infcrtdL.

Quaker Parrakeets.— 4 eggs laid, one young bird being fed in nest.
Turtle and Stock Doves.— Koth incubating clutclies ol eggs.

206 Editorial.

Budgerigars.— laid and ip.cubaled, but the Quaker Parrakocis des-
troyed the eggs.

Red-bilietl ^\'eaverb. -Have buih many nests, but not produced any
eggs-

C. F. Crow (Grimsby).

Have fully reared young :
Cutthroats, Saffron Finches and Canaries.

Believed to be incubaling :
Java Sparrows, Spice and Firehnches, and Combasous.

Had eggs :
Red-headed Finches.

Nesting :
Ruficauda Finches.

Mrs Chatterton (Crouch End).

St Helena Seedeatcr X Canary. Paired at once, when put together
in an ordinary breeding cage, and a clutch of eggs was quickly produced^
which were incubated fourteen days, when all (3) hatched out and are
now lull) rearsd, being fine, handsome, strong young birds.

Dr. Lo\ell-Keays (East Hoathley).

Latest results are us follows :
2. Grey-winged Ouzels on the wing. \

2. African White-eyes on the wing. [ N^ot lesults of the season but

3. Zebra Finches on the wing, f recent happenings
Several Napoleon Weavers on the wing./

Black Tanagers left the nest but were drowned.

Correspondence.

REARING OF A ROSEFl.XCH AND GREENFINCH HYBRID.
Sir,— I claim to have bred what, 1 believe, may be a new
hybrid viz. : between, a Sibcriart Rosefinch {Carpodacus crithrinus), and a
G reenlinch {Ligiiriiiun chloric). I do not know whether (if it is new)
the evidence will be held sufficiently satisfactory to qualify tor a medal,
as I can only rely upon the appearance of the young bird, I have no
doubt myself as to its parentage, but never saw any male bird taking any
interest whatever in the hen Greenfinch, at the time it was laying and in-
cubating its eggs. There are several unattached males in my small aviary,
va- Linnet, Redpoll, Chaffinch, and a Bloodstained Finch. This last bird
is of a iuost ardent temperament, a:i:l has sent a hen Canary three times
to nest this season — so far without result. You may remember I did get
a young one of this cross a year or two ago, and exhibited it in London.
Now the Greenfinch iuis gone to nest again, and there is little doubt
that this tunc it is paired with the Bloodstained Finch. I feel :hat the
young bird in question must stand or fall by its appearance ; and as I

Editorial. 207

"say I have personally no doubt whatever as to its parentage. This
ovidencc may not be sufficient, however ; and I shall be very glad if
you will tell me quite plainly what you think. I rany say I have shown
the young bird to two experienced fanciers (one of whom is m\' fellow-
membei Mr. SykesJ and they agree with my view. The general appear-
ance and contour of the bird much resemble the Siberian Roselinih, the
shape of head and beak being identical.

W. R. TOMLINSo.X.
Inveresk, 2i-7-'i6.

[One object, the main object of the medals is to secure fully de-
tailed accounts of respective successes. Our member should send in a
■detailed description of the young bird, and all the details he can concern-
ing its rearing, as well as naming the other occupants of the aviary. It
will then lie with the " Awards Committee " to decide whether a medal can
be granted.— Ed.].

SUCCES.SFUL HREEniNG OF JACKSON'S \VHYi:)AH AND A HYBRID

SPARROW.

Sir, — It will probably be of some interest to members, that I have
a brood of Jackson's Whydahs {Drc punuplcctcs jacksoni) quite independ-
ent of their parents. Also a young hybrid Sparrow, Passer domcstica X
P. aicuata. I liave also a brood of Bj.irded Tits. I will supply notes
of these episodes for our next issue.

Wcbtbury, 3i-7-'i6. WM. SHORE-BAILY

NESTING OF LORIKEETS, B.H. CONURES AND YELLOW GROSBEAKS

Sir,— I have three young Black-headed Conures {Conurus nenday) in

the nest, also a pair of Yellow Grosbeaks (Phetiiicus rhrysogaster) have

a couple of young in thef nest. The Cranes have their annual brood, and

the Rcd-naped Lorikeets (Tric/ioglossus rtibriforqiies) continue to increase.

Ecclefechan, i--2i-7-'i9i6. E. J. BROOK.

[Thus tersely (tiie extracts were made from ordinary correspondence,

not penned for publication) Mr. Br. Brook alludes to several most interesting!,

episodes • it would be of general interest if he wouhl kindly send in a

detailerl account of same for next issue of "B.N." Ed).

NESTINC; NOTES (JF illE SEASON.
Sir, Some of the nesting episodes mentioned in my former notes
have not materialised, but many species are still attempting to reproduce
their kind. i)n my rciurn from) a brief holitlay down S^uth I found one
young Pope Cardinal fully reared and quite strong on the wing; also a
young Virginian Cardinal in the nest. A brood of young Cuban Finches'
were also flying about. Two more young Geoffrey's Doves arc
just ready to lly. Jwo lnorc young Masked (Cape) Doves are in tiie
ncsi. Ihc- following species arc all feeding young in the nest : Long-
tail Grassfinchcs, Diamond Sparrows and Malabar Mynahs. .'\nothcr brood
ot Beardc-d Reedlings have been hatchet! out, but not reared. The lirst

208 Some Colony Birds.

brood of Himalayan Siskin X Greenfinch hybriils arc now quite vigorous and
have been independent of their parents for some time, who now have another
nestful of youngjtcrs just ready to fly. My Parrot Finches are incubat-
ing and, the Goulciiaii Finclies playing about witii nesting material and
visiting a husk for the first time this year. The Himalayan Bullfinches
are building again, just a-* they did la-.t year, and I hope they may go-
one better this year and. rear young, they are certainly fit enough.
Cressington Park, July 2f'-'.6 HERBERT BRIGHT.

[Extracts from a private letter.— Ed]

Some Coloiiy Birds.

Reprinted from " TIMEHRl " (The Journal of the Royal Agricultural
and Commercial Society of British Guiana), May, 191 5; with cotn-
pliments and thanks to ihe Author and Editors.-- Ed. " B.N."

{Confimied from page 182).
The White-Breastei) Parrot. Of all the feathered
I have ever possessed in this country or any other, the seven-
coloured-parrot, as this bird is generally called, is the most
entertaining.

Pioiiites ineUiiioccplialus, its scientific name, may be
translated: "the black-headed little fatty."

The one I once possessed was the liirst I had ever seen
in the flesh. I had seen, of course, the Museum specimens;
but a bird never interests me except as a link in Nature's
long- chain, until 1 have a living example and can hold it in
my hand and study its ways. I was making a missionary
journey on the Barama River in the North West District and
slung^ my hammock for the night at the farm of a half-cast
aboriginal Indian, of a type t^hat is rare, for he was working
his farm according to approved methods. The little parrot
sat perched above 'the entrance of the loggia as I approached
and I was at once struck by the bright green of the back;
he seemed to have a satin coat on.

I found that he was treated like a member of the
family, and was as playful as a kitten and as knowing and
mischievous as a monkey. The children and he would run
races or play hide and seek; and when it was his turn to
hide and they couldn't And him, he would come slyly out of
his hiding-place and nip the bare foot of the nearest child.
Seeing that I 'had taken a fancy to him my host courteously

( Some Colony Birds. 209

said: "Father, if you like him, he is yours." It was of
no use my protesting that I should be depriving his children
of their pet. ""Oh, there are plenty more: sometimes we get
whole flocks of them."

Melanoccplialus is seven inches in lengtli, tJie tail, as
is the case of all parrots (using the word now in its limited
signification j being short. The head is large and the body
sturdy. The back, wings, and tail are a vivid grass green;
the breast is snowy white; the sides, thighs and vent, as
well as the neck, a beautiful orange; the cheeks, yellow
ticked with white; the crown of the head, and the beak are
black; tlie bare skin around the eyes is also black, so that
the bird seems to be wearing a cap slouched over the eyes;
but the eyes are prominent, being red. The cere is indigo,
and, there is a patch of dark green at the cornersof the
the mouth. The bastard wing is blue; the green of the back,
at. the nape of the neck, is also blue; and the black cap is
edged with the same colour. The under-wing coverts are
brick-red and the primaries are tipped with biack; the feet
are, black also. I may remark that those in captivity, are
seldom clean-looking, for the bird is always getting into
mischief and requires frequent bathing; but he repays all
the. trouble, for then he is in truth an object of beauty :
fhe feathers having the appearance of clean wool, as the back
and the wings of satin.

A friend of mine had a pair of these beautiful birds;
but they had to be kept m a cage for, content with their own
company, they would, through mutual jealousy, allow no inter-
ference, biting savagely if approached, and laughing all the
time. I dubbed them at once "!the heavenly twins," after
the hero and hcromc in Sarah Grand's famous novel, for they
were up t<* all sorts of mischief, and were perfect acrobats,
twisting around their perches, swinging, and putting their
heads between their legs, leaping up, dam ing and whistling.
If. one of them came to the bars of the cage and was shewn
any attention, the other would dash at it in jealous rage and
squabbling wtnild go on foi some time i)ef<)re they were
reconciled aLiain.

210 Obituary.

I am ashamed to say that these beautiful birds are too
fond of eating and may actually die of surfeit if their food
is not properly regulated. They may be taught to say a few
words but are not good talkers.

{To be continued).

Obituary.

The Club has sustained a severe loss in the death of
Lieut. -Col. B. R. Horsbrugh, A.S.C: He had been in act-
ive service since! the outbreak of the war, and during this
period has had more than one illness. He was in action at
Loos and elsewhere. Only a fiew months previous to the out-
break of war, he presided at the Club's Annual Dinner at the
Holborn Restaurant, and took a keen iinlerest in the progress of
the F.B.C. He was a keen lover of birds, and personally
and otherwise imported ;tnany rare species, and did much to
advance the cult of Aviculture. The writer not only misses
a fellow member but a friend. — W.T.P.

We tender our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Anningson
in her great bereavement, her husband. Dr. B. Anningson;
having passed away on July 19th after a long illness. — Ed.

U-t

All right!: reserved. September, 1916.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

The Breeding of Jackson's Whydahs.

By W. Shore Baily.

Notes on the life and habits of this bird have appeared
in " B.N." from time to time, but so far nothing has appeared
as to its nesting in captivity in this country. I think myself
lucky, therefore, to be able to Bend you this short account of
what is probably the first case of successful breeding in the
British Isles.

I secured !my (pair of birds from our member, Mr. G.
E. Low, and later on this gentleman was kind enough to let
me have a second hen, a great advantage from a breeder's
point of view, as these birds are polygamous. The cock was
in full plumage, and I must say that I thought him very
handsome, with his drooping tail and stately carriage.

On their arrival I turned them into a large cage, with
a variety of other birds, all smaller than themselves. With
these they agreed very well, although at first the small birds
were pretty badly scared when the cock made one of his wild
swoops into their "midst. However, the little chaps soon got
used to this, and' I am bound to say that Mr. Jackson made
no real attelmpit to hann them, and tliis they evidently well
understood. Karly in January the cock began to go
out of colour. The long black tail feathers were the first to
go, then tho body feathers began to change colour, so that
in the course of a fortnight he was only distinguishable from
his mates by his larger size, and by his bigger frontal shield.
This shield is very conspicuous in the male when he is out of
colour, but is not nearly so noticeable wlicn he is in his breed-
ing dress. One would have thought that the exact opposite

212 The Breedinfr of Jackson's Whydahs.

would have been the case,* as the shield is ivory white in
colour, and it should contrast with the black plumage of the
head. ,

In the middle of May I turned all three birds into a

large aviary, the greater part of which was in grass. Here

they were thoroughly at home, and the cock soon prepared his

circular playground. On the 2 0th of the month I tioticed that

he was showing black on his breast; by June 7th his tail was

grown and he now began displaying on his playground, which

was from three to four feet in diameter, a tuft of gras::. about

a foot high being left in the centre, the grass surrounding it

running from two to three feet high. In this miniature

amphitheatre he, many times a day, went through the most

wonderful evolutions. At one time, after circling aroimd the

central tuft of grass, with wings brushing the ground, and

with head thrown hack touching the tail he would suddenly

turn and charge straight at it, the neck feathers forming a

distinct ruff. At another he would indulge in a series of high

jumps, his tail spread, and his other feathers very much

puffed up. These jumps, just about clearing the top of the

surrounding grass, which, as I have stated, was in places

about three feet high. He would vary these proceedings by

short flight? to and from a bear by tree, all the time keeping

up his apology fo^ a song. The hens meantime look on from

the shelter of the long grass. After this had been going on

for a week or twoi I no'.iced one of the hens carrying grass.

By careful watching 1 was able to locate the nest. This was

built entirely of grass, the living grass being bent over so

as to form; a shelter, which was capable of protecting the

occupants of the nest from all hut the heaviest thunderstornis.

It wab neatly lined with flowering grasses. Three pear-shaped

eggs were laid, greenish-white, blotched and sjDotted with

various shades ol brown and grey. One I removed for my

collection, and the other two hatched after an incubation period

of twelve days. The young when newly born were naked and

flesh coloured. They 'were fed upon grass seeds, miik-t, and

canary. No live lotr artificial foods were provided. I am in-

*The nuptial plumage is fuller and extends somewhat over the shield.— Ep.

CfC!
Crq

The Breeding of Jackson^s Whydahs.

213

clined to think' \hat small ground' insects were given them,
but I cannot be certain of this, I have never

seen the old birds taking insects on the wing as the Weavers
do, and; I do not think 'that they are quick enough to be able

to do so. 'J'he young left the nest wlu-n sixteen days old,
and were like their mother, only slightly smaller. They con-

214 The Breediiifr of Jacksoii^s Whydahs.

tinned to spend their time in the grass. The cock, as appears
to be the custom with whydahs, took no part in the rearing
of the little ones, but was lalways somewhere in the neighbour-
hood of the nest, where he acted both as sentinel and guard,
his warning call enabling the hen to slip quickly out of the
nest before anyone could get near enough to sec her do so.
By this time he had entirely discontinued displaying or using
his playground. The first time I saw the young ones feeding
was upon the seeding-grasses growing in the aviary, and of
these they seemed very fond. They now visit the feeding trays
with the other birds.

Jackson's Whydahs are the largest whydahs I have
kept, and I have to-day Crimson-ringed, Red-collared,
Red-shouldered. Queen, Paradise, and Pintail. They are also
by far thd inost interesting and' amusing, although all the
whydahs make good aviary birds. I shall hope next year, if
the young ones survive the winter, to let you know when they
first come into- colour.

[This is the first occasion on which Jackson's Whydah
{Drepanoplectes jacksoni) has been bred in captivity and we
congratulate Mr. Shore JSaily on a notable su'C;ss, which will
entitle him to the Club's medal. — Ed.]

♦

Breeding Red-naped Lorikeets.

By E. J. Brook.

I have been asked to record ,my experiences of breed-
ing Red-naped Lorikeets. Some nine or ten years since :I
obtained two of these birds, at that time a great rarity. They
turned out to be both of the same sex, and on the death of
one of them I discovered what they Were and was fortunate
enough to buy an odd bird, and so made up a pair. It was
not long before the pair went to nest in a large box with a
deep bed off peat and rotten \vood. Two eggs were laid, both
were fertile, and the young birds \vere reared to maturity. 1
fully believe tha^t if I liked' to go in for it, I could produce
these birds in almost any quantity. They give no trouble
whatever, are as hardy as Budgerigars and nearly as prolific.

Breeding Red-naped Lorikeets. 215

My Red-napeds are housed in a fair sized aviary witii outdoor
flight. They get one kind of food only, viz; the food I have
often mentioned, composed of Marmite, Afellin's Food, and
H or lick's milk, with a very small amount of sponge cake
added. They also eat a considerable amount of the grass
growing in the flight, especially while rearing young. "1 know
I am going against 'all the pundits when I condemn milk sop,
but I hate the stuft' and have not used milk for years. If I
buy a honey-eating bird of any, kind that has been fed on
milk 1 never feel comfortable about it, till I have had it long
enough to be sure that its liver is not diseased. I go so far
as to say tha^t I would always give more for a honey-eating
bird that had been imported on a nourishing liquid food, other
than cow's milk, than' I would give for one imported on the
usual milk sop.

Breeding blue Buderigars.

By J. W. Marsden.

In 1 91 4 1 bought a green hen from Mr. Pulsford
of Paignton, bred as under :

Blue Cock Green Hen.

1
Same Blue Cock — Gieen Hen. Green Cock — Yellow lien

I I

Green Cock Green Hen

I
Green Hen.

3/8 Blue, 3/8 Green, 1/4 yellow.

I then picked out from a lot of Greens two cocks and
one hen with as much blue and as pale in yellow as I could
find. From the Blue-bred hen and one of these cocks I
reared one hen (3/16 blue, 11/16 green, 18 yellow). From
several reared by above other pair 1 picked out all that were
bluest in nest feathers (I findj from ordinary Greens some
young are bluer in nest feathers than others, but they appear
10 moult the same) .

In 191 5 I paired the original 3/8 Blue-bred hen with
one ol the selected cocks — result 4 cocks (3/16 blue, 11/16
green^ 1/8 yellow).

216 Breeding Blue Budgerigars.

This spring I put into the aviary the 4 Cocks (3/1.";
blue), their half-sister (3/16 blue), their mother (7 '8 blue),
a Green hen (1/2 blue, 1/2 green), which I bought from
Miss Clare, and. a pale Yellow hen. The half sister and
brother reared one very good Blue and one Green. A few
weeks ago I bought another half Blue and half Green hen
from Miss Clare, this bird was only hatched last January,
thinking she was too young to -breed 1 put her into the aviary.
At the present time all 5 hens have young in the nest (so
one of the cocks must have paired with two hens). As far
as I can see to-day (some are too young to tell colour) there
is another good Blue from half-sister and brother.

The aviary I built for these birds is facing north,
sheltered by a wing of the house from the east, getting a
little sun only in the evening. I feed them on 3^ parts canary
seed, 2)2 white millet. 2 Jiernp, and a little Provost oats mixed.
When they are feeding young I give them scalded game or
chicken meal, fruit, seeding grass, and in fact a little bit of
almost anything they will eat.

I always keep a raw carrot impaled on a nail on the
seed shelf.

[We sihall be greatly obliged if Mr. Marsden will kindly
report on the young Blues as soon as they have moulted out
of the nesting plumage. — Ed.].

The Endurance of Birds.

By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.

{Continued from page 102).

There is quite a gap between the last instalment, and
now I cannot maintain proper sequence or any regular method
in the list as some of my data are mislaid. I do not propose
referring to British species in this list as, of course, they are
in their native climate. All these records refer to birds out of
doors all thei year round. For the convenience of printing
fractions of a year have been dropped.

Avadavat: Covering 12 pairs, kept between the years 1890 and 1913,
the lives of the respective pairs being as follows: 6, 4, 3, 5, 7, 8;,

Breeding Blue Budgerigars. 217

2 6, 6, 4, 5, 4 years; equalling an average life jier pair of five
years. One male was over ten years when it died and came into
my possession in full colour.

Be.ngalese : I liave found " egg-binding " ratlier common with these birds,
materially shortening the life of the pairs, as my records with very
few exceptions only cover pairs, and the survivor of a pair, would
have his or her record commenced again, when a mate was found
for it. Records of 20 pairs are: 2, 1, 8, 7, 7, 6; 6; 3; 3; 2;
4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 5; 3; 6; 4; 7 years re ipectively. Average 4
years. I have ona record for a cock of this species of just over
twelve years.

Blackbird. Red-winged : One pair onI> — with me two years, then cock
escaped and hen was given her liberty six months later.

Bl.\ck-h FADED SiBiA : One pair only. I found them perfect!/ hardy,
after they had been with me just over two, years they were sold
owing to a change of residence.

Budgerigar : I have several records of individual birds of over 10
years, but the mates of the re^spcctive pairs were not allowed to re-
main the same over a p.eriod of years, and consequently lives of
pairs are not tabulated e.xcept for losses from " egg-binding," mostly
during abnormal weather periods, they are^ long lived, and stand
the worst weather really well, providing their aviary is fairly roomy — I
know of no species which so quickly suffers from the lack of wingi
exercise. I have not kept them for the past ten years, but intend
renewing my acquaintance with them next season.

Bli.bi."!.. Red-eared: 2 'jiairs, 3 and 5 years respectively.

,, Himalayan Black : I "male only -killed by a sitray dog, which forced

an entrance into the aviary, iS months aftier 1 recci\cd it.
,, Red-vented : 12 pairs, 4 ^and 6 years respectively.

„ White-cheeked : Kept in my early days of aviculture wheri I did

not keep records and their home out-door cages (very rough),

the two I had lived several years.
,, White-eared: i pair, 3 years.
Bullfinch, Rosy-winged Afghan : i cock only, killed by a Black Tanagcr

after being a ;Jear in the aviary— it passed through rather a

wet winter out of doors without showing any ill effect.
BuNii.NG, Black-headed : Average for 3 pairs 5 years.

,, Chinese : Came to me on outbreak of war from Capt. Reeves'

aviary, where they had been for some time still living — also

kept them inany years ago, but no records.
,, Hair-crcsted : Are severely tried by a wet cold season both as

to summer and winter periods— out of several pairs kept
during later years^ all were sold, after from i to 3 years in

aviary.
,, Indigo : 3 pairs and several odd cocks, two of the latter living

9 and 10 years respectively— average for the pairs 4 yearg.

218 Breeding Blue Budgerigars.

„ Nonpareil : Many cocks, covering a long period, average life 7

ycais; 2 pairs lived 4 and 5 years respectively.
„ Rainbow : i cock lived 2 years — killed by a Snow Bunting.
,, Red-headed : 2 pairs — i pair lived 3 years, and other pair was
sold owing to change of residence, after being in my pos-
session over two years.
Cape Canary : Had several pairs, but have only record of one pair, which
lived 5 years, the cock of this pair only died in 1913, having
lived in my aviaries over 11 years.
Cardinal, Grekn : i pair only^ which passed 4 years in my aviary, had bred
for their previous owner. I sold them in 19 to, cock still
living, the hen died in 1915.
„ Pope : Have possessed many, mostly cocks — records cover si.\ indi-
viduals— minimum and maximum periods, 5 an,d 8 years re-
spectively, one of them {wi'xih nre 8 years) I had known in a
friend's aviary for over 5 years previously.
„ Red-crested: Records of 4 pairs, 3, 5, 6; and 4 years respectively,
one of the cocks lived for 12 yoari and was in exhibition
form when its body was picked, up.
„ Virginian : Only had two true pairs, but many cocks, and in each
case the hens were murdered by their mates, in their second
and third seasons respectively. My present cock was pre-
sented to me by the late Mr. Tinniswood Miiler, in 191 1; I
had known it in his possession lor about 8 years, it is still
living and very vigorous.
CocKATEEL : Have had many of these, mostly the progeny of two pairs,
most of the young did not long remain in the aviary, one
hen died from egg binding in her fourth year witir me,
the cock (her mate) was 10 years old when he met with
a tragic end from the beak of a Quaker Parrakeet. The
other pair were sold after being with nw 5 years — they escaped
from their new owner, and roamed about Chelsea at large
for some months— their ultimate fate I do not know.
CoMBASOu ; I have had many of these, but very few records of them; they
have been somewhat uncertain, very wet winters seeming to be
fatal to this species — however, I have, had more than one
specimen live more than seven years with me.

{To be continued).

-■■-

Pheasant Fearing Under Broodies.

By G. E. Rattigan.
Concluded from page, 195.
With apologies for 'this somewhat lengthy digression I

Pheasant Rearing Under ^^ Broodies.** 219

will proceed with :

Venture No. 15.

Broody: Cross Silky and Belgian. Sitting 9 Common Pheasants.

I addled.

8 hatched.

Siibbcquently lost two, one through a pig breaking into the field
and overturning the coop 1 Remainder are now practically independent.

Venture No. 16.

Broody : White Silky. Sitting 8 Quail, (purchased), 2 Kalige (my
own. This was the other call made by the stoat referred to above:

He annexed on this occasion 4 Quail, and i Kalige.
This broody, save for half an hour every morning, is com-
pletely shut in in a coop that fastens down with a flap in
front.

She always comes off as soon as I leave after raising
the flap and she very much resents the presence of anyone
when oft the nest, I always allow her half an hour or so to
herself, and liave always found her back on the nest on my
return, so the stoat could not have wasted much time in getting
to work !

This, with the •exception of three broodies still incu-
bating clutches of guinea fowls is my last venture and in-
somuch as I have already lost half the sitting, it at best cannot
prove a very successful one. The eggs are due to hatch
tomorrow ( 1 8th July)* So I will add a foot-note as to the
result.

But apart from this lot the results of the season's work
are as follow :

TABLE OF RESULTS.

Set.

Hatched.

Fully Reared

Golden Pheasants

21 or 22

12 or 13

Amherst

Silver

Kalige

—

Californian Quail

—

Common Pheasants

Apart from the above my pair Californian Quail
hatched out 8 of 1 2 eggs, and all the remaining four eggs
contained dead chicks almost due to liatch. 1 have also found

*l8tb July.— Eggs have not latched this morning I

2^0 Pheasant Rearing Under " Broodies V

more unhatched eggs in the nests of wild birds found round
here than I can ever remember finding before.

To mention a few instances : An early nest of a Thrush
contained 3 unhatched eggs, and one bird almost ready to
leave the nest. Found Hedgesparrows" nest with 2 unhatched
eggs, both addled.

Redstarts i infertile out of five left (ist clutch), and
1 our of four (second clutch), and later deserted young for no
apparent reasor. when about i 2 days old.

Several other nests of various species contained one or
two addled or infertile eggs, in fact it was quite the excep-
tion to find any nest with a full clutch safely hatched.

To quote one more instance, my Black Tanager in her
last clutch had one infertile eg^ and one with chick dead in
shell out of the usual complement of 3 eggs.

The first eggs out of five or six clutches, which ha\-e
even failed toi hatch, though the fact that she is this season
mated with one of last season's young may have something
to do with the matter in her case.

Possibly this wretchedly cold summer may have im-
paired the vitality of the feathered tribes and thus have
made them Imore prone to lay eggs either infertile or contain-
ing weakly germs.

No doubt, however, as far as my " sittings " were
concerned, other causes, some of which I attribute to the
following circumstances, contributed to my signal lack of
success.

PROBABLE CAUSES OF FAILURE.

First and foremost I attribute the enormous percent-
age of chicks dead in shell to the fact that I originally com-
menced operations inl a stable, which was much too stuffy
and dry and had, as in most stables, a cobbled floor.

For the young chicks being crushed on emerging I
was at first a good deal to blame, because instead of. moving
the broody to a coop the; day " before " the hatch was due,
I moved her Ithe iday "after.*' One or two chicks were lost

' Pheasant Rearing Under '' Broodies ." 221

through my not having' a sufficiency of wire runs and in the
case of the Quail five or six eggs were spoilt through drop-
ping through the wire at the bottom of the sitting box.
Therefore, as I mentioned before, if wire is used for this pur-
pose it should be of a very fine mesh to avoid accidents of
this nature. I think I also made the mistake at first of plac-
ing too many eggs under one hen.

I should say (though an expert could decide this
point much better than I) that a dozen eggs is quite suffi-
cient for a Silky ot Silky Cross and fourteen or fifteen for
one of the standard breeds of poultry, though if avoidable I
should strongly advise anyone against using one of the latter
for such delicate and fragile little objects as Pheasants, etc.,
as such birds are much too heavy and clumsy.

Of course a decent sized barn door hen will com-
fortably cover from twenty to four or five and twenty Pheas-
ants' eggs, but in, the first place I doubt very much whether
she can properly turn so large a number and secondly even
if she were successful in this, it is a practical certainty, that
she would crush half of the chicks during the first few hours
after hatching.

One more most important point, if you mean to try and
rear a number of Pheasants, or anything eise under broodies
for thai matter, never commence operations without a reliable
incubator, or better still, both incubator and foster mother
(artificial) in readiness for use in case of need. 1 wished a
hundred times that I had had one or both.

Moreover, I am not at all sure that it would not prove
an excellent plan to, on the day before the chicks are due to
hatch, remove the eggs to an incubator, returning the chicks to
the broody the following night, when they should be fairly
strong on their le^s.

But here again the practised " hand " could probably
enlighten us from actual experience. My nicnu for newly
hatched game birds is Sprait's "' Banto " (a most excelleni
staple iood by the way for any species of bird that will eat
it, from Long-tailed Tits to Waders j. Mixed with chopped egg
and when obtainable live ant's eggs, plus a dish of small seed

222 Pheasant Rearing Under " Broodies.*'

mixture as supplied to my aviaries, my experience being that
they much prefer this to the standard "chick feeds."

I can guarantee tliat game [bird chicks will do splendidly
onithc above diet without extras of any kind.

I have now taken up quite enough valuable space, so
will conclude with the hope that some meinber^ with much more
knowledge and experience than myself, will throw more light
on the points I have raised and also upon many more which
doubtl-'ss have not occurred to me.

I have omitted to mention that —

fallow the broody ofY from lo to 20 minutes according
to the temperature' obtaining.

That 1 had a few though not more than four or five
eggs broken by the " broodies," and that, when such a cat-
astrophe does occur, I always supply a f.resh nest, first care-
fully cleansing each Q^g that may^ have been soiled (usually
the lot be it said) with a rag dipped in warm water; and
that 1 imake it a practice to liberally dust both the broody and
nest with some good insect powder both when incubation com-
mences as well as again a few days after the eggs have
hatched out, and that I have been singularly free from insect
pests.

1 should most strongly advise anyone who takes up
Pheasants to buy their own breeding stock instead of purchas-
ing " sittings " from strangers, but if eggs are purchased, be
very careful from whom they are obtained I

■ ♦

My Aviary Experiences.

By H. Carr Walker.
It is good of you, Mr. Editor, to ask me to give you
some of my aviary experiences bu;t I am afraid that much will
be mere repetition, as I am a novice in aviculture. i

I was in Australia from March to October, i 9 1 4, and,
having an innate interest in birds and other wild life, became
at once attracted by the wonderful variety of birds in Austra-
lia, and their peculiarities. A study of these at the Melbourne

My Aviary Experiences. 223

Zoo, where the aviaries are truly fine, and also in the Bush
in the wild state made me a keen aviculturist. The war, and
munitions, with the necessity for being daily on the spot, has
given me the opportunity for studying the few birds I keep.

I brought back in 1914, twelve pairs of finches, viz.;
Cherry, Chestnut-breasted, Zebra, Parson, and Bicheno; these
all travelled perfectly in a box-cage 24in. x i 2in. x i 2in. — all
arriving in the best of condition. I kept them through the
winter in a room heated by fire and hot water-pipes, and in
spring put them' outside into a 1 2 feet by 8 feet enclosed
aviary, together with SatYron linches, Redpolls, 'Whydahs,
Indigo Buntings, Budgerigars, and other birds.

In May I added an open flight 14ft. x 6ft. x 6ft.

The summer of i 9 i 5 was disastrous, in so far as that
the hens died of "egg-binding " in a wholesale manner. The
only exception being the Saffrons, which reared young satis-
factorily, h\\\ I ihad to part with them, as they were murderous
towara.' all the smaller birds, even in an aviary of those
dimensions.

Last winter, 191 5.. ! heated the enclosed aviary incon-
sistently, and had a number of losses. In future I shall give
no artificial heat whatever.

This spring the Ribbon and Zebra Finches nested and
reared young without trouble, also the Budgerigars. I had
nests of Redpolls and St. Helena Seed-eaters, and young
were hatched our, a very fine Pintail Whydah, when he took
on his summer plumage, played havoc with all open nests,
eggs and young, before I found him out. In any except very
spacious aviaries the mixing of the Serins is also very much,
against successful breeding, as they arc so quarrelsome. In
my opinion the Australian Finches are much more satisfactory,
inasmuch as they can withstand any climate except an exces-
sively damp one, and this much I liave proved. .My Chestnut-
brtasted Finches arc and have always been in perfect coiidi-
tion. also Cherry and Zebra Finches — ^they have lived in a
temperature of 70 degrees for days, and again, have had 70
degrees by day and 5 of frost the same night, and it never
nifiled a feather; 1 do not know any other Finches that are

224 Death of a Veteran Lemon- crested Cockatoo.

able or could be expected to be able to stand this treatment.

This season I have been fortunate, so far in not having
lost a hen through the egg trouble, and account for this by
giving a plentiful supply of old crushed mortar and fresh
green-food twice daily. I am also quite convinced that the
change to a .mixed seed dietary, which you were good enough
to advise has been most beneficial, and during the moulting
seabon the giving of as great a variety as possible gives a
better tone to the plumage. A very fine Red-headed Gouldian
hen hao paired with a Red Weaver. Is it possible for those
to mate satisfactorily ?

Death of a Veteran Lemon-crested Cockatoo.

Reprinted f.om some unknown Australian Journal, with apologies ij the
Editor. Cutting sent by Mr. W. R. Coltcn. — Ed.

The famous
Cockatoo which re-
cently died at Canter-
bury, aged 1 1 9. This
is a record in long-
evity for an Austra-
lian Parrot so far as
the offic'al records are
concerned. For many
years the bird was
in J os£ession of Mrs.
Sarah Bennett, the li-
censee of the Sea
Breeze Hotel, at Tom
I'gly's Point. When
she left there, about
1 2 months ago, she
transferred the Parrot
to her nephew, Mr,
Murdoch Alexander
Wagschall, at Wool-
pack Hotel, Canter-
" Cocky Bennett." bury. The old bird

was practically featherlesi for the last 20 years, but it maiq-

Some Colnti] Birds. 225

tained its " patter " till the day before its death. " Cocky
Bennett " was a (great traveller, and is said to have journeyed
seven times round the world. Mr. Wag-schall had the re-
mains of this liistoric parrot preserved by a taxidermist and
the result is seen in the illustration.

Some ColOiiy Birds.

Repiinted from "TIMEHRI " (The Journal of the Royal Agricultural
and Commercial Society of British Guiana), May, 1915; with com-
pliments and thanks to the Author and Editors. — Ed. " B.N."

{Concluded from page 210).

Amazons. Most of the parrots kept as pets in the
Colony belong to one of the several species of Amazons in-
digenous to the country. But it would be unfair to judge of
th^ tribe from most of the specimens one sees; ill-caged,
wrongly-fed, ill-kept, teased and scolded, with feathers be-
(Vaggled and voices harsh, they are often neither beautiful,
njr desirable as familiars.

Ab they are all green and all, more or less, the same
size, they may easily be mistaken one fnr the other by those
not skilled in bird-lore.

The commonest of all bears the unenviable local name
of ■■ Scrccch.er," {Animona. or Clirysotis amizon'ca). When
properly cared for, the bird is not the obje(':i()na;)k' jiarty
Lis name w )uld suggest. All parrots screech to some extent,
as the name, Ps.i ci:\ gi\cn to the whole order testilies. For
the word is derived from a Greek verb which means, to call,
or cry, and truly amoi^g the feathered multitudes there is no
tribe or family that can express its feelings and sentiments so
eloquently as parrots, nor do they hesitate to do so.

In size the amazons vary in individuals but speaking
generally they are more or less the size of the African grey,
being from twelve to fifteen inches in length. The feathers
of these birds, when they are In good condition are hard and
each one distinct, so that we might imagine them as clad in
scalej armour. I suppose that a Darwinian would assure us
that feathers are merely scales, as of reptiles, frayed out.

226 S<^me Colony^ Bifds.

The Screecher then, if carefully brought up from youth,
is a charming bird, though no great talker. It is affectionate
andl lively in disposition and in consequence is a general
favourite. The w"hole body of the bird is grass-green; it has
a yellow forehead, dome-shaped, and yellow cheeks and throat;
the naked orbit of the eye is indigo blue and the yellow of
the* forehead is also edged with same colour. The iris is
bright red and the beak horn-yellow merging into black at the
edger. and point. The wing when opened is a beautiful object,
for the primaries are black with purple-blue edges and tips,
and 'the secondaries orange, tipped with purple-blue; the
bastard wing is yellow. When the wing is closed, only the
ends of the purple-blue feathers are visible and a bar of
orange. The tail, with the exception of the two middle feathers
which are green, is orange, tipped with greenish yellow.
When the bird cries, it opens out its tail and raises the fea-
thers of the head in a pleasing manner.

The Culu-Culu. The Culu-cuku Amazona dufres-
niana, differs from the Screecher in several important re-
spects. When fully developed it is a larger bird and of a
darker green. The cheeks are indigo-blue instead of yellow,
and the crown of the head, merging at the cere into dark
yellow, wliich broadens into a patch at the lore. The beak
is: red with dark edges; the iris, warm brown with an outer
ring of red. The wings are marked much in the same way
as the Screecher, but the middle, outer webs o'f the secondaries
are orange-yellow, and the red of the tail scantier and hardly
noticeable; the bastard wing is "light green. It is a much
rarer fbird and is a better talker; for though the Screecher,
if brought up from the nest, will learn a few words quicker,
the Culu-culu will learn miore. It is a shy bird and generally
speaking will only be friendly to a few persons. It is also
more sober in disposition and has none of the pretty ways
ot the Screecher.

The Red-back. A rarer bird still is the Red-back
{Amazona festiva -ilm Amazon of festive attire). This bird
is much smaller, being oi ly eleven inches in length. It is a
sage green with a crimson rump like the Red-back Mocking
bird; its forehead also ib red. The _primaries are purple and

Some Colony Birds. 227

black but the secondaries are a uniform cobalt green. The
cheeks and throat are marked with bhie, the beak horn-yellow.
I have not yet made its personal acquaintance. I am told that
it speaks distinctly and in a loud voice.

The Saurama. The Saurama Parrot is the largest of
the Amazons. It is a rather gaunt bird, measuring from
sixteen to seventeen inches in total length. It is not in such
request, as the vScreecher, being slow, not to say dull and un-
interesting. It may be taught to speak a few words and this
it doe; distinctly, but the process requires time and patience.

It may easily be distinguished from the rest of the
group by the broad circle of bare, white, skin around the
eye, which, hnw:"vcr, is not so expensive as that of the African
Grey. The uniform green of the body is relieved by the line
of purplc-and-crimson of the wings and a yellow patch of
indefinite and variable hrhape on the crown of the head. The
v.'iii^; r athers are the same as the Screecher except that the
mi 'dl'' outer, webs of the secondaries are a beautiful crimson
insteaii oi orange. The tail feathers, which are somewhat
longer in proportio.i than those of other Amazons, are green,
fading into a light colour, and the outer feathers have some-
times an edging of light blue. I'he beak is horn-yellow,
c'ark or. the inargins; tlie outer rim of the iris is red. The
feathers of the nape and upper back have often a bluish tinge.
There are some light crimson feathers on the bastard wins;.
I do not know why this .Ainazon shtnikl be called farinosa,
that is mealy, except perhaps that it has, more than the others,
a tendency to become spotted with yellow. The alternate
generic name of Chrysotis. "golden," may reveaf the same
proclivity in the family generally. The species, acst.va, not
found in thii^ Colony, is sometimes seen in its wild state
entirely yellow. ()r it may be tha; in this species the powder-
down patches are more in evidence.

The Amazon of Amazons. The King of all the Ama-
zons is undoubied'.y that epecies {A/n':z!ni oclirocepliala) which
is the only one of the genus known in ICngland by the name
of Amazon outside scientific circles. It is the Amazon par
excellence.

Hardly inferior in size to the Saurama, it is handsomer

228 Some Colony Birds.

in form and feather and withal very dignified in mien. He
is 'no common dog that makes friends with everybody; but
to his master or mistress he reveals a Very intelligent and
affectionate disposition, and will go to the length, parrot-wise,
of endeavouring to feed the one on whom he bestows his
affections, with food brought up from his crop. While one
may appreciate the sentiment, one can hardly be expected to
accommodate oneself to the mode of its expression.

This bird would almost answer to the description of
the Saurama; but as I have already said, the feathers are
trimmer, and the shape of the bird more graceful. The fol-
lowing 'points must also be noted : the yellow of the forehead,
of a definite, mitre shape, is of a richer hue, and extends to
the cere; the beak is red; the purple blue of the wmgs
is mor'i prominent; the rectrices or tail feathers have at their
base an inner' web of crimson ; and while the bastard wing
is light green, there is on the shoulders of the wings a
prominent patch of crimson ; the green of the body is lighter
and brighter. There is only a narrow circle of bare white
skin around the eye.

I do not know why this species should be called ochro-
cephalu (yellow-head) for there is less yellow on the head
than on the head of the Screecher. It is one of those many
anomalies in scientific nomenclature that shews these names
are to be regarded, more or less, as mere labels.

All these parrots make their nests high in the holes of
trees. Generally, a 'partly decayed tree is chosen and the
hole whittled out by their powerful beaks. They pair for
life; and though' they fly in flocks to the feeding grounds,
always maintain their couples. At night or in the morning
they may be seen and heard as they return to their roosting
place or go forth to feed, flying higih on laboured wing and
screeching as they fly; the couples keeping as close together
as if linked like chain-shot. If required as pets they should
be obtained young. The Indians catch great numbers of
these birds by stupefying ithiem with smoke as they roost at
night. These never become tame. Again, the bird may be
domesticated, but may have incorrigibly bad habits, or he may

Some British Birds in My Aviaries. 229

have been underfed. A male bird should be chosen, for not
only- is he a much finer bird, but has a more equable tem-
perament. Females may be better talkers, but in these birds
the dictum of Rudyard Kipling is exemplified.

"The female of the species is more dangerous than
the male.*

[Below we give English equivalents for th- ninrjs u.icd in ilii.-,
article, covering instahnen'.s in July, August and pre e it i sils.— Ed. 'B.N."
The Lovebird=:Guiana Lovebird.
^\ hite-breastcd Parroi=^Black-headed Caique.
The Screccher=^King .Amazon Parrot.

Culu-culu-~Dufrcst)e's Amaz.m I'arrot. i

Red-backed Parrot=Festive Amazon I'arrot.
S.iurama Parrot=--Mealy Amazon Parrot.
The .-Vina/o:i of .Am izons^^^Vcllow-frontetl Am.izon Parrot.

Some British Birds in my Aviaries.

By W. Shore Baily.

Living as I do in the heart of the country, there is
no inducement to keep many of our English birds in my
aviaries, as there are plenty of opportunities to study most
of the commoner, and not a few of the rarer species, without
going very far from my doorstep. There: are however, two
kinds that ( 'liave kept for sotiietime, one the fieldfare, which
only visits this district in hard weather, and the other the
Bearded Tit, a bird which 1 believe is unknown in this county.
(Wilts.). I have for two or three years wanted to breed both
these species.

The Fieldfare {Tardus pilaris, Linn.), I believe, has
not bred in captivity, but I cannot see any reason why it
should not do so. The principal difficulty is, I suspect, to
get a true pair, as the sexes are alike. My first pair were
very fine birds, but were, I think, two cocks, as they wero
always quarreling and made no attempt to nest. This year I
parted with one of them, and got another from a dealer, which
was supposed to be a hen and I believe, rightly so. She
in a miserably dirty condition, when she arrived, its tail and
half her flight feathers were gone, and altogether she looked

230

Some British Binds in My Aviaries.

most disreputable. However, she had one very good point, she
vi^as tame and would feed from 'the hand; rather unusual with
such a shy species. I am glad to say that although she now
has her freedom in a ive,ty large aviary, she will still come when
called. So far they have made no attempt at nesting, prob-

Photo W. Shore Baily.
Fieldfare (^

ably because the hen was so' badly out of condition, but I
hope that next year they will make up their minds to do so.

These birds nest very late in the year in Norway. I
remember finding, at end of Au;gust, a nest of young ones in
a spruce at Fnondheim, when on a yachting cruise there some
some years ago. I tookl a pnoto of tlie nest, but the light
was not good, and the resultant picture not good enough'
for ''B.N." Thesei and the Hooded Crows were about the^
commonest birds I ).Siaw in Norway. Some day, when I have
time, if our. Editor is short of copy for "B.N." I must send'
a few notes of some pf the birds seen on the trip> which ex-

Some British Birds in My Aviaries. 231

tended through Lapland, past Spitzbergen, and as far north as
the polar ice pack.

With the Bearded Tits {Panurus biartnicus. Linn.) I
have at last been successful, and two young ones are being
reared this season. The first pair I turned out met with ill luck,
the hen dying egg-bound. I was lucky to get another from
Mr. Frostick, who warned me not to give mealworms to these

Photo W . Shit.f Ihiily.
Hen Fieldfare Prepare! to Attack.

birds. I had always been in the habit of giving mine one
or two daily. Mr. Frostick's advice was very opportune, as
just about this time mealworms became unprocurable, so what
live food they had, they owed to their own exertions. Early in
July the hen built a nest in a box in the shelter. I can't
give the incubation period, as at this time I was away from
home a good deal, but on examining the nest during an
interval in my holiday^, I found two strong young birds and
two addled eggs. On visiting them again ten days later I
found that the hen, disgusted probably with the interference
of my last visit had built a neat cup-shaped nest in another corner
of the shelter, and had somehow installed her young ones
therein. Both birds were well feathered, but neither could

2.^2

Some British Birds in My Aviaries.

fly, and I should very much like to know how she succeeded
in getting them to change their quarters. A week later, they
werei quite strong on the wing, and now a disaster occurred.
Annoyed by my efforts to secure a photo of them, a very
difficult operation by the way, they, both slipped through the
three- quarter inch mesh netting and escaped. One I recap-
tured, but the; other probably perished, as it wasn't capable of
fully providing for itself. The survivor lived another week

Plwfo W. Shore Baily.
Bearded Tits in Nest.

or so, when it met its doom in the fangs of a young rat,
which managed to squeeze its way into the aviary. The
murderer was promptly executed with high explosive, in the!
shape of a charge of No. 6 shot. I was very much surprised
to find that any bird could get through three-quarter inch
netting, but I have since found that the Common and Willow-
Wrens can easily do so*.

In this connection I have just had another unpleasant surprise,

*So also can Avadavats and most of the Waxbills. — Ed,

Some British Birds in. My Aviaries.

233

three rare Gallenules having escaped from an enclosure covered
with two inch mesh netting", an4; of course, with no possible
chance of recovery.

One other British bird I have iust added to my col-
lection, and that is the Nuthatch {Sitta caes'a, Wolf), a pair
of which were kindiy oflered me by one of our lady members.

Photo W. Shore Baily.
N'uthatcli Walking Head Downwards.

I find them most interesting as aviary birds and, I think, it
ii extremely likely that they will breed if they survive the
winter.

234 Correspondence .

For many years I have had a pair of these birds in
the trees around my homj, but this year they are absent. I
have always found it very difficult to observe them, as they
seem to like to keep the body of the tree between them and
the observer. In the aviary it is different as one or the other
nearly always on view, and very pretty they look walking-
down the tree stems head downwards, or darting across the
aviary with their Kingfisher-like flight. I do not think there
is a hole or corner which they have not explored. I notice
that they are storing nuts and sunflower seeds in some of the
coco-nut husks, put up for the other birds to nest in. One or
two other Britishers I have had enter the aviary of their own
free will. A Common Wren has occupied a series of five
aviaries since last March. It easily finds its way from aviary
to aviary, but cannot find its way out. This morning a King-
fisher was fishing in the pond of the Waders' aviary; a
beautiful and handsome visitor.

Correspondence.

TRYIxXG FOR BLUE BUDGERIGARS
Sir, — 1 have much enjoyed the article " History of the Budgerigar,"
by Dr. Hopkiiison, and I enclose several letters from which you may care to
take a few extracts. [These letters have a distinct bearing on former
communicationi to " Bird Notes," viz. : 1913, page 30, and 1914, page 62.
Ed.]. Mr. Pulsford is the "Devon Aviculturist " referred to by Dr.
Hopkinson on page 203 of our last issue. The two pairs referred to
in the following letter, brothers and sisters to my birds, were bred :

Blue Cock Green Hen

I
Same lilue Cock - it leen Hen. Green Cock— \ellow Hen

1 !

Green L'ock Green Hen

2 Cocks and 3 Hens all green.
" My luck with the Green Budgerigars bred from Blues has been rather
" bad. I had two pairs (brothers and sisters to yours), also one cock
" bred from Blue cock and Yellow hen ; one of the hens was killed by an
" Adelaide Parrakeet, leaving me with a pair and two odd cocks. The
" pair bred, one very rough and' cold January, three Blues, two all
" right and one deformed ; the deformed one soon died, and another got
" between a box .ind the v.-^.M and died there as it could not extricate
" itself, the survivor was :i .':uw bird, and a lovely colour, but it stayed
" put one cold, wet night, ought pneumonia and succumbed thereto. The

Correspondence. 235

' next nest produced one Green and one Blue, but the latter died before
'leaving the nest. This was followed by another brood of three Green
' hens ; so the end ot the season found me with the old pair, two old
' cocks and three young hens. I paired them, the old hen killed one
' of the young hens, and her mate pined away, evidently the old hen was
' injured m the fight v/ith the young one, as she only laid two eggs,
' one maliOrmed and the other clear, and she has not laid since. One
' young hen mated with the cock (Blue and Yellow) produced two Blues
and one Grer^n. Just before this a rat got into the aviaries and was so
artfu' tha. 1 could not catch it, and although I had men, dogs, traps,
and poison it was three weeks before the end came, and before this
came about it had accounted for the two Blues and many others, m-
cluding a Rosella I'arrakeet. The next resulted in the rearing of
one Blue and one Green (both livingj, the Blue a fine hen; then fol-
lowed another nest of all Greens. The other young hen mated with the
old cock: laid and sat for a month before young hatched, and only
one Green was reared. I then paired her with a Green cock (Green
and Vcllow bred), result two youngsters, one strong the other weakly.
I have now seven pairs (do not want to part with any). With moderate
luck I ought to breed several Biues this year, bu: fjar I shall not be
able to give as much time to the birds as I should like. —A. Pulsford,.
February, 22nd, 19:6."

In reply to yours I cannot give results at present — I haxe
three nests jus. hatched l)ut cannot tell what colour they will be.— A.
Pulsford, Aug. 22, 1910."

I have no young Budgerigars bred from Blue and Green. 1
liave only two Blues left, and they are mated to Green, buj what
prospect of getting any young, I cannot say yet. — W. R. Fasey,
Match 27, 1916."

I am glad to hear that you are trying to breed Blue Budgeri-
rigars. 1, myself, hav.? not been successful, aid as 1 am going back
to India in October, I have parted with all my birds and aviaries..
The darkened birdroo.Ti, in w]i ch I was trying my experiment was too
dry. I have bred many (li).a-i;, I think I may say hundreds, of
Hudj^rigars, an 1 I have found thit dam[) is essential to successful
brcjji.-'.g. It i, ditifiiuli to get moi it air m a birdrooni, but 1 think
a guja pla 'C woul 1 b; a large shed, under trees in .1 damp place in a
garden ; on b.dg.it days darkened screens, or hlin-ls of red cloih'
migh' wi:h advantage be placed over the windows. For many years,
in India, I noticed that eggs laid in hot weather, by many different
species of birds, before the rains burst wore very small and rarely
fertile. After the burst of the • rains, the s inie pairs laid eggs four
times as heavy as those laid in the hot dry weather, and nearly all
were fertile. My Budgerigars did best during rainy si;i g. a:-.d a.itnmr.s,
and tho.ie in their tliird and fourth year were the most productive.
Both the Blue and the White Budgerigars are bound to come in the
nciir future u>t as surely as the White canary has come, and I

236 Post Mortem Reports.

" hope you may have a share in successful experimenting. I rather
" fancy that grass and groundsel help to retain the green in the
" colouration, and I fried to substitute as greenfood the more bleached
" varieties of lettuce, such as the drumhead.— J. M. Paterson, .^ug. tQ,
" 1914."

I hope you may find something of general interest in the enclosed

etters which, please return, for " B.N." readers.
Harrogate, Aug. 27th, 1916. J. W. MARSDRN.

[We are much indebted to Mr. Marsden for sendin;^ such interesting

etters and tender best thanks to the writers of them, and should be

•lad to receive their latest results. ~Fd].

BREEDING MANY-COLOUR, AND STANLEY PARRAKEETS.

Sir, — It is not necessary for me to repeat details of treatmen .13
hcse were fully given list year, but I am glad to nc able to report Xu.a
ny pair of Many-colours, have successfully reared four very fine young
)nes, which are quite independent and strong on the wing. The Stanleys
lave also fully reared three, which are now strong on th3 wing and in
)eautifu] feather. This year for some reason the hen Stanley did very
ittle feeding after her babies were: a week old. p s ibly she may have
fone off formi a little; the cock, however, did hi. pirl 4^ w?ll 'h.it the
^oung were all reared, and certainly they have never r.a od nmr y>)u.-.;4
han the trio referred to above.

Kendal: August 7, 1916. J. SMITH.

Post Mortem Reports.

Canary.— (A. H. Scott, Liphov^K, Hants). The cause of the cock
Canary's death was acute pneumonia.

Miss Johnson, Orr, Hastings. The cause of death of the two birth
sent was fatty degeneration of the heart and liver. In-breeding is likely
:o predi:;pose birds to "French moult."' Hrccling boxes, hu^ks. etc.. shoul.l
DC creosoted at least once a year, even if not renewed.

Answered by /705/:— Jamis \callaiid ; .Vliss Sturton Johnson.

H <;ray. M.R.C.V.S.

The History of the Budgerigar.

Ekkata : Re page 131, June i;sue. In this instalment the foot-
note has got mixed up with the t..-xt, making it read incoherently.

We apologise for the error, a!s j for the irrcgu'ar manner In which
the article was broken up into instalments. We are only partly to hiani2,
OUT hands were forced, mostly by shortness of copy an 1 not being able
always to wait for the mail bringing Dr. Hopkins in's revisio.ns. The
" time? " a'so are very diffi;"u't for the printers, and it is impossible to
avoid rushing things at times and in this way errors creep in. W^e will
reprint the portion referred to in a later i:sue, so as to clear up the
incoherence. — Ed.

Bird Notes.

Photo W. Shore Baity.

Red-coUared Whydah Feeding Young on Nest.

All rig/ify reserved. October, 11)16.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

The Breeding of a Hybrid Crimson-crowned
Weaver X Red-collared Whydah.

By W. Shore Baily.

Last vSeptcmber I was able to send you an account of
the rearing of two Red-collared Whydahs in one of my
aviaries. This year in the same enclosure I have succeeded
in rearing" a young hybrid from a Crimson-crowned Weaver
cock, and my old Red-collared Whydah hen. The little hybrid
should make a very handsome bird if it lives to obtain full
breeding plumage, which I hope that it nxaydo.

It was the first week in May and in rather cold weather,.
that I turned into the aviary two cock Crimson Crowned
Weavers, an Orange Weaver cock. Red-shouldered Whydah
Cock, and my young Red-collared Whydah- cock, and with
them hens Red-collared and Red-shouldered Whydahs and
Crimson-crowned Weaver. The other occupants of the aviary
were pairs of Yellow \\'eav:'rs, Bronze-wing and Diamond Doves,
Zebra Finches. Black-cheeked Lovebirds, and an odd, male
Blue-winged Lovebird. The aviary being a large one, they
were by no means overcrowded, and did not take long to-
settle down. Nothing much happened for the first two
months, except the rearing of young Diamond and Bronze-
wing Doves, but towards the end of July I found the deserted
nest of the Red-shouldered Whydah, containing eggs of both
Whydahs. The Red-collared hen had evidently driven away
the smaller bird. 1 gathered from this that the Red-collared
Whydah hen, does not build her own nest, but depends on
the cock doing so, as is the case with the Weavers. My young
Red-collar cock was too much bullied by the other birds ut

2;i8 Breeding of Hybrid Crimson-crowned Weaver.

this time to have any inclination for nest building, although he
has since built several of a somewhat rough description.

1 M'as away on holiday the first two weeks of August,
and lost the chance of seeing what was going on during that
time, but on imy return I found that both the WJiydah hens
were incubating, the Red-collared in a highly woven and
rather deep cup-shaped nest, attached to the stems of some
tall horse-radish, well concealed. The nest was tilted to one
iside, so that it was protected >to a certain extent from rain,
hut I Tmade kioubly sure by having a sheet of iron placed on
top of the .netting. The nest was a totally ditYerent structure,
from tht one in which she reared young last year, that being
a very loosely constructed dome-shaped aftair. The two
eggs were bluish green, thickly speckled with brown, with a
ring of denser spots at the larger end. From the situation of
the nest, which was in what might be called the sphere lof
influence of the Crimson-crowned Weaver cock, I had my
doubts from the first as to whether the young Red-collar
had had anything to do with its construction, more especially
as he would have had to cross the territory of his bitter
enemy, the Red-shouldered Whydah, a thing he was very loth
to do. On 'testing the eggs of both Whydahs a week after
my return, I tiound that each set of eggs was fertile, and the
question now arose as to what live-food I should be able
to give parents in the event of the eggs hatching out. Wasp
grubs were unobtainable in our neighbourhood, a very curious
fhing, as there had been plenty of cjueen wasps in evidence
in the spring, and young wasps are generally far too plentiful
with us in the fruit season. Last year my Inan dug out three
or four nests every day during August and the beginning of
September: this year he hasn't found one. Mealworms it
was impossible to get from the dealers, so I decided to try
gentles, althougli' I had heard a bad report of these from,
•vfeirious quarters. On scattering some of these rather dis-
gusting grubs on the feeding table, I saw the Crimson-
crowned Weaver carrying one to the Red-collared Whydah
on the nest, thus proving that he was her husband, for the
time being at any rate. A few days later two young ones
were hatched, I cannot give the exact i)criod of incubation, but

Breeding of Hybrid Crimson-crowned Weaver. 239

240 Breed! np: of Hybrid Cr'im'ion-crow'ned Weaver.

I should say 'about twelve clays. The hen as usual did all the
w'ork about the house, the cock merely keeping other birds at
a distance which he did very effectively. I supplied the
gentle;^, rather sparingly at first, fearing their effect on the
very young birds, but these for the first ten days were the
only live food supplied; after that, I was able to get a few
mealworms from a neighbouring miller's man, and these she
at once took in preference. But I may say right here that
I believe she would have succeeded in rearing her young with-
out the assistance of mealworms or other live-food. Other
foods that she used were bread and milk, canary or millet.
From the time I supplied mealworms, the growth of the young
birds was rapid.

When fourteen days old the first one left the nest and
I was able to get one or two photos of the hen feeding it
on the top of its late home. The next day the hen enticed
it to the shelter of a Ifirge laurel bush, where for seven days,
Siomc of Avhich were frightfully cold and wet, it was quite
inivisible. The second bird remained in the nest three days
logger, and left it only to perish from an early frost. Both
birds showed the buff eyebrow-streak, common to so many
species of Weavers when oui of colour, and in .shape much
more nearly resembled the Crimson-crowned Weaver than
they did their (mother. The death of the second young one
allowed the mother toi pay much more attention to Jier first-
born, and she proved a perfect little feeding machine, taking
in tnealworms land gentles to the laurel bush as fast as I
liked to give them to her, which, as the weather was bad, was
{©.irly often. When the young one was three weeks old I
saw it fior the first time flying after its mother. She now gave
it mealworms without first swallowing them herself. At the
time of writmg it has grown "into quite a nice bird, and is, I
slwuld say, a [male. It is altogether a stouter and bigger
bird than the hen.

1 hope that in two years time or sooner I hiay be
able to describe its breeding plumagte.

Bird Notes.

Phnln \V. Shorr liaih/.
lxc(|-c(>ll;ircil W'lixilali Hen FeediiiK VouiiK ii> Nest.

Bakloh Aviary Notes. 241

Baklob Aviary Notes.

By Major Perreau, F.Z.S.

Part I. — I have been away from Bakloh except
sliort spells since October 191 4. In February 191 6 I was
there recruiting from a bad go of malaria when the Regiment
in Kohal got orders to mobilise for Mesopotamia. Of course
I dashed back lat once, but the Kohat doctors were obdurate,
and gave !me jio hope of going out till say October or Novem-
ber, if then. Thus was I left with the Depot to return to
Bakloh our own permanent station in the hills. We arrived
rJiere i ith March and though our own doctor played up for
me (having known me nearly all my service) I had little
hopes of getting out before Septienil:)er 1 determined to try
and broed a few Indian birds. However, to my great joy
and surprise our doctor had hardly expected so rapid a re-
sponse— to hi^ report on me, on 19th April I got my orders
to g:> and I loft with a draft on 24th.

While in Kohat I had left a fe'w birds in charge of a
pensioned Gurkha sepoy ("ineligible"), whom my servants
call bird orderly. I had also caught a few birds, most of
which I iet go on departure. When I left my wife took over
charge of the bird orderly — Dila Ram by name. Gurkhas
(of W. Nepal at any rate) do not make good bird men, the
work is too light and requires too much thinking, also as a
rule the pensioner who remains in British territory is not the
best.

In a very short time my wife had taken almost entire
charge of the birds, and in my opinion she has had a most
successful seas(Mi. ( >f course, she knows more than she pre~
lends to, and has often given me invaluable help, but she
has never had Ijirds on her own before, excej)t for short spells
at a l-mie, and those were seed-eaters. Out of the few pairs in
the aviaries two species have successfully reared young and
anothcM- got as far as feeding young for ten days. She has
Ncni me copious notes in jier letters, and also kept a rough
diary, which I have now with me. 1 {»upix)Se I ought to write
a separate account of the doi/ngs of each species and this I

242 Bakloh Aviary Notes.

tried to do, but it seerriicd tocutlup herinotes so much, and I
have myself got so much pleasure from reading and re-reading
the notes (copied into a book) that, I venture to hope our
members will be intrested in thcrrf ^s originally written, with
a few notes by myself. I therefore propose to write these
aviary notes in four parts: Part I., Inio'tes to date of my de-
parture, by myself; Part II. and III., notes by my wife,
including nesting and rearing; Part IV., notes on the birds
in a wild state, &c., by myself.

My new aviaries, though erected in 1909, have been
little used and badly want repair. My old ones, built in
1903 are far more convenient and the few birds I've kept
■recently have been housed in them, but they have been prac-
tically empty since early 1913. They want cleaning and
tidying up badly, old nests require pulling out of boxes, both
Parrakeet and Finch, and they rather present the look of a
lumber room with boxes and cages stacked in places, but
they are useful aviaries, well furnished with pea sticks and
artificial perches and nesting boxes of very varied shapes and
sizes.

The aviary consists of a stone house with 8ft. ver-
andah, both iron sheet over plank roofing, with 20ft. open
flight to south. This house runs gablewise into the west
verandah of lOur bun_galow. The house is 12ft. by 1 8ft., but
3ft. at the back is taken \ixf by two aviary cages, one over
the other 14ft. by 3ft. and 4ft. at the end near the bungalow
is used as a store room. It is divided into two aviaries,
rough ineasurementf as follow: Near or Finch Aviary.' —
House 9ft. by 8ft., verandah 8ft. by nearly 12ft., flight 20ft.
by about 14ft., the east sidel having nearly 2'ft. of eaves of the
bungalow. Far or Parrakeet xiviary. — House 9ft. by 6ft.,
Vferandah 8ft, by 7ft. 6in. to 8ft., flight 20ft. by 8ft : to 9ft:
At the S.W. corner of the bungalow verandah is the' verandah
aviary 14ft. by 4ft. wide by 6ft. high, of which for 6ft. is
glass and wood, covered with blanket and tarpaulin, quite
a useful little aviary it has been; remaining 8ft. is open wire.
All wire is half-inch mesh, strong galvanised netting.

Finches and Parrakeets having been absent so long

Bakloh Aviary Notes.

243

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244 Bakloh Aviary Notes.

there is a Jiice crop of grass and weeds in the flight, in other
parts floor is flagged. Outside near aviary Ligh*!: at the jconier
of the bungalow is a ibougainvillea anirl a fig tree, the twigs of
the latter I try to train through the wire in early spring,
but the Imali in my absence invariably prunes off these twigs
and I have to conteint ^myself with a few later trained twigs.
A fig tree inside would either die or lift the roof ofl^ wlien one
was away. Inside (the same corner), I Imve put in a large
ihiydrangea bush in a tub. Then I have built up some low
mounds with artificial holes for Chats, Rock Thrushes, &c.,
with stones, earth and grass. These my wife in the feminine
intuitive way calls "quail 'dug-outs," they are not dug out
and I fhave no quail but still there you are, they " look like "
(as Mark Twain's Eve puts it) quail dug-outs. Anyhow, my
tame chats refuse to use them, preferring an unnatural Parra-
keet box and I bave known wild Chats use far inferior artificial
sites by the satae artist in the campound. I suppose I shall
have to get some Quail when I ^get back, I'll bet that, unsuit-
able for Quail as they are, they will be snapped up at once.

Water is given iji flight twice a 'day in large shallow
iron pans. Food is placed under cover in dishes, standing
inside larger dishes, in dififerent parts. Food consists of
dry cake, insect Jnixture, and live food, chiefly mealworms and
wild things when procurable and sometimes maggots and (when
I had my, old mali) earthworms; fruits when procurable.
Flying white wints when iprocurable are good and dried ones
are also good, but one is able to get them in such small quan-
tities. There seem to be millions, but collecting them in
thousands, or even hundreds is dift'ej^nt; ithey do not tome out
at night .with us or the lamp on a brick in a basin of water
would do the trick. When I feel energetic enough to polish
up some rough letters I've startled, I hope to lay the seeds
of a business" wh*^re I shall be able to buy dried termites
and also silkworm pupae. This lajnp game and net sweep-
ing provide a fair amount of live food at certain seasons,
thoroughly dried, sun or oven, and kept in dry place in air-
tight receptacles. Those jam jars with screw lid, inner lid
and rubber waslheil are "it." I've had dried white ants
(texmiies-rlYing), for over two years in such! a jar and the.se

Bakloh Aviary Notes. !^45

were only greasy dried, as they should be. The commoa
blackbeetle of the Tvitchen dries very -.veil (dry real hard),
and responds very well to hot water when wanted.

I seem to be rather off the lines but foods are my par-
ticular hobby. My .own mi.^cture at present' is one part
each, in bulk, flies,, ants' egg's and cVissel, co two parts biscuit
made crumbly moist and then hard boiled agg lightly mixed
in, one ^gg to say ten to sixteen birds.

Now having cackled, lets get to the losses. (Jn arrival
in Baklon .on i ith March I found in the Finch aviary i cock
Blue-headed Rock Fhrush, i cock Blue Chat, i cock Red-
billed (Wren), Babbler, all these (with spouses smce departed)
were caught in September, 191 4; i pair Tailor Birds, and
4 Crested Black Tits caught in December, 1913. Bar one Tit
all very fit. To these 1 added and did not let go i hen Tit
B'abbler (it's no good both my wife and self have got into
misnaming the Red-billed Babbler, they are more like Tits
than Wrens, soi 1 give up trying to name them correctly) on
March 12th ^^smart catching this), .one hen Rock Thrush; on
April 12th, both in Fimch Aviary. Also added and placed
in Fai Aviary i pair Pied Bush Chats (domestic Pied Chat)
on 1 8th and 22nd March, and i pair Tit Babblers on 13th
March. In verandah aviary i cock Paradise Flycatcher
on 6th April.

My notes till I Jjeft are as follow :

Reu-billed Babblers. Cock started feeding hen
while the latter was still in the mieating. ofl cage, aiul
lien was soon let out and cock then started carrying grass and
leaves, and courting conmtenced, no special display bar tickl-
ing in 'true babbler style, hen quiescent, but helped in latter
sKa^cs of nest that cock was building in a half covered Lip-
tjpn's tea tin, about Gift, from ground under the ca\Co of the
bungalow. Nest j)ra< tically linished on 1 ytli April, domed,
made of coarse grass and leaves, and lined with fibre. Un
23rd there were 3 eggs, rather huge for size of bird, white
with rather large pale rusty splashes at big end.

Rather think other pair may start soon, too.

Crested Bl.\lk Tiis {L. inclanolophus). One ccr-

246 1 • Bakloh Aviary Notes.

tain pair, cock Wexy amorous, has a pretty way of lifting and
fluttering the off "vvLnig, chivies her considerably, hen not
responsive.

Tailor 'I^irds XOrtlwtonuis siiton'us) nested in early
August, 1911, HI two llg leave's, the eggs 'were fertile but
eaten by liiiie. The cock was very .amorous and noisy,
ohivying the hen a great deal, she seemed rather struck with
'an outside birtl; the cock did a little sewing in the very few
fig leaves.

Blue-headed Rock Thrushes {Petrophlla iincloihyii-
cha). the cock was very amorous, and showed olf continu-
ally, but the hen was really hardly meatcd jif in the way I
like when I put her in the aviary prior to departure. Summer
visitors were very late this year.

Indian Blue Chat {Larvivora brannca) ■ cock very
fit but hens had not arrived when I left, worse luck.

Indian Pied Bush-chats {Pratincola caprata). The
first pair of the year were I)ot]i caught in the same tree by
double spring net trap almost on arrival. From ,my chair near
t(lie aviary \ tsaw both go^ for the mealworm at the same lime.
As, la rule when this happens one gets hurt, and this may
have happened in this case as the hen succumbed in ii few
days, though apparently feedhig well. I got another hen and
and took particular care with her before letting her loose.
Tliey were settling down nicely when I left, the cock doing
a m.o<li,fication of Jiis butterfly courting flight. For the first
ti(me I really wished my aviaries were higher.

Paradise Flycatcher {terse p\Jwne paradisi) got its
wing hurt in; a (tree trap (an exceedingly rare occurrence) and
so was kept. It was an adult cock witli quite a. short white
tail. Beforei I Jeft [his tail had grown tremendously and his
wing was nearly all right and he seemed to be feeding well,
not only on live insects but on cut up mealworms, dried
terimites (for certain) and insect food made strong and rather
wet and allowed to dry lumpy.

From here niy wife takes up thie tale.

{To be CO lUi lined) .

^Breeding Results In My Aviaries. 247

Breeding Results in my Aviaries.

By Laurence Pullar, F.Z.S. (about 13 years old).

A brief account of nxy failures and successes has
already appeared in ' B.N." but, I think, this more detailed
article may be of interest.

My aviaries were described in last vol. of "B.N.'" so
I will not refer to these again.

1 am afraid Imy results are really nothing to write
about, but they have been most intiercsting to me, so 1 hope
they will be equally so to some other member.

Quaker Parrakeets: My pair of these interesting
birds made a big nest in a uxgh. corner of the aviary. Four
e(ggs were deposited therein by the hen, three of which duly
hatched out, the fourth disappearing mysteriously. The three
young birds were all fully reared, but one unfortunately es-
caped! a few weeks ago.

On looking into .the nest to-day (September 22nd), 1
found three more eggs, so, I 'think, I may g'et a few more
young Quakers yet.

Ring-neck Parrakeets: i procurea a pair 01 tnese
beautiful Parrakeets last spring, and they laid two clutches
of eggs, which were, unfortunately, infertile in both cases.

Cockateels : These laid but one ^g^, which they
did not attempt to incubate.^

Caluornian Quail: I have a pair of these, sixteen
Qggs were laid, .which were put under a Buff Orpington, but
only three hatched out, and these were trampled on by the hen,
who was of too large and heavy a \ariety.

Golden Pheasants: These were an absolute failure,
all their eggs being infertile. I think they inust be too closely
related and must get another cock to introduce fresh blood.

Wild DucR: I obtained a pair of these last auiunm
wiliich made, this spring*, a nest in a d;irk corner of their aviary
and successfully reared four ducklings.

248

Visits to Members^ Aviaries and Bird rooms.

Stock and Turtle Doves : These also were a failure
for some reason, they usually do well.

In conclusion, I should like to say I think "" Bird
Notes " is a splendid magazine. I wish it prosperity and
only wish it came out weekly. (The Hon. Editor finds
monthly quite often enougli I )

Visits to Members' Aviaries and Birdrooms.

Mr.

By Wesley T. Pac;e, F.Z.S., etc.
J. L. Grossmuh's Aviaries: These avi'anes,

situated at Bickley, Kent, arc certainly to be numbered among
the finest the writer has seen : paiatial and practical, roomy

Mr, Ciiybsrinith's Aviariei, — Lucnur \ iew diuwiuji Shelters at back.

Visits to Miimbcrs' Aviaries and BirdrOoms.

249

and natural, pictorial and neat, they yet furnish security and
semi-liberty to their happy inmates, whose vigour, health and
glistening plumage bear eloquent evidence to the care lav-
ished upon them. They were constructed over a plantation of
pyramid fruit trees, gooseberry and currant bushes; most of
the bushes were grubbed out and replaced by conifers and
various other evergreen and ornamental deciduous trees and
bushes — the illustrations accompanying these notes faintly in-
dicate the general construction.

Ground I'lan, Mr. .1. L. Gru>smitirs Aviaries.
KEY TO GROUND PLAX.

A.Aa..\b and Ac. — Lobby Birdroom forming a «afc entrance to the aviarv,
by means of the 4ft. wide tiled path through the centre. There arc
three flights, as shown by dotted lines Aa. being 10 x j.'.ft.. and
A!) and Ac. 5^- x s'ft.. each.

B. and Ba. — The main aviary shelter originally one large room 2> \ lofi ,

now divided into two by a wire netting p.irti'ion as indi'ated by

dotted line.
Bb. — The main aviary flight, with an area approximately too x 2ift.
Ba. and B.a.a. — The Weaver Aviary, the (light (B.a.a.) being a jungle of

evergreen and deciduous shrubs.

C. and C.a. — Parrakeet shelter and flight rcspcctivcly-this is well shown

on photo-plate.
D.— A small shelter (about 10 .\ 4-^ft,j wTtili a flight, D.a., about ijx 4tt,,

250

Vistls to Members' Aviaries and Birdrooms.

The double lines back and front of shelters indicate windows, and the
lines at an acute angic mark the doors. These shelters have s.
total area of 50 x 10ft.

The ground plan and the photo-illustrations greatly
facilitate my task oi describing "the aviaries, though' it is prac-

' Visits to Members* Aviaries and Bird rooms. 251

Mr. Grossniilli's Aviaries (l-'fuiit \'i(.'w).

tically iin|)<)ssil)l(; to get a roiiiprohciisivc pholoi^rapli ol the
whole with trtie perspective. Tlic I.KiuK' of the aviaries is
plain and tasteful, and though phu etl in the midst of the

252 Visifs io ' Member si^ Aviaries and Bird rooms.

beautiful garden noar the house, arc not in any sense an eye-
sore ; . in fact, quite the reverse, for, even in this prominent
position, they add to, rather than mar, the beauty of their
setting. The whole structure is built upon a concrete wall
2lh. deep by 9 inches thick, which runs entirely round the
aviary; this effectively Iceeps out the rats, which are fairly
numerous about the grounds. The flight is imos'tly constructed
of 2in. X 2m. deal quartering, with half-inch mesh wire net-
ting (thick gauge) stretched over the whole — it did not. suffer
any damage during the heavy snowfall in the early part of
this year. On the east side there is a 3ft.height of match-
boarding as a ishelter, but on the S. and W. the netting ex-
tends to the ground, the N. end of flight being bounded by the
shelters — the position is a fairly sheltered one.

The shelters form one range 50ft. long by loft. wide,
and are constructed of two Courses of matching with a layer
of felt between, over a skeleton framing of 2in. x 5in. quar-
tering. Shelters "B and Ba," and Lobby Flights "A" are
heatea by gas hot-water apparatus, the gas boilers being
attended to from the outside, and having outlets only to at-
mosphere; thus almost any and every species "of bird can be
comfortably housed according to their several requirements.
The shelters are stained exteriorally with " Solignum "
(medium brown), with windows and doors picked ouit in very
pale sea-green; the interiors are coloured pale sea-grcien —
Hall's Washable Distemper being "the colouring material.

The woodwork of the flights is also covered with
medium-brown " Solignum," fthe 'netting receiving a coat of
Brunswick-black varnish before being stretched over the fram-
ing, and the whole result is a most tasteful and handsome
structure, which would adorn any garden or private park.

The trees and shrubs arc looked after by the gardeners,
and kept perfectly trim and in order, yet this does not effect
the provision of cover for the birds and the work is carried
out so as not to disturb the birds.

The shelters are kept spotlessly clean — the aviary
attendant is at present with " the colours," but his wife is
most effectively attending the birds, etc., while he is serving
his King and Country.

V/sffs to Mrmbrrs' Aviorics and Bird rooms. 253

I do not propose to give a list of tho birds, but merely
to indicate some of the families kept, in the hope that at a
later date Mr. Grossmith will kindly write an article si^iving a
list of the birds and recounting many oT the episodes and
successeG that have occurred since the aviary has been '\\\
existence.

On entering the aviary by Lobby-shelter, one was at
once struck by the quiet beauty of the struclure, from which
I was at once attracted by the flashing |hues of Gold-fronted
Fruitsuckers. Australian Moneycaters, Zosterops, various Tana-
gers, Gouldian Finches, etc., as they disported amid the
branches, and several bay trees in pots — here I paused for
quite a time, as these were birds that had always fascinated
me. while chatting with their owner concerning them — these
alone forming) a collection of which any bird-lover may well
be proud.

Passing from here into the main aviary flight I was
met by large numbers of the " Small Ornamental Finches,"
and a charming picture they were as they flew in and out of
the trees and bushes (this flight being sufficiently large for
six or seven persons to walk about in and yet leave the birds
undisturbed); it was (|uite a naiur.i] ])i(ture, as they went
about their business, foraging for prey and feeding the'.r
families. Here, in a bush, by the side of the walk (jue
looked into the beauiiiul nest of that sweet songs. er, the Grey
Singingrtnch, and saw three bonny babes all but ready to
leave their snug and safe retreat. Against one of the stand-
ards hung a small barrel, and therefrom came the cries of
young Zebra Finches, yelling " blue-murder for grub " — these
charming plebeians of the bird-world were everywhere, adults
and young, nestlings slill being {<^(\. and (itlu-rs just passing
into mature plumage; wlial a scolding i)usy crowd lluyucrel
What a channing natural picture tht^j ^ formed I

Next Cardinals claimed my attention. Pope. ked-
rrested, and Virginian— the latter have nested several times.
but, though young liave liiore than once been fully fledged,
none, as yet, have lived to fend for themselves. They were
worth their place indeed, being nearly always in the picture,

254 Visits to 'Mrmhtrs^ Aviaries and Birdrooms.

and a brilliant patch of colour at all times, they added life
and beauty to the scene.

But I must not ]ini;(M-. Firefinches, Cordon Bleu^.
T-ong-tailed and Rufous-tailed Grassfinches, Alelba Finches,
Diamond Sparrows, Scarlet and Blue Tanagers, White Java
Sparrows, AvacLnats, Mashed in and out of the picture in-
cessantly; while occasionally Pied and Yellow Wagtails ad-
orned this charming" scene.

In the next aviary, " I3a," were gathered together a
colony of Weavers, many of the Hyphantornine group, also
Cirenadier, Napoleon. Orange. Crimson-crowned, and many
others ; a'so other pugnacious pairs counted unsafe, bwing to
many misdemeanours, for the general crowd in the main
aviary. ; ' , i '

The adjoining aviary " C " was occupied by Psiftact.
I no'ed Mealy and Red Rosellas,> Pennant's. Jendaya, All r,reen
and other Parrakeets; Peach-faced Lovebirds, Green and
Yellow Budgerigars, all apparently in the best of health and
fine plumage, their glowing plumage fully compensating for
the lack of growing trees and bushes in their enclosure.

After leaving the aviaries I was shown two nests, Ijy
one pair of Hedge Accentors, from which two young Cuckoos
.had entered the wide world — the nests were placed in bushes
at the back of the herbaceous border by the side of the
temiis lawn.

The writer sincerely hopes that Mr. Grossmith will
supply in the near future a more detailed account of the
doings of the birds — the photos illustrating the above notes
were taken by Mrs. Grossmith.

Miss Lucas' Aviary : Last Imonth I spent an after-
noon with Dr. and Miss Lucas at East Grinstead, who arc
new adherents to aviculture. While chatting aviculture \fith
Dr. Lucas, a charming Shama flitted about the room, begging
continually for mealworms, it was tame and familiar, and of
the many of this species that 1 have seen, kept or handled,
I have never seen one in better condition or richer colour
than the above mentioned bird. In the drawing-room while

Visits to Members* Aviaries and Birdrooms. 255

taking tea we were entertained by the antics and speech of
an attractive Grey Parrot.

The Aviary : Some distance from the house in the
middle of a large piece of wild ground, bordered all round
by trees and shrubs stood the aviary. The flight, 20 x 12ft.
with a shelter at the back. "B.N." members will remem-
ber that in 191 4 the first aviary was burnt to the ground,
the present aviary erected on the same site is practically
fireproof as regards the shelter; nothing has been neglected
that would tend to the safety and comfort of the birds — the
shelter is heated during the winter months. The walls are
of brick and the roof is first asbestos, then wood with an
outer covering of " rubberoid." The shelter is fitted with a
sliding door, and has/ a concrete floor. The flighjt is of half-
inch mesi'i netting on a fight wood framing, the netting being
carried deeply into the ground to exclude rats. The ground
is covered with rough grass and there are several evergreen
shrubs, in one of which was a well made nest, built by Cuban
Finches, from which one brood had already flown, it contained
at the time of my visit two half-fledged young, which have
since lefi the nest. While from another nest came the noisy
call of baby Zebra Finches yelling for food. Only seed-
waters arc kept, of which Miss Lucas has kindly supplied a
list.

I pair Himalayan Siskins {Chrysoinitris spinoides).

I pair Green Singing Finches {Seriniis icterus).

I cock Common Firffinch {Lagonosticta minima).

I hen Bar-bre.istcd Firefinch {L. rnjopicfa).

I pair Spice Finclies {Mania puncltiluta)..

I pair Cuban Finches {Phonipara canora). i

I pail Zebra Finches {Taeniopygiu caslanolis).

I pair Bcngalese {Miinia domcsticn).

I pair St. Helena \\'axbills {Eslrildu ustrilda).

I jiair Grey Waxbills {E. Cincrea).

I lien Quail Finch {Orlygospiza polyzona).

I Red Avadavat {Sporarginihiis anumclava).

I cock Jacarini Finch {Voladniii jticarini).

I pair Abyssinian Sparrows {Passer lutctis).

ilie following young have been successfully reared.
5 Cuban Finches.
3 St. Helena W a.\bills.
5 Zebra Finches.

256 Correspondence.

Dr. Lucas is at present much occupied with hospital duties,
but I gather that when the piping times of peace come round
again, the size of the aviary flight will be increased at the
expense of some of the wild grcmnd around it.

As I talked Avith Dr. and Miss Lucas in the aviary
it was easy to understand the interest and pleasure they gath-
ered from their aviary and its occupants, as one topic after
another concerning their welfare was discussed. I, too. passed
a most interesting visit, as many of the species in the aviary
were old favourites of mine, when seed-eaters claimed a larger
share of my attention than they do at present.

Correspondence.

A REPUTED HYBRID ROSEFIXCH >( GREENFINCH.
Sir.i — Referring to my prcvi<jus letter puhlishcd in the August num-
ber, in which I claimed to have bre:l a hybrid tietweeij a Siberian
Rosefinch {Carpodacus erythrinus) and a C.reenfinch, I now send you as
full details as possible as to the nesting of the Greenfinch, and the appear-
ance ot the young bird. As i lormerly stated, I have no direct evidence to-
offer as to the identity of the male parent other than is afforded by the
striking resemblance of the young l)ird to the reputed father. The .Siber-
ian Rosefinch. though not wild, was a shy and retiring bird, anr! 1 nevei
saw it take any interest whatsoever in any other bird in the aviary. I
used to hear it, however, in the early inornings, in spring, inccsiantly*
repeating its simple little song. Th.s song is very \\v\\ described by.
Seebohm (quoted in Butler's " Foreign Finches in Captivity ") as re-
sembling the words " I'm pleased to see you," the " see " being ac-
cented and prolonged. The Greenfinch went to nest in a straw bottle-
cover, fastened up horizontally on the wall, close under the roof of shelter-
shed. (I may say I find these very acceptable as nests anri sleeping
places to most liirds). Five eggs were laid, ot \\ aich three were hatched.
The period of incubation was about fourteen days. vjo. far as I could see-
the young were fed on chickweed alone. 1 suppli^jd irmfuls of this every
day. Soft food and yolk of egg were apparently not touciiel. The three;
young throve well till they were fully feathered, when one left the nest
and was found hopping about the floor. 1 put it back in the nest two
or three evenings, but it, of course, came out again with the daylight.
When hopping about (it could not fly at this stage) it called for food,
and was fed by the Greenfinch alone. 1 then found the other two youngf
dead in the nest. The Greenfinch had deserle.l them, and was evidently
thinking of going to nest again. This time there was no doulit about
its being paired with a Mexican Rosefincli or Blood-stained Finiii {Car'
podaciis mcxicaniis), of which bird more anon. The young bird was
soon able to feed itself. It was a long limr learning lo fly, ami I found

f Correspondence. ' 957

it had a damaged wing. It is now a strong and vigorous bird, and
flics wcl' despite its injury. ; ' -

The following is the best description of its appearance I can
manage : Top of head and back dull olive green, with smoky centres
to feathers, causing a faint mottled appearance : rump, yellow-green ; chin,
throat and breast yellowish fawn-colour, with faint darker downward
streaks ; under stomach and vent, fading to white ; wings, primaries
almost Vilack with a thin streak of yellow-green on outer edges ; secon-
daries similar, but streak not so bright, rather browner; shoulder butts'
yellow-green, some of the feathers having darker centres give the appearance
of a row of dark dots running across the shoulder ; and these dots
define* a yellowish wing bar beneath them; trppar tail feathers almost l)lack,.
with outer edges green ; under tail-feathers pale grey with a yellowish
tinge. In some lights I imagine I can see a dull purplish ' tinge or
bloom pervading the whole upper-surface of the bird ; beak dark leaden
colour, the upper mandible rounded or curved. r>x . Butler's illustration
of the hen rosefinch shows the shape of the hybrid's head and beak exactly.

The other male birds in the aviary at the time of the nesting were '
Redpoll, Twite, Chaffinch, Linnet, and Orange Bishop. The young hybrid
>ihows no trace of thcic. There remains the afore-mentioned Mexican Rose-
finch. Tills is a most ardent and mercurial bird. He will sing and
display to any hen in the aviary, even to a Meadow Pipit ! He was tfie-
cause of the (jiecnfinch leaving two of its innocent progeny to starve,
whicli is the more to be regretted since nothing came of the second
mating There is no resemblance to him, however,, in the hybrids.

I ma)- say I 'iim permitted to refer yon to Mr. Sykes, a fellow member
of tlir. Club, if this is thought necessary. His opinion as to the parent-
age of the bird coincides with mine.

I hope this over-long (but I fuar nr)t over-clear) description mav
bo held satisfactory.

Midlothian, 30-9-'i6. R[. R. TOMI.IN.SOX.

BRKKDIXC. OF BI.UE-BREASTEl) \VA.\BILLS, ETC.

Sir, — I have had a great success in breeding three beautiful Blue-
breasted WaxbiJls, they arc quite strong on the wing now (September 17th)
and fly from one end of the aviary to the other. The nest was built in
a ^Tiiail box tree, and this time, happily, no other liird interfered, (l
had taken the precaution of removing the pair of .St. Helena \VaibiIls,
wlioji' interference spoiled the Biucjbreasls' first attempt). Th.^^c throe
liltlo Waxbills are lovely mites, blue and dove colour, ju^l like the old'
I'irds, one has le.-s blue than tiie other two, so I :liink it must be
a hen.

Tiie ^lolba I'inches have failed again, f"our young birds were
hatclicci ou; on this occasion, but another little Waxbill would think it
wa^ he.- nest, and, I think, tried to feed them, the consequence being that
after aboui ten day.; one was pulled out of the nest and the others died.
I think Molbas arc very bad parents, a-; snn a? they have young ones
^pretty well feathered they seem to get tired of looking after them.

1 lia\e another ne-.t of Ruficauda Einchcs, strong young birds now
I lulievc tiiere is a third nest of young uncs hitched out .iiul being f<(l.

258 * Correspondence. s^ '

I have no end of Zt'-ra Finches, too '.nany, I fresh ones appear every
day !

M^ pair of Cordon AxcWi /lave a nest.

The Parrot Finches have made a nest in a h^t, and the Gouldian
Finches appear to be nesting also, but I fear it is now too late for any
successful result. (I^ady) E. SAMUELSON.

Cobham, 17-9-'! 6.

Sir," — The young Blue-breasts are doing finely and now I can
hardly tell them from their parents.

The aviary is full of young Ruficaudas, three broods of young
birds this season. i

Cobham, 30-9-'i6. (Lady) E. SAMUELSON.

NESTING NOTES, 1916.

Sir,— In answer to your enquiry there were six young Ruficaudas
in the last brood, the nest was so full that one got pu'ihed ou; and
died; thi;. v*i.s' a pity but I bave so many I did not soem tc mind much.

I also have young Gouldian Finches in the nest, and greatly hopt^
they will be reared.

I cannot now distinguish the young Bluc-breastcd Wa.Kbills from
their parents.

A recently acquired pair of lilack-cheeked Wa.xbills are trymg
to make a nest, but, of course, it is t<;o late for anything to come of
in this year.

My Melba Finches have taken a strong dislike to the Parrot Finches,
ana wUi give them no peace ; I shall -citber have to part witli the
Parrot Finches, or put them in another aviary, and must say I do not
care for either alternative.

Cobham, ii-io-'i6. (Lady) E. SAMUELSON.

DANDELION LEAVES FOR SOFTBILLS.

Sir, — There is nothing no\cl in mixing chopped dandelion leaves
with food for softbills, but in my experience when this is done in the
ordinary way, the particles of leaf to a large extent dry up and are not
louchctl by the bird.

I am now trying* a method vvliich seems to get over the difficulty,
and may be of interest to some novices of limited experience like my-
self. Aftei finely chopping a sufficiency of dandelion leaves I pour over
it first enough boiling water to render the mixture to which it is then
added, sufificiently moist for use. (The advantage of this method is
tha the food contains the leaf as well as the tea, which w.ns soake(i
into it and the birds consume every particle).

I am now treating the dried flies and ants' cocoons, which 1 kecj-)
separate from the rest of the softbill mixtur<'i, in \.\:<? same jay as the
dandelion leaves, to which they can be added, (i.e., X\\c dandelion loaves,
flies and cocoons can all be together in the same receptacle when ihc
boiling water is poured over them), as these ingredisn's se;m to me to
require more moistening and softening thin the othsr items in the mi.xture
and usually do not get enough when the wliolo is moisteao.1 in bulk.
Kingstown, 9-io-'i6. G. E LOW.

Ail rigfifa reserved. November, 1916.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

Nesting of the Black-tailed Hawfinch and Red-
shouldered Whydah.

Bv \\\ Shore Baii.v.

I wish I had been able to head these notes the Breed-
iin^ of the Black-tailed Hawfinch, etc., but I suppose one
nius: expect as many failures as successes in aviculture, and
after all 1 have been fairly lucky in other cases. This is the
second time my Hav,?fincbes have failed; the first time with our
member. Miss Smyth, who came nearer success than I did with
them, althouji^h tli;' birds have had; a better chance here, at any
rate as regards space, than they had with her. Miss vSmyth's
failure with them, was I believe, due to ihcir ^oing to nest
so late in the year, the parents entering into moult before the
young were fully reared. With me they built a nest early in
March, selecting as a site the very branch of laurel on which
my Chinese (greenfinches had last year built their nest, and
successfully reared young. The nest was about the same size
as a Blackbird's, ^nd was built of fibrous roots and small twigs.
For a long time I was uncertain whether it belonged lo the
Hawfinches or to a jjair of Dinca i'inches that I had noticed
carrying building material from time to time. At '.he end of
Mayi I feaw the hen hawfinch busily engaged pulling the fibre
from a coco-nut husk. With this she lined the nest fully six
weeks after it had been built. On the first of June the first
egg wa.s laid, followed on the succeeding days by two more.
These were decidedly small for the size of the bird and were
almost exact replicas of our Yellow-hamlners', being pale
purplish white, streaked, spotted and blotched with brown.
( )n examining the nest thirteen days after the first egg was
laid. 1 l(jund (inr ncwK liat< lied young one, the other two eggs

260

Nesting of Hawfinch and Whydafi,

having disappeared. The young one also vanished after five
days, and strange to say the old birds have made no fresh
attempt at nesting, although both birds have kept in very
fine condition. As far as 1 could see the hen alone incubated,
vvhicli she did very closely. I did not see the cock bird near
the nesi until the young one was hatched, when, I think, that
he visited it to feed the hen, but as the little one lived such
a short time, very little observation as to this was possible.

I hoj^e that another year they may be more successful. When
I first started bird keeping in 1909, I b'oug'ht a so-called pair

Bird Notes.

Photo W. Shore Ball

Nest and E.ugs of Ked-shouldered Whydah with Ei;gs
of Red-collared Whydah.

Nesting of Hawfinch and WliydaJi. 261

of tTiesc birds, fo?- I think the very low price of ids. Thev
turned out to be cocks of the two varieties of Eastern Haw-
finches. 7'he Japanese {Eophona pprsonaf^a) is considerably
larger than the one aboU|t wliich I have been writing, more-
over he is a fine singer, whereas F. . melanura has rather a
poor apology for a song, the cock's \-ocal elTorts being little
or no better than the hen's. It is a long time now since I
have seen either of these birds advertised in the Bird Market.
They are very desirable aviary birds.

My Red-shouldered Whydah cock came to me from
our member, Mr. G. I-^. Rattigan, in I believe, the spring of
1 91 3. He called it Bocage's Whydali, hut I think that the
Red-shouldered \\'hydnh is the bett(M- name. Until this year
it has had no chanc' of re])roducing its kind here, as I have,
had no hens with it that were unattached, but this year T was
able to furnish it wath a mate. The cock is a heavily built
bird, and, wli 'n in colour, is a rich i^lack. A patch of scarlet
on the shoulders is ver)- cons])icu')Us wlicn the bird is display-
ing or in fli,Liht : the wing coverts are ed,ged with brown. A
noticeabk fc^aturc is the bird's beak, which is large and of a
pale bluish-grey. J-'rom the commencement of the season he
paiil the hen a good deal of attention, and about the middle
of Jul) h(- indui cd Iut to go to nes(. This was built in a
low bush, but I am unable to say whether it was the work
of th " cock or of the hen, as I was away at the time, and
orily found il after my return. Il then contained eggs of both
the Red-sli(Hddered and tlve Red-colK'ired Wiiydahs, and I
photographed them just as they were, afterwards removing
them for my collection. The Red-shouldercd's eg,us were
vftitc, blotched and s|)eckled with red. After this failure ho
built her a nest in a creeper, a thinly woven domed affair.
This the hen linetl with some fine grass, and again laid two
eggs whilst she was sitting, which she did rather unsteadily
The cock had many fights with the Crimson-crowned Weavers,
and the young Ked-( ollared Whydah and was easily able to
keep tlien away from the vicinity of his nest. After twelve
day.-, incubation one egg hatched ; the other disappeared.
The little one only Ii\eil two days, so one more failure is
to bv- added to my records. When the cock is displaying to

2r)2 N est} no; of Hawfinch and Whydah.

the hen, he puffs up the feathers at the bark of tlic neck and
spreadr> his wings and rather short tail, liis bil) nearly touching
that of the hen, a nd retnains rigid for several seconds. I
have frec|uently tried to gte.t a photo of him in this position,
but without success. In this attitude the scarlet patch on the
shoulder, looks very pretty, and he reminds one ver/ strongly
of the Red-shouldered Blackbirds and Troupials. The song
is a harsh wheeze, and quite unworthy of the name of nmsic,
but he certainly puts his heart into it.

Stray Notes.

By Lt. B. Hamilton Scott R.E.A:

I have just recently seen a very bratttiful Australian
Broadtail belonging to a lady in this distrx:. This bird has
been in her possession over 22 years, and was brought by
a friend from South Australia. He is a fine bird and shows
not the slightest sign of age, either in beak, claw or plumage.
I guessed from her previous descriptions that he was a
Bauer's and I verified it on my visit by comparing him with
the illustration in "Bird Notes," p. 123, Vol., 1910. Like
most other Bauer's and Barnard's, he is very vicious to certain
people. Apart from his beautiful colourings and great agC;
he is quite a performer; he will dance and whistle " Weel
may the keel row," when asked to by his mistress, and also
say a few words.

I thought this might be of interest as showing the
age a Broadtail will live in a cage. The whole time this
lady has had him he has only been out of his cage once !

Cardinals: Here is another little episode I should
like to mention: I have had for the last three years in a
natural garden aviary a pair (so called) of Red Crested
Cardinals, I now have no doubt they are both cocks. During
July they did a great deal of " sparring " and 1 was wonder-
ing if any member had noticed how this species (and perhaps
other Cardinals as well) actually do fight. I had one splendid

stray Notes. 263

opportunity of observing them: they were both on the ground,
when one jnade a sudden dash at the other. They both rose
straight into the air to the top of the aviary (i.sft.) singing
all the time and fluttered towards the ground, facing -each
other. Their chief object seemed to be to " get to grips "
with their feet, which they ultimately did just before reaching
the ground. Each one had the other one's leg tightly gripped,
and there they sat with heads back and crests raised and their
tails spread out behind them. Neither seemed to have the
advantage, and thus they sat for fifteen seconds. I only wish
I could have had a camera handy and have snapped them,
Then one must have relaxed his grip, for they dashed apart,
both singing. The sight of these two fighting caused a Dom-
inican Cardinal in an aviary some distance away to sing
louder than I have ever heard him before.

wSome weeks ago I liberated some young English
Turtle Doves {Tiirtur turtur), bred in the aviary this year.
I thought it would be 'rather interesting to see whether,
after two generations of captivity, they had any migratory
instinct left in them. At the present time (October 8th) they
are still about. I have not seen any of their wild brethren
for some clays now, I might add that one of the old birds
(the grandparent of the young at liberty) I have had for the
last eleven years. I bought the pair uhen at school from a
man who had reared them two years previously from eggs
placed under a Barbary Dove. At 13 years he looks as lit
as any young bird of last year.

Flycatcher and Butterfly: I always understood
that practically all insectivorous birds a\oided capturing and
eating any species of British Butterfly. However, about the
last week of August 1 saw a spotted Flycatcher fly after and
catch a large while cabbage butterfly, which she {jromptly
gave to one of her fully fledged young which was silting with
two others on the dead branch of a birch tree. 1
knew that most birds were very partial to moths, especially
the large yellow undcrvving — and I ha\e seen a Robin enjoy-
ing> a meal off a large Poplar Hawk Moth. But this is the
first instance in which 1 have seen u bird capturing and eat-
ing a butterliy.

264 Unique Hybrid.

An Unique Hybrid.

By Fl.-Lt. R. S. De Q. Quincey, R.N.A.S,

When at home, on leave, I noticed that my one re-
maining hybrid Parson X Long- tailed Grasshnch (c^) was
taking' a lot of interest in a nes! of sticks |and hay that he had
built in a Hartz-cage (hanging outside the birdroom in the
bottom aviary) ; but as he had built many nests at odd times,
I gave the occurrence only passing notice, even when 1 saw
an odd hen Ruficauda Finch at the same nest.

However, on the last day but one of my leave, I heard
an unusual noise (a noise which no bird in that aviary would
make) and sooq I saw a small drab-coloured bird, obviously
one which had just left the nest. At once I thought of the
hybrid and the Ruficauda, and at .the same moment down came
the male hybrid, which began to feed the infant. About a
minute later the Ruficauda Finch joined these two.

There could be no doubt about its parentage, though
a double cross, almong finch-like 'birds, is,, I believe, almost un-
heard of.

On a closer inspection, at an age, I imagine, of about
18-20 days, this bird appeared to be drab-brown above, with
a black beak, eye-line and bib (about the same size as the
bib of a Bib Finch); while below it appeared to be a dirty
greyish colour with a faint green tinge (I believe the latter
has now become more distinct).

A letter from home, dated October 1 3th, states that
this young Taird is fending for itself, and Hying in and out of
the bird-room.

The other occupants of the aviary are : a crowd of
Gouldian Finches, a Flair-crested Bunting, a pair of Indian
Red-headed Bullfinches and a hen Orange Weaver.

I was very much surprised and jnuch regretted that I
had not been able to see the whole lepisode. I imagine such a
cross is very unusual, probably unique— though of course, a
Parson Finch looks very much like a Long-tailed Grass-
finch, at an>- rate iii colouration. j

Baktoh Aviary Notes, igi6. 265

It i? curious that this should be the only breeding
rcsuh of the season, and that in September ! The babe
must have been hatched on one of the last days of August, as
it left the nest on September iith. [The only detail I can
add is, thai the hybrid's legs are salmon-pink; of course, the
plumage is only immature. I trust we shall be able to winter
it. and see what the adult plumage will be.— R. de Q.Q.],

Bakloh Aviary Notes. Part II.

(Continued from page 246).

EXIKACTS FROM LETTERS FROM, AM) DiARV BV E. G.

M. Perreau, with Notes bv Major G. A. Perreau.

Nesting of Red-billed Babblers {Stacliyrhidopsis
ruficeps), and Tailor Birds {Ortfwtomus sutorius).

April 27th. — Noticed Tailor Birds carrying something

into hydrangea bush, did not look. Red-billod Babblers' eggs
warm.

April 29th. — You will laugh .at my attempts at keeping
a bird diary, they are the merest jottings. Yesterday, all by
myself, and by observation 1 found the Tailor Birds' nest,
half finished in the hydrangea quite high up (say 4|feet),
three or four leaves bent over, and sewn together. I'd seen
them fussing and otTered some of my best selected lengths of
cotton, but on watching them' I saw him carrying fluff out of a
husk, so 'gingerly went to investigate, quite time that I did.
I do hope it will come off. TIu' Rock Thrush lady, lis very
fit and all over the place; the cock is very handsome, too
lovely to live at times but an outside lady seems attractive to
him, 1 try to get out in the afternoons to see something for
you, but e.\.pect it is a poor attempt. Tell me the things you
want to hear about most.

May 2nd. — L. Had inspection yesterday. Red-billed
Babblers sitting tight. The Tailor Birds' nest is sweety one big
leaf for the bottom and 3 others bent downwards and back-
wards for the bides and sewn on to the bottom one, and a

2(i6 Bakloli Aviary Notes, 1916,

very thick layer oF Huff, very soft nesting- materials all rounfl
the inside tilling up all the i orners, a very small slit opening
near the top, the side leaves only partly .sewn, and the whole
nest is really more fluff than leaf, which is unusual, isn't it?
But I suppose that is owing to the tenderness of the leaves.
(So much Huff is unusual; I, too, think it is owing to leaves
being tender. — G.A.P.). Paradise Flycatcher (|uite strong and
flitting about a lot, great interest is taken in it here, and Major
Collins wants to photograph it, I'm encouraging th's desire.

May 4th. — Tailor Birds ha\-e two eggs. J did not see
the nest yesterday. Babblers sitting very tight — still eggs.
Lady Rock Thrush very well but a bit shy when mealworms
are being given out — one has to take pains with her.

May 5th. — Red-billed iiabblers seem to be feeding.

May 6th. — Tailor Birds have 4 eggs. Red-billed
Babblers have young. I Left yesterday, and it was warm and
soft and wriggly.

May 7th. — Babblers have 2 young, I give many meal-
worms, but the old birds don't seem to sit much, I do hope'
they will grow up alright. They are crying for food but 1
believe the mealworms are too big to feed the young on.
They go in with a worm and coinc out again with it. " What
can I do "? I do wish I knew more about the subject.. (I
wrote a letter advising net sweepings, insects from lamp and
water basin game and cut up mealworms, hand-fed to old
birds if possible, against the time the Babblers should hatch
buit I fear my letter was late. — G.A.P.).

May 9th. — Paradise very lively, not frightened, but
flying on to the wires and shrieking a lot though there are
no others al)oivt close and no hens, wings really wonderfully
strong. 1 go on feeding with mealworms. Tailor-birds —
still eggs — the hen seems to do most of the sitting by day
at any rate. Babblers have certainly one young still.

May loth. — Very cold, rain, rain, rain, like early July,
i think the Tailor Birds will soon be washed out.

May 12th. — I've got dreadful news for you. TJie
Paradise was found dead this morning. I went for Dila
Ram, as it was pure starvation, he must have left off his feed-
ing the usual twice a day. I gave my usual in between

Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6. 267

times. Mealworms are getting a bit scarce, as they're beetl-
ing tremendously and I doubt if he gave enough. (Also I
doubt if he gave proper food, his job, but gave the ordinary
stuff as for the rest and did not change that often,, when he
found it uneaten — the swab. — G.A.P.).

Then the young Babblers are not, I looked in the nest
and found nothing, 1 can only suppose it was a mouse or
other bird. T Might be, but I thhik food was the reason. —
G.A.P.). I told you they did not seem happy after the young
arrived. It"s most depressing, they're fussing about inside.
If they build again, what do I do? I'ailor Birds are all
right bur it's a terrible downpour for them. I don't get all
the time I should like, to stay and look at them and I prob-
ably do not see things quickly. '

May 13th, — Last night on way back from the Mess
fairly early I saw an "Ant" and fled home to rouse the
compound. They all played up bar perhaps Dila Ram,
and we got quite a lot on the Range Road. Then my funny
Kbit reported lots on the lawn and I came back to find the
back lawn (too near the house for my liking. — G.A.P.), a
seething mass. The Ayah had filled a tin and Daphne was
covered with them and as happy as you please. I've never
seen anything like it, we all worked like niggers, cows were
not thought of and Daffy was left as she was till dark. We
did quite well, 9 bottles and tms full as well as heaps in my
net. I'm trying to dry them to-day, I don't know how, but
they're getting on and I'm working very hard. One of the
Tit.s looking seedy. (Daphne age \\ years should be a great
nature lover if she goes on as at present). — G.A.P.

May 1 5th. — Had worry with Dila Ram, will insist that
there's no fruit when there are lots of yellow blackberries
and mulberries, then he swears the birds don't eat tiiem.
Then as to net sweeping. Kira nakiii hai, billkul chaina,,
mausin chaina (Xo insects, none at all, it's not the season)
as usual, but he went and came back triumphant, with the same
words. About half an hour later I told luju 10 bring me the
net and I'd show him. lie began fumbling witii it, >aymg lie
was cleaning it, as there was Jul m 11. 1 seized it and of

course found all sorts of tiny live creatures there. Then he

;^68 Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6.

didn't understand how they got there. Now he really does go
out and as you know a few creatures turn up and every little
helps. My big net of live white ants is still lasting, I give
these myself. They like them now, did not seem to at first.
(Note: This is strange, unless birds were over-gorged with
wild ones coming into the aviaries; it seems to have been an
extraordinarily large flight and unusually close to the house.
Nets for white ants are ordinary large butterfly nets, those
for net sweeping are of thick drill on an old tennis racket,
double cloth on front of 'rim and at corners.— G. A. P.). My
dried white ants are not like yours, much blacker, and its
difficult to get them clean and separated from wings and
rubbish, because of the grease. (Note: It is rather tricky,
and too long to go into here ; these were probably over-
dried, but I lexpect they'll be^ good food all right if not quite
as succulent. — G.A.P.).

May 18. — Tailor Birds hatched. Mealworms very
scarce, all beetles, giving sweepings and still have a few live
white ant J and shall give dried ones soon.

May 19. — Tailor Birds have two lovely children. By
just lifting a leaf one can see right into the nest, 2 mouths
opened wide at me to-day, the whole width being about the
size of a pin head. Dila Ram says meat maggots are not
ready yet, he has two lots, and they smell vile. He sweeps
but does not get very mucJi. Have given cake and tnilk
the last few days, the; Tailors do not touch it, but Babblers
eat a bit.

May 2 1st. — All birds, including seedy Tits, are very
well, young Tailors very fat and fit. I can see into the nest
now without touching the bush at all. The bush is in lovely
flower now, just a mass of pinlc.

Both the .'parents are out a great deal now,
do not seem to sit witli young much. Had snake frights, saw
one coming out of a box in the aviary. Went to call thq
bearer, but it had disappeared, though I was only away a
few seconds. Wie had; a thorough search but found nothing,
so think it went out, it was a small thin one and could easily
have gone tlirough the wire. The birds soon calmed down, a
good sign. Anyhow the young Tailor birds are all right.

Baklo/i Aviary Notes, 191 6. g69

Pied Chats are nesting, since yesterday I've seen them taking
stuff into a box over the shelter door. Why can't they do
these things when you're here and can see it. They only die
off with me through some ignorant stupidity. (Note: Can any
aviculturist honestly say that he has ne\"er lost a bird through
his own sins, either of commission or omission, through
ignorance perhaps, but still really his own fault)? I've kept
very few insectivorous birds in the breeding season, and those
few Pekins and White Eyes had not much special attention,
they just took their chance' with the seed eaters and got no
insect food regularly. As on this date the Pied Chats have
started nesting and Tailors not finished their first round, so
to speak, I continue my wife's letters in this Part, omitting
all mention of Pied Chats. Part III, will, I think be longer
in any case.

It is curious that these Bush Chats should nest in a
bo.K and so high. I expect they did not like their mound,
fear of snakes perhaps, or that ass Dila Ram may have con-
tinued deluging it twice a day with water, a practice I
ordered when the mounds were new so as to get grass to bind
and to take off the newness of the artificial sites, but which
I had stopped before I Left. It all shows adaptability. The
Babblers, failing a thick bushy tree in which to build their
domed nest (one might almost call it thatched with green and
dead leaves) took to. a roomy (for the'm) box pretty well as
high up as they could get one and built a domed nest inside
the box, the thatching being much thinner than in a wild
nest. The Tailors not finding good tough hg leaves (the
round shaped ones) had to put up with tender hydrangea,
used more leaves and reinforced the nest with an extra amount
of lining.— G. A. P.).

May 26th. — Only one young Tailor can be seen but
it seems fit. Babblers still fussing about. Giving meat and
grubs as well now, great exertion getting them out of Dila
Ram. (Not over keen on maggots for young, especially as
D.R. won't clean them and I left tlieni out of my instruc-
tions.—G. A, P.).

270 Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6.

May 27th. — Tailors don't seem to be feeding young
properly, though very fit themselves and the one young bird
is looking very well.

I\Iay 28th. — You must come l)ack to see to the birds.
Those beastly Tailor Birds are building again. To my hor-
ror I saw the cock with cotton in his beak, so looked at the
nest and found it empty. First thought — snake; but we event-
ually found the body, only just dead, very nice and plump,
feathers on wings, back and Jiead, not hurt in any way, or
pecked; could it have tried to lly out by itself. Nest perfect,
so don't suspect other bird, no sign of other young bird or
the addled egg which werei tliere three days ago. The cock
has been shrieking at top of his voice (my poor wife. — G.A.P.)
I put it down to high feeding himself and boredom with feed-
ing the young. It was not my looking at the nest which
worried them ? ? ?

(Note: 1 think my wife is right as to reason, mice
might have caused desertion but the hydrangea tub is not
mviting for mice. Snake worries might have upset them
and looking at them might also have done it, but personally
I do not think so.

Babblers: Cock started nesting about 12th April, lien
helped about 1 6th, no eggs on 19th evening, three on 23rd
morning. Hatched on 5th May. Last young one died 12th
May.

Tailors: Nest half finished, 28th April; no eggs on
2nd May. two eggs on 4th, 4 eggs on 6th, hatched i8th; last
one died 28th May. — G.A.P.)

My Aviary and Birds.

By C. F. Crow.
The object of this article is not inspired by any idea of
enlightening members of many years study and experience,
but rather with a viciv to showing to iioviices what can, be
done in the way of aviculture in tJie centre of a large town
(Grinisby), and with a limited area of ground.

D
?1

My Aviary and Birds.

271

I was always fond of birds. After a breakdown in
health I was advised to keep in the fresh air as much as
possible, and J cannot imagine a more suitable hobby than
lav'iculturc, especially when violent exercise is barred. The
birds are of intense interest, summer and winter, and I shall
not attempt to count the number of happy healthy hours spent
in the garden, which would otherwise have been spent indoors.

KEY TO PLAN.

U- British Bird Aviary, as yet without a shelter.
A. A. A. A.— Various sections of Foreign Bird Aviary.
O.— Evergreen Shrubs.

272 My Aviary and Birds.

The Foreign Bird Avtarv: This had its beginnings
in June. 191 5. when' I was fortunntn enough to obtain a large
(rift, X 8ft.) polished teak Deck-Housc, taken from a steam
yach^ which had been dismantled for the purpose of conversion
into a fishing vessel. This, when erected in the garden and
suitably furnished, made an excellent " Outdoor Sitting-room/'
in which most of our unoccupied hours were spent.

Now the aviary begins tO; come in; its beginnings
.■were small indeed. With the deck-house I obtained a
quantity of teak, tongued and grooved boards, and it occurred
to me to build' a s'mall aviary between the "Outdoor Sitting-
room and "the outer east wall. This was done. It measures,
including shelter. 9^ft. x 3.jft. A good view of the aviary
is obtained from the outdoor sitting-room (see plan). I soon
found it 'was overcrowded and that if I wanted breeding results,
I mus' extend, so as to obtain a naturally planted flight. I
commenced by obtaining a wooden shed 8|^ft. x 6^ft. as an
additional shelter, fixing it against the outer east wall, some
15ft. distant from the out-door, sitting-room, and then netted in
the space between the two, to a width of 14ft., thus obtaining
a nice flight 15ft. x '14ft., as well as a good shelter for same.
The shrubs are mostly laurels, aurubas, and privets — 1 find
the growth of these is retarded by being under wire and the
nipping off of the young shoots by the birds, especially
Canaries. I had also reached' a decision to construct another
aviary for British birds (but I will refer to this later) as I
had formed the opinion that they were better kept apart from
foreign finches. I will now give a few notes of the birds I
ha\';' kept in the above aviary.

Melba Finches: I have only a male, he is in perfect
plumage, but inclined to be sluggish.

RUFICAUDA Finches : A very handsome pair, at least
three nests have been built, but, alas 1 no eggs have been laid.
The constant " j'gging " with nesting material of considerable
length by the cock is most amusing.

Zebra Finches : My pair have built at least six nests
and laid twenty-five eggs, but all were infertile. I think it
would be well to exchange your cock with some avicultural
friend. — Ed],

My Aviary and Birds. 273

Rock Bunting.- Only possess a male, but it is a fine
aviary bird, and does not molest the small birds.

Shaft-tailed Whydah : I was grieved to lose my
fine cock on October i 6th, the body when picked up was well
nourished, and it was in excellent condition generally, includ-
ing plumage. It was imported last June and appeared an
exceptionally strong bird, and the cause of its death is a
mystery. It had a peculiar habit of "hovering" in flight
over other birds, but did not appear to be vicious.

Cordon BleU: Have only recently obta'ned this bird.
She has paired with an Orange-cheeked W'axbill, but 1 fear it
is tO(j late for results this season.

COMB.\SOUS : I have two of this species, imported in
the early spring. One of them has come into perfect colour,
but the other only partially so, most probably owing to its
being a newly imported bird and climatic conditions here
retarding the moult.

Java Sparrows: Two pairs have rested, but all "ggs
have been infertile, I am inclined to doubt the sex of some,
and the Oreys appear aged, which may account for the dis-
appointing result. I intend getting fresh b'ood bc^oie anothe.-
season when 1 hope for better luck.

Sai-I-ROX l-ixcms: These nested in a small box in
the open, laid a clutch of four eggs, and fully reared two
strong young birds. But that is not the end of the story,
worse luck! The parent birds murdered a fla'f-masked
VVeaver, the third day after being placed in the aviary— they
also attacked other birds and made thamselves so generally
objectionable tliat 1 had to disjnjbe <jf ihcm. .A success and a
disaster !

Taiia and Half-.ma.sked Weavers : I purchased
these handsome birds in the pink of condition, 1 hey had t!ie
experience of being de!a)ed on la!! many hours by a Zej)iie-
lin raid. Both died violent deaths, the former by an Orange
Weaver, and the latter by the Saffron Fmches,

274 My Aviary and Birds.

Red-billed Weavers: I have found their indefatig-
able nest building most interesting, as well as the birds them-
selves, but alas ! there have been no eggs.

ScALV-CROWNED FiNCiiES: I purchased these of a
London dealer in fine feather. They soon showed signs of ill-
health. Mr. Ernest Suggitt was called in and advised im-
mediate removal to the kitchen stove, and the result was
astonishing. I kept 'them in the house for three weeks, and
then transferred them to the aviary. They are now nesting in
a cork -bark nest outside the shelter, and eggs are about due to
hatch, and I trust success may crown their efforts. They are most
daring little birds, will attack any other bird that approaches
their domicile. T-.n for the timely advice of Mr. Suggitt, I
fear that I should have lost these interesting mites.

Fire Finches.- These are beautiful and interesting.
They have nested on three occasions, but each time their
nests have been molested by other birds, probably ribbon
finches, who are thieves of nesting material.

Singing Finches: Most lively and interesting birds
for an outside aviary, but are inclined to be pugnacious,
especially with Canaries or birds of similar colour. They roost
in shrubs, summer and winter.

Ribbon Finches: Had better luck with these birds-
six young birds have been fully reared and results would
have been better still had I not disturbed them while nesting—
they resent their eggs or young being handled. I have found
several nestlings dead outside the nests.

Spice Finches: These nested and four eggs were
deposited in the nest ; a little later the hen was found dead
in the nest. i ■ i

Indigo Bunting : Most active, beautiful and charm-
ing bird for the general aviary.

Alario Finch: The cock is a happy little chap,
possesses quite a nice song, but he is exceedingly bad man-
nered and greedy on the seed-tray.

My Aviary and Birds. 216

SiLVERBiLLS: Ilaix only recently obtained a mate for
my odd cock, but they immediately paired up and built in
a rush nest, of course I am as yet unable to say with what
result.

AlthouL;h the breeding results during the past fifteen
months have been poor, the mortality has been very low. I
have made a mistake in buying odd birds of doubtful agie,
and 1 attribute my poor breeding results to this fact, and
also that I have too many odd cocks in the aviary. Before
another season I intend levelling up matters and shall hope for
bettor results.

Ir. the matter of greenfood during the winter and early
spring I find that a few wild seeds thrown from timel to time^
into the fiight, and lightly covered with earth,, provide ;an
excellent food and tonic. I set a fiew artichokes in the early
spring, but they were all eaten and not allowed to grow. 1
also grow Mulcin seeds, which are a tit-bit for most foreign
birds. ^

BRITISH BIRD AVIARY.

This is already a misnomer, but I must follow out the
plan of description with which L commenced — this flight, f4ft.
X 8Ui., was erected for the British birds, which 1 considered
would be better scparaied from the foreign species. 1 did
not provide any shelter as the back wall was thickly co\ered
with ivy and I coiisidered this would supply sufiicient protec-
tion fur indigenous species.

With the ground plan and photos further description,
is uncalled for, though I had better remark cti passant that
my intention for this aviary is to reserve it for large birds,
when a suitable shelter has been adcicd thereto. A few nf)tes
as to the inmates.

C.ALll Ok.M.A.N (,)IA1I.: These arc not satisfactory birds
for a small aviary. They uani much room and plenty of
ground cover, otherwise tliey are gi\ en to fright, and conse-
quent damage to many nests. Jhey laid nmety eggs, but
made no attempt to iin ubate.

270 My Aviary and Birds.

Gi.OSSV SiARi.iNG: This bird was in superb condition
until attacked by the cock Californian Quail (I have since
disposed of the quails). He. is extremely tame, and his
chatter and mannerisms are most amusing.

Chaffinches: They have made no attempt to nest,
but I have reason to believe that they destroyed three
nests belonging io the Goldfinches.

Goldfinches : Three nests in all were built, and
thiitcen eggs (were laid, but there was no result, owing to the
peisccution of the Chaffinches.

Greenfinches: Three nests were bu'.lt in the ivy and
eight young were hatched out, but only three were fully reared.
The young appear to get puffy and waste away when about
six weeks old. I am' incli^icd to think tlris is due to want
of sufficient natural food.

Redpolls: These were mischievous, tame, and
interesting birds, but they made no attempt whatever to nest.

More recently I have rc-transforred some of the British
birds back to the 'Foreign hud aviary, anci am reser\niL4 tlu;
British bird aviary for larger birds, such as Glossy Starling,
and in the spring, after providing additional shelter, intend
turning out a pair of Large Hill rvlynahs and a Blue-cheeked
Barbet. (at present in cages), and hope they will do well
therein.

[ cannot close this article w^ithout addin_g a few words
of grateful thanks to our worthy Editor, also Messrs. Robt.
and Ernest Suggitt, Mr. E. E. Bently, and others for their
willing help and advice, without which 1 should, most probably,
have made imany more errors than 1 liave done. I much ap-
preciate the value of the membership of the F.B.C., among
v.'hosi; members tlercl is a genuine desire to assist one another.
Long may it coiiiinue.

Correspondence . 277

Correspondence.

HISTORy OF THE BUDGERIGAR.

Sir, — IVIsy I correct some misprints and misplacements, which I
notico in the different instalments of the " History of the Budgerigar."
Tlie first are of minor importance but some of the second make those
potions of the article, which they mar, difficult to follow even by

• Yours faithfully,

THE WRITER.

CORRlUIiSDA.

I'age 68, line i6, for " Batcherrygah " read " Betchtcherrygah."
Page 69 line 14, for " Nanodeg " read " Nanodes."

I'agt' 130, line 10, omit the asterisk, as the footnote to which it refers

is absent, not, I hopKi, blue pencilled as noxious. [The footnote

wa« not b/ue pencilled, but went astray someho.v. — Lu]. It is as

follows : " It will be remembered how much more numerous cocks

were than hens both among imported and the earlier aviary bred

birds. — E.H."

I'aij'' I'l. the small print commencing with line 15 was written as a
foot-note, and should have been printed as such ; it refers to the
asterisked words " Blue Budgerigars " in line 13. As printed, the
passage can only read as the commencement of my quotation from
M.-. Millsum's ' Bird Notes'" article, whereas this quotation really
begins with the August instalment, page 20c.

I'age 202. first foot-note. Thi> should have been on the previous page
a^ i'. refers to paragraph four there. .Second foot-note, correctly
placed, a? it refers to line i of this page, but the note needs
ail asterisk to indicate its reference.
Gambia, 28-9-'! 6.

THE SEASON, 1916.

Sir, -Our bird.; have not done badly tliis year, for we have had
Ncry little time to give to them. The Gouldian Finches are in superb
fyrn\ but as far cs I can see they have buf two youngsters- among
i\\:- lot of them.

Vh'- T'urple Sunbirds constructed a flimsy nest in an upturned
broom the three cgg> fell down through the hairs of it. I tried
ti pi<-!. ihr.T up 2nc s»:f.j:or! the nest j bit, the hrn sat patiently
for week', and weeks on the place whfre she Laid :kcm ! Of cojric it was
ill wa~ted effi/r;.

(Mrs.) E. SCOTT.

;si78 Correspondence.

OCCURREiXCE CF I'HE RED-THROATED PIPIT IN DEVON.

Sir,— It may nterest readers of " B.N." to learn that I saw a fine
specimen of the Red-throated Pipit {Aiithiis ccrviiiiis, Pallas) on September'
22nd last, on one of the higher creeks of the River Dart, S. Devon.
It was a cock bin in full plu:ii;i,L;c and excellent condition, and was so
tame that I was al Iq to study it for some time.

Or referring to my edition of Morris' British Birds, published in
1870, I find his plate of this bird most accurate in colouring, and ati
that date he writes :

I have much satisfaction in giving for the first time a figure of this

bird as a British one " and states, ' that it had been seen in the

neighbourhood f)f Dunbar and Edingburgh- but this species inli.ibits

" principally the South and East of Europe. It is also found m the

" American and .Asiatic Continents and likewise in Japan."

I shall be interestel to learn if any of your readers have seen
the bird in their districts, or if it is still a rare bird in Great Britain.
Pahbacombe , October 3i-'i6. THEO. FOSTER.

[Howard Saunders in his Manual of Brit. Birds (1809 I'^ditio.i:,
gives the following occurrences: March 13, 1884, a bird-catchor ')rought
to the late Mr. -Swaysland, of Ilrighton, a specimen of this species —
—it was examined in the flesh by Mr. J. H. Gurney, and duly recorded
in the Zoologist. In the Zoologist, 18S4 (p. 272), Mr. ^^■alter Prcntis
stated that in Ap"il, 18.S0 he shot an example of th's species at.
Rainham in Kent, while it was feeding and singing among the freshly-
turned furrows behind his plough— both these specimens were later examined
by the late Dr. R. B. Sharpa, and the former was exhibited by him at
a meeting of the Zoological Society, April i, 1S84. Up to that year no
thoioughly authenticated British-killed example was known, although to the
late Mr Bond possessed a genuine specimen of th^ bird labelled " Unst.,
May 4, 1854," pu ihased at the sale of the collection of the late Mr.
Troughton. Subsequently, as recorded by Mr. F. Coburn (Zoologist, 1896,
p. loi), an example was obtained near St. Leonard's, Sussex, on Nov.
13, '895- 'ind thi i was exhibited at a meeting of British Ornitholo-
gists' Club in the ollowing December. There have probably been many
latC'- occurrences.— Ei).] .

Bird Notks

I'ltidii W. Shore Bail!/,
('riiuson-i'iiiL;t'il Wlivdiili's Nest.

Al! nghf; reserved. December, 1916.

BIRD NOTES:

THE

JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

The Crimson-Ringed Whydah.

( Penthetria laticauda).
By Wi\i. Shore Baily.

A very fine coloured drawing' of this handsome bird
by Mr. Goodchild appeared in the November number of
B.N. for the year 191 i. Thel species at that time was
pra(ti(ally unknown to avicuhurists, the few birds that had
reached this country being either in the hands of e.K-
hibitors, or at the Zoo. In 191 4 Mr. E. W. Harper brought
over a few from East Africa, and of these I secured a oock
and two hens. The cock, when in colour, is black; the back,
wing coverts and a patch on the thighs heavily striated with
brown ; the crown of the head and a wide ring around the
neck crimson. 1'hey are considerably larger »than their cousins
(/-'. ardens). My male was a long' time coming into colour,
and was not in full breeding dress until August; I think
that this was probably the reason why they did not breed.
He built three nests; one in a bush, another in a conifer'
and the tliird in a bunch of grass (sec i)late). This last
was ver)- neatly built, and was much like that of the Jack-
son's (D. Jacksom), but instead of being on the ground,
was abouf two feet above! it. Unfortunately he was unable
to persuade either of his mates to take possession of it al-
though I occasionally saw one of them making a casual
inspcitioii of ii. In the article on tliis bird already mentioned
it is said to construct playing grounds, after the manner of
I), jacksoiit, but my male made no ^uch attempt here, although
there was every facility for his doing so. Moreover, his dis-

280 The Criinson-r!n<rcd Whydah.

play was totally different, and I never saw it take place upon the
ground. I noted neither he nor his mates were at all partial
to the ground, and seldom alighted except to drink. The
hens were very retiring birds, and spent much of their time
in the recesses of a laurel, or else hiding under the over-
hanging leaves' of the wild convolvulus, with whi(-h the
aviary was somewhat overgrown. During the heat of the day
the cock rested in similar situations, but in the early mornings
and late evenings he was very restless and acti\c, his dis-
plays then being very frequent and "his song incessant. At
one time he will sink his head into his shoulders, drop his
wings like a pheasant or common fowl, his tail being carried
horizontally; at another he will hold his body very erect with
his breast well stuck out and his tail spread to its full ex-
tent, and close his eyes as if in an ecstasy (see photo).
Occasionally 1 have seen him hovering over the hen in much,
the same way as the Pintail ('/. principal's) is so fond of
doing. His song, which is quite a long one. is practically
inaudible, except for the last note, which resembles the croak-
ing of a frog. I cannot say that his wives seemed much
imp essed by either his singing or displaying.

Bakloh Aviary Notes. Part III.

{Continued from page 270).

Extracts from Letters from, and Diary by E. G.

M. Perreau, with Notes by Major G. A. Perreau.

Breeding of Pied-Chats and Tailor-Birds. iMay
22nd. — Pied Chats are nesting in box over shelter door about
7 feet up.

May 22nd. — ;Pied Chats are nesting in box over shelter
door abou*^ 7 feet up.

May 26th. — Pied Chats busy with flulf, no eggs.

May 28th.— Tailor Birds young dead, nesting again,
new nest is in fig1 leaves, only a little sewing at present.
Birds in splendid plumage and very noisy.

May 30th. — Pied Chats have 4 or 5 eggs. Terrific
storm yesterday, which rather knocked hydrangea about, the

B*
crq

Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6. 2<S1

heavy flower heads flop down a bit. On inspection to-day
found a new Tailor Bird's nest, almost finished^ quite close
to the tirst. Gave me a shock, I knew they were building,
but I put it down as being in another plade and I did not
expect such rapidity. Failed to^ get a shot at a snake in
Swifts' nest in the verandah, servants frightened it away
before I could get the gun.

June 3rd. — Tailor birds have 3 eggs. Pied Chats
still have eggs; noisy, fussy lady she is.

June 9th. — More bad news, D.R. reports one of the
Red-billed Babblers in near aviary is missing, I'm sure he's
let it out he's very careless about shutting doors behind him,
and in this weather the wood warps and the weight does not
close door properly, also he's very careless about " shooing
away " the birds from the door when he takes in mealworms.
No "body" can be found an,ywhere, but I haven't seen one
around aviary outside. Still I think it got out. D.R. says
it died as the young died, then he tried a snake and fifty
other excuses. I'm very sorry about it. D.R. has been
extra slack I expect of late, as he knows I'm terribly rushed
with no Ayah, and being with the children all day.

You're really saying quite pretty things to me about
my bird notes — birds really are quite interesting creatures,
and your chair in the verandah is most comfy, but they do
want time, and that 1 have'nt had lately.

June I I th.— Pied Chats have young. Tailors sitting
hara

June I 6th.— Tailors have one young just hatched. Pied
Chats young going on all right.

June 17th. — Hen Tailor Bird sits and she feeds, but
neilhe • seem to take food to young. Pied Chats both feed
mealwonns to their young, but sit \'cry little, and spend much
time on hran(-h outside nest, screaming at it.

J una 20th. — Both Tailor Birds seem to feed young
will; dried white ants.

June 24th.— Tailors, 2 young (and i ^gg) and Pied
Chats young (still in nest) doing well. Mealworms coming

282 Bakloh Aviary Notes, 1916.

on well, there is that "just moving mass" in the meal that
means lots of worms and they are of different growths too,
which is a good thing. Fearful rain lately.

June 26th. — Not seen much of birds owing to fever,
still very shaky. Tailor-birds young being fed; 2 young
Pied Chats out, and sitting in branches high up in the shelter,
a good place ; two little ]>ets much fussed over and fed by
both parents. Are they coming out direct as cock and hen?
One is very brown and very speckled like ma, only more
variegated, with whiter front, and has speckling at the throat
like a sort of bib, the other looks so much blacker all over.

June 27th. — I don,t know how long you are going to
be away at the war, but assuredly you will not find me in
this little world if you don't come back soon. To-day I killed
an enormous snake in the aviary. Birds showed it to me.
Of course D.R. said there was no stick at all and no snake. ' Bil-
kul chaina ! as usual Then the two coolies rolled up full of joy,
they beat the grass in the far aviary, and eventually saw it
in the Cjuail dug-out, poked it out and missed it. while 1
watched the av'ary verandah; of course it slipped up there
into the big box in the far corner. The Khansamah now
strolled up and took command, and stuffed up the hole with
a jharun (duster), and proceeded to cut down the wiring of
the boN ! — sorry, but this had to be done. A second en-
trance was discovered, and a coolie whipped oft" his skull
cap, found it too small, so took off his waistcoat to stuff up
the hole. D. R. all this time was inside — a nice safe place.
Finally the box was brought forth and put on the lawn,
one hole undone, and the snake poked. By this time the
orderly, and about half the bazaar I should think, ha-d
rolled up, all armed with sticks, and stood round. Snake
refused to move (Note : It is not noticeable from outside
but this box has two- separate compartments, so probably
the beast could not g"et out of the other hole. — G.A.P.) I
got the 28 bore walkings stick gun and dustshot cartridges,
did my ' usual " and amidst wild excitement the head and
about four inches was dragged out and then — yards. I felt
very sick, rushed away, and had hysterics. It was a bit of a

Bakloh Aviary 'Notes, 191 6. 283

doing foi me. as I was just crawling after a bad go of fever,
and a snake has not tlic most soothing effect on me at the
best of times. But I got it! Honestly, D.R. would never
have done it even if he'd seen it.

(Note: D.R. would certainly never have seen it, though
the birds give away the presence off a, snake in a most unmis-
takeable way, and of course the young Chasts' at least would
have vanished. My wife's " usual " consists of putting the
muzzle of the gun into the snake hole and pulling the trigger,
a most dangerous game. She's done this several times before
and about which I've spoken to her, apparently without effect.
This snake was evidently a dhamin (rat snake), and harmless
as regards poison, the others were very deadly snakes, Rus-
sell's V'ipers, and one willingly takes a risk if one tinds them
close to the house. Even the wriggling of a worm makes my
wife uneasy, so I don't wonder at her bolting after hnishing
the job.— G. A. P.)

The birds seem to have survived the snake fight all
right, but every bird has shrieked for an hotir and the nurs-
ing mothers had hysterics, and it's just pandemonium ; my legs
arc water and my bead's going round like a teetotum. Hope you
can read this. I'm sitting out with the birds (ought to have
been in bed. — G.A.P.) and have given some soothing meal-
worms, and things are gradually quietening down. The P.
Chats will nest again; I fancy, at least the lady intends to,
ek dun: (at once if not sooner), hope she won't stop feeding,
the cock seems more intent on going on feeding.

June 28th. — Two young P. Chats quite well, being fed
so fai. Only i youngi and i 0,%%, in Tailor Birds' nest, there
were 2 young on 24th, no trace of corpse, but I was rather
shaky and grass was long I D.R. reports one Red-billed
Babbler missing in far aviary, suggests snake, don't believe
it (nor do I, a snake takes some time to catch a bird by
daylight unless in a box. — G.A.P.)

^ June 29th. — Saw long grass snake in far aviary at 6

p.m., an hour at which it is hard to find servants. W'e had
a thorougli search without any result. This was a real one,

284 Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6.

but I feel that I can see snakes at any moment. Two
young Cl.at. are very well, and take things most calmly, though
they can fly very well. I haven't seen them feeding them-
selves, yet, but they arc well fed by both parents. I was
mistaken as to difference in their plumage, both are alike
brownish and speckled like Ma. Ma is a terrible fusser.
One young Tailor still in nest, very fat and fit. Am having
grass in aviaries cut and wistaria trimmed and cut back.

June 30th. — Baby Tailor Bird is out! I can just see
it in the hydrangea being fed by Ma. I do hope it will live.
I'm not breathing at present. It does seem a shame so little
decent food can be got to you— the mealworms here are so
well fed. (Things have greatly improved since then. — G.A.P.)

July 1st. — Baby Tailor all over the place during the
day and back in the hydrangea at 6 p.m. Saw Three young
Chats to-day, always was doubtful as to there being only two.
One is d.fiierent from the others but dark form predominates.

July 3rd. — The baby Tailor Bird is a little pet, no
tail whaievei, very fluffy and white in front and nice greenish
grey on back, about tlie size of a bumble bee, flies not at
all bad.y and is simpxy a luce aivil, completely runs iU
parents. Put itself to bed in the verandah. I of course,
threw fits and tried to get it back into its nest and put on
on greatcoats, and mufflers. 1 do hope it will live. I spend
much time dodging that beastly Rock Thrush over live food.
1 i.ave just now put a plate of cut-up mealworms on top of
the cages in the verandah, as the Infant was sitting in the(
branches just above. See that thing call up Pa and Ma, it
just yelled and howled at the sight of food. I wave a flag
at the Rock Thrush, it's very funny how the Tailors don't
mind it a bit they know perfectly well that it's for him and
not for them.

July 4th. — Young Chats well but can only sec two.
Those beastly Tailor Birds are going to nest again, can they
do it three times? (Wild ones prefer August to June. —
G.A.P.) I thought I'd done with these children. I shall
never get through a nother nest with all their live food

Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6. 285

and shooing off other iiirds. I shall strangle that Rock
Thrush some day, turn your back for a second and some
hours' work is gone in a few gulps. The infant does nothing
for itself, yet so if parents take to nesting, be prepared for
the worst. Mealworms will be' well on by time the next
young come out, that's something.

July 5th. — Three young Chats, v'ery dark speckly over
head, and back varying into very dark brown, almost black
tail, very dark wings (the long feathers), the upper-parts
darkish brown and speckly with bits of white, not like uniform
brown of hen, pale brown fronts. Parents seem to have
given up the idea of nesting again.

Tits looking only fairly well, moulting heavily and one
doing so badly. Babbler in far aviary very bad, put it in
a cage, the one in near aviary not too fit.

July 6th. — Babbler in cage died, rather light but a
full crop and well covered breast bone. (Note: The warm
deluge of the " rains " seems to try most birds, especially
Australian, far hiore than the cold rains and snow of winter;
probably old food is the danger here, a clean up would
also do no harm, especially just before the rains. — G.A.P.).

July 8th.— Chats are feeding themselves a little at any
rate on live things, though still being fed by parents.

July 10th. — Tailor Bird growing a tail and gohig
very strong. It seems to have deterred its parents front
nesting again. It bosses them entirely. The Chats arc feed-
ing themselves a good bit. They are very pretty now, their
plumage is so variegaled. Shoulders very speckled yellowisli
and brown, then a band of light yellowish and then iiuite
dark tips to the wings and tail. Head dark brown, breast
ashy but browner and more speckled by throat and neck and
then changing to> a more uniform colouration. Trobably this
one is a cock, anothei is certainly less variegated and less
^marked in colour, though not the uniform brown of the hen.

July 1 2lh. — Tailor's tail growing apace, parents not
nesting. All youngsters doing well.

286 Bakloh Aviary Notes, 1916.

July 1 5th.— Chats practically feeding thelnselves
though I can't be certain that parents have entirely given
up feeding them. Of course the Demon Child won't feed
itself, though its parents are trying to get it on to cake. I'm
sure it can feed itself.

July 16th. — The infant which is now exactly like its
parents, except for a shorter tail was discovered wolfing
cake, but parents still feed it, though it seems unnecessary?
The Chats are well grown up. Can't you get gold medals?
I'd love you to get gold medals; and I've done such a lot,
caugh'. moths and insects at windows and in nets and in water,
lighted lamps all night, cut off mealworms in their tender
youth and induced Dila Ram to earn his pay almost. Won't
I do as a witness as it were? Those youngsters were always
on my mind (or rather my probable sins of omission were)
and you should have seen the fever stricken woman stag'-
gering round watching the pink snakes go by, trying at the
same "time to count young' birds and tempt them with hardly-
gained live food and shooing off giant robber birds. I'm
sending a rough diary. (Note: Observe the greed of the
female mind, gold medals indeed. Still I do think she",s
deserved them, and if any medal is awarded it should go to
her and not to me. What advice I gave would have been
useless without her energy and care. I've asked her to leave
the birds to Dila Ram., as she's apt to do too much; one
human Demon-Angel child gives her ample to do at the
present. No bird news for a week as my wife was ill in
bed, Dila Ram reporting that birds were all right. — G.A.P.)

■ July 23rd. — Nervous break-down is imminent. The
fever stricken woman staggered from her bed to the draw-
ing room window and there — did, she see three Tailor Birds
nests before Iher? — She did. Is not every law of Nature out-
raged by this? It's a beautiful little nest c|uite close to the
other two, almost finished, exquisitely sewn and stuffed.
Parents very busy and child is not fed when it asks — so it
just goes over and takes what ii wants out of Pa's mouth;
saw it take a mealworm. I saw it eating very heartily, so put

Bakloh Aviary Notes, 191 6. 287

this down to laziness (or greed. — G.A.P.). Infant very well.
so are the Chats and all the other birds including the Tits
and the Babbler. How any birds lived through this last six days"
deluge I can't imagine. There should be no difficulty as to
mealworms when next young do come, there are thousands
and thousands nearly fully grown and tiny and still beetles,
so all is well. Can't you get two gold medals for all this.
I'll try to get more data this time if necessary.

(Note: How persistent is woman? I think this a good
place to stop, other letters have " birdy " bits in them but
constitute another era so to speak. The Tailor Bird and Chat
young were all well and beyond doubt entirely independent
of their parents on August 3rd. I had previously written to
my wife for further detailis as to Chats' change of plumage. —
G.A.P.)

SUMMARY.

Pied Chat started building May 22nd. Xo eggs 26th.
Four or five e^gs 30th. Hatched June i ith, still in ne.st 24th,
two out 26th, third probably same date but three only noted
July 1st, beginning to feed 7th, practically independent 15th,
still alive and well August 3rd, quite independent.

Tailor Birds (second attempt) building on same date
last young died. May 28th, almost finished 30th, three eggs
June 3rd, I young just hatched i6th, noted 2 young, i egg
in nest on 24th, only i young on 28th, out 30th, returning
to nest at night, out for good July 3rd, started feeding July
1 6th, practically independent i 5th. Still alive and well August
3rd.— G.A.P.

(7"6> be continued).

288 Mesopotamian Birds.

Mesopotamian Birds.

Rr.PRlNTED FROM " THK TlMES," CUTTING SENT BY REV.

G. H. Raynor, M.A.
NOTES OF A NATURALIST.

A few notes of the birds which I saw wliile serving
in Mesopotamia may be of interest to naturalists and others.
At Basrah, at the end of February, my attention was caught
by the Kites and Buzzards hanging over the pahn-groves. A
Black Crow, exactly like the English Rook except that it had
no wattle above the beak, and a large Grey Crow visited the
camp, and I saw a flock of six Hoopoes among the palms.
On the way up the' Tigris early in March, the Greater King-
fisher was seeii in large numbers, a bold and noisy bird, pied
with a slight crest which it raises when alarmed. I saw also
several species of the extraordinarily interesting LiniicoLae. At
Orah. where we spent two days and nights ashore by the
Wadi, I noticed, besides White-throats and Tree Sparrows,
two distinct species of Gull — a bird like the Ivory Gull and
the Blaciv-headed Gull, which may be found nesting in the
marshes hundreds of miles inland. Some oif these were getting
up their spring plumage, having already blue-black heads
and blood-red beaks and feet. At Sheikh Saad, about March
I I, a pleasing sight was the harriers hunting for their prey,
flying just above the ground with their long narrow wings and
long tails (dark brown to bluish grey, male and female),
then circling round with a perfect gliding motion and but
little movement of the wings, and then suddenly moving oft
with another rapid glide. (It was at Sheikh Saad, also, that
at the end of June. I saw a Flamii\go, flying low).

On March 20 migratory birds were first observed at
Orah; Sand Grouse in thousands flying from south-east to
north-west; Storks circling round and round till they disap-
peared northward at a tremendous height, and fascinating
little flocks of yellow, pied, white, and blue-headed Wagtails.
These were extraordinarily tame, and walked about close to
mules and men. As we moved up to lake Falali-y-Iish, close

Mesopotamian Birds. 289

to the marsh of the Suwik-Ish lake, hundreds of Coots were
feeding on the tender grass shoots by the lakeside ; and I
saw also many Tern. Chats, something like the desert chat,
hopped about on the top of the vacated trenches; and as I
walked round one of the trenches, wJiich had become full of
water, a beautiful little Kingfisher, apparently rather smaller
and darker than our English species, darted along in front
of me. Many Quail were flushed here; the black Partridge
started calling, and a pair of Stone- Curlews allowed me to
get close to them. On April 1 5 I found near the Aba-
Roman Mounds a crested Lark's nest with four eggs. Bee-
eaters were plentiful; and on April 18 I had a good sight
of a large Night- Jar, chocolate brown with darker bars. At
Biet-ais-Essem in the third week in April, Sand Grouse were
still numerous and flying high, but were paired. One that
had been wounded in the, wiiig wa? captured and proved to
be the painted Sand-grouse. On May 8, down at the Narrows,
we found the nest of a Warbler, which is very like the Night-
ingale, except for a white bar across the centre of the fan of
the tail, which it flirts well over its back. The nest was built
on the ground in the middle of a small shrub, and had four
egg.-) like those of a Pied Wagtail. Here, too, was found
the nest of a tiny long-tailed Warbler (the size of a Gold
Crest) with young. ,The nest (the size of a dormouse's nest)
was woven with cobwebs to twigs of the bush, and was made
of dry grass and dome-shaped, with an entrance near the
top.

On May 1 8 I dug out the nest of a Bee-eater in the
side of one of the Macon Mounds, close to the top. Ihe
hole ran with a slight' slope straight back and down into the
mound for 6ft., and then ended in an oval chaniiier about sin.
in diameter, which was at a depth of 3ft. from the surface.
In the nest, which was just the soft loamy soil at the end of
the hole, were two white round eggs, a little bigger than a
kingfisher's, transparent, and highly polished. From later
/bbservations I judged the clutch to be four or five. About
May 27. Ave miles soutli-south-east of the Mounds, not far
from the Jujailah redoubt and Sinn-Atbar, I found three
nests of the sand grouse, each containing three eggs in an

290 The Endurance of Birds.

advanced state o f incubation, proving that this bird stays in
the plains to nest and does not, as I thought, return to
the hills. The eggs were laid in a slight hollow, devoid
of any lining excepit a few pieces of straw. The nest sug-
gested that of a bird belonging to the Linilcolae, but the eggs
were of a long oval shape at both ends, and buff in ground,
spotted with large and small spots of light brown and red-
dish brown, with underlying markings of purple grey.

The Endurance of Birds

Bv Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.
{Continued jroni page 2iSj.

CoxuRES : 1 have kept the Black-headed (C. ncnday), Cactus (C.
cactorum). Golden-crowned (C. aureus), White-eared {Pyrrhura leucotis),
and Jendaya (C. jendaya). Of the above I liave possessed odd males
or single pairs only, a nd with the exception of the last named parted
with them after retaining them for periods of from two to four years.
I only got as far as eggs with the Golden-crowned and Cactus. I found
^hem all indifferent to the worst weather our winters were capable of
inflicting apon then. 1 also found ihcm rather quarrelsome and interfering
with other Parrakeet^, and without exception they are most excellent wood
cutters,

CoKDo:^ Bleu ; Vox many }-ears I did not keep these charming
birds owing to the reputation they bore for delicacy and from the desire
to have no part in encouraging the importation of a species which' so
speedily died in large numbers after reaching our shores. I first kept them,
owing to the kind gift of Dr. E. Hopkinson, of several pairs which he
had personally brought over, when coming home on leave, I found no
difficulty in establishing these and two pairs bred the same season in a
roomy, naturally planted aviary.' Put 1 lost most of the young and several
of the old birds too in experimenting with them during the winter--the result
of my experience i,: that during mild, but wet muggy winters those left
out invariably die, but that during a cold but dry winter under similar
conditions the majority survive and go to nest at the first sign of spring
weather the following season. I have had others since, which have confirmed the
above experience. Their longevity in the aviary varied from one to six
years — the average of twenty specimens being 4.32 years.

Cow-BiRD. Bav-winged.— HaM' had but one pair of , this species,
which lived with me five years— during their fourth year with me an open
cup-shaped nest was built in a faggot of birch twigs, pi coarse and line
grass on a base of rootlets and twigs ; three eggs were laid, but after

The Endurance of Birds. 291

they had been incubated for ten days the ne^t and eggs were destroyed
by a Virginian Cardinal. Two of the eggs contained well formed chicks, the
third wa^ infertile. They made no further attempt at nesting, both dying in
the autumn of the following year. I found them quite hardy out of doors
ail the year round.

CowBiRD. Silky.— I have possessed several pairs, as well as odd
male>< a.- different times. .A.nd speaking of them as a whole they have
passed through our worst winters out of doors without apparent discom-
fort. 1 have a cock at the present time, vvliich has been with ma six years
and still looks quite youthful ; at the same tinie I must say my hens have
not been long-lived (three years being the longest period), speaking of
three specimens two died in mid-winter (not wasted at all and in good
feather), the other in the midst of a tropical summer— in the two former
cases the cause of death undoubtedly was exposure from sleeping out during
spells of severe frost, and in the latter case heat apoplexy ended her*
career This species is parasatic, but the first pair I had, finding no suitj
able nest in which to deposit their eggs, actually gathered together a
mass of tufts and grass in a Ibg nest, provided for Parrakeets, and deposited
therein two e ggs, but made no attempt to incubate, which would be rather
what one would expect of them. This species has deposited eggs in the
nests of Cardinals, Blackbirds, and Thrushes in Mr. Willford's aviary, but
no young have been fully reared.

Ci'TTHRO.xT : These birds are very variable, I have had three
pairs which have lived with me over eight years each, and others which
have only lived two, three, four or five years. I have found them rather
prolific breeders, though some pairs are so eager to go to nest again
that thej desert the partly fledged young, and build again, often doing this
right up to the end of the season, though they usually tear the last
brood successfully. This was the first species of foreign bird I bred!
in captivity, so a paiij is usually to be found in one of my aviaries. It
is quite ready to mate witli its near relative, the Red-headed Finchj,
failing a. inate of its own kind, and the resulting hybrids are usually very
handsome Some pairs are very meddlesome, and prefer to steal nesting
material from other birds' nests to foraging on their own account, or
visiting the bundles provided for them in the aviary. I have not found
them quarrelsome; at the sama time they arc quite able to, and do defend
their nests against birds much larger than themselves— for this trait I cer-
tainly have more admiration than blame.

DiiVAi HtkD : I have only possessed two males of this species, they
arc charming aviary birds, among a collection of largish birds, and can
be left out all the year round, providing they have a good shelter which'
■'ihcy car. retire to at will. I find they usually roost indoors at night, both
iummcr and winter, and they usually seek the shelter during a stormy
peiiod at any time. At the same time, on wet retentive soils I consider
ic safesl to take them indoors between November ist and .\i)ril 30th.

292 Editorial.

Dove. Aurita : Have only possessed one pair, which I only kept
for tlirpf ye;irs, and as they showed no signs of going to nest, I made
exchange- of tlieni with an avicultural friend for otlicr species.

DovEj AijiYRALiAN CRESTED. : These are charming and long-lived
Mrds, though some pairs are a little difficult to establish. They are fairly
prolific breeders, but after rearing two broods, I parted with all of them,
owing to them being rather large, for my, then, limited accommodation.

Do\E. Bar-Shouldered. I procured a young pair of new arrivals of

this species, they proved to be two males, and also very quarrelsome indeed

to the other Doves in the aviary, so I took an early opportunity of

getting rid of them. ' ' , .

Dove, Bakh.nry, Turtle. — These are too well known to be worth

space, they are long-lived and as hardy and prolific as domestic Pigeons,

but realK 1 only kc-pt them as foster parents to incubtite the eggs of

rare specia^ of Doves, some of whom make very indififerent parents in

captivity.

Editorial.

A Success and a Disaster : Mrs. Stanley Gardiner
(Cambridge), reports the successful rearing of two broods of
Sydney Waxbills {A. temporalis), but after t'hey were all
independent of tbeir parents, all the young except one, also
some other birds, were found lying dead in the flight, mostly
with one leg pulled right out from the socket. Owls of some
species were undoubtedly the culprits, most probably Little
Owls. The wire netting of flight is % inch mesh. An outer
course of one inch mesh netting, six inches distant from
the small mesh netting, would make the aviary secure from
owls or other similar vermin. It is most disheartening to
succeed and then to lose the young birds so tragically. We
congratulate our niember on her success; not many Sydneys
are bred in captivity, and also symipathise with her re the
sad triitedy. i

Breeding Bramble-Fi.n-ciies : Mr. W. E. Suggitt
(now at the front) reports that in his brother's (Mr. R.
Suggit) aviary, a fair nuinlbor of the freely imported species
were successful! >- reared this past season, also that three

Editorial. 293

young Bramblings have been fully reared. He promises a
detailed account as soon as possible. We should be greatly
obliged if any member or reader, knowing of any previous
instance of the successful rearing oif Bramblefinchcs in cap-
tivity in the British Isles would send details.

Errata: The title plate opposite page 261 should
read, Nest of Red-shouldered Whydah, with eggs of Red-
collared Whydah.

Page 275, line 17, for " Mulcin " read Mullein.

A Retrospect: In these times a somewhat unpleasant
and thankless task. However, we are pleased to say that,
considering "the times," the year's work has not been an
unlavourable one.

I'he current volume of " Bird Notes " though less
bulky than some of its immediate predecessors, will bear com-
pari;on with them, and not suffer thereby.

As regards numbers, the decrease, if any, will be small
indeed— there have been comparatively few withdrawals, — and
our losses, so far, from casualties at the front, are not nu-
tnerous, though very many of o\ir members are vvith the
colours. The influx o'f new members has exoeecied antici-
pations, and we trvist that all members vvfll realise their res-
sponsibility to assist the Council and Officers, by making the
Club and (its objects known to all bird-keepers, so that the Club
Journal " Bird Noiks," may be thoroughly representative
of Aviculture in all its branches.

Perhaps the worst feature of the year is, that »hcre
are quite a nmnber ol unpaid subscriptions, and where income
barely covers expenditure, this creates rather a difficult
position for those bearing llic burden of office. We should
add, however, in justice to the greater portion of those in de-
fault that it arises from their being called to serve their king and
country, and tliat at some later date these will be made good.
We asic: the support and help ot all those of our members who
are not called to serve^ and who are prospering in these times,
as many are to assist those who willingly give their time to
^iiak<; our Society successful and representative, by helping the
Illustration and Dchcit Fund, by sending copy for the Journal,
and b> the prompt payment of their subscriptions.

294 Editorial.

Wc sorrow for those memljcrs who have given their
lives upon 'lie battlefield in their country's cause ; their names,
no longer on our roll, are registered upon the imperishable
roll of th; honoured, never forgotten while their country lasts.

Beautiful Birds.

Ye birds that fly through the fields of air,
What lessons of 'wisdom and truth ye bear I
Ve would teach our souls from the earth to rise,
Ve would bid us all grovelling scenes despise,
Ye would tell us that all its pursuits are vain.
That pleasure is toil, ambition is pain,
iha: its bliss is touched with a poisoning leaven,
-5 would teach us to fix our aim in heaven.

II.

Beautiful birds of lightsome wing.
Bright creatures that come with the voice of spring,
(\"e see you arrayed in the hues of morn,
Yet ye dream not of pride, and ye wist not of scorn ;
Though rainbow splendour around you glows,
Ve vaunt not the beauty which nature bestows ;
Oh : what a lesson for glory are ye.
How ye preach the grace of humility I

III.

Swift birds that skim o'er the stormy deep,

Who steadily onward your journey keep,
Who neither for rest nor for slumber stay,
But press still forward by night or day,

As in your unwearying course ye fly
Beneath the clear and unclouded sky,

Oh I tnay we without delay, like you,

The path of duty and right pursiie f

Beautiful Birds. 995

IV.

Sweet birds th.it breathe the spirit of song,
And surround heaven's gate in melodious throng,
Who rise with the earliest beams of day,
Your morning tribute of thanks to pay,
Vou remind us that we should likewise raise
The voice of devotion and song of praise !
There's something about you that points on high,
Ye beautiful tenants of earth and sky !

--C. W. THOMPSON.

Post Mortem Reports

CuTiHROAT ($J. (Lieut. W. R. Batty, Southportj. The cause of
death was rupture of the left auricle of the heart, setting up haemorrhage.

I^LiE Tit. (Miss Clara Bowring, Ascot).. Cause of death, pneu-
moTiia. .Striated Finch : Cause of death fatty degeneration of the liver.

Bird (?). (Mrs. Alice M. Cook, Kilburn). Cause of death,
chronic pneumonia.

Bf.ncal Pitta (cf)- (Capt. John S. Reeve, Caterham, Surrey).
Cause of death, cardiac failure. The heart was affected with fatty degener-
ation

Cordon Bleu. (G. E. Haggie, O.xford). Cause of death, rupture
of the liver.

Goldfinch-Bui I FINCH Cro.ss. (J. Goodchild, Suffolk). Cause of
death, pneumonia.

YouNc; CocK.Miii.. (Miss L. Sturtin Johnson, Hastings). Cause
of death, acute pneumonia.

Answered by Post: James Yelland ; Lady Kathleen Pilkington.

H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S.

296

Index,

Index.

Aechmorhynchtis occldcntalis, 167.
Acilo.'i galactodcs. \c)i).
Acgint/ius tcinponilis, 133.
' acgyptiaciis, Che, 200.
aegyptiiis. Mil., 200.
Aethopyga satnnita, 74.
at finis, Cas 91.
afra, Pyr., 3, 25.
Agapornis cana, 25.

,, nigiigcnix, 25.

,, piillaria, 25.

O Ageloeiis ictcroccphalits, 133.
albivcntor, Mcr., 154.
All About " Ari " — A Herrinj? Gull, 91.
amaruiava, Spo.^ 255.
Amazona amazonica, 225.

,, dtifrcsni, 226.

,, festiva, 226.

,j ochroccphalus, 227.

amazonica, Aina, 225.
Amazon-Parrot. King, 225.

„ ,, Mealy, 227.

,, ,, Red-back, 226.

,, ,, Vellow-headcd, 228.

aquaticus, Ral., I 11.
Arachnechthra asiatica, 73.
arcuata, Pas., 207.
Ardea cine r a, 199.
ardens. Pen., 25, 279.
asiatica, Aru., 73.
astrilda, , £s/., 255.
Avadavat. 216.
Aviaries. Lt. Bainbridgc's^ iq6.

,, Breeding Results In My, 247

Mr H. Bright 's, 158.

„ Mr. C. E. Croker's, 173.

„ Mr C. F. Crow's, 270.

„ Mr. W. 11. Fisher's, 173.

Aviaries Mr. J. L. Grossmith's, 2,
„ Mr. C. F. Leach's, 174.

„ Dr. L. Lovell-Keays', 176.

„ Miss Lucas', 254.

„ Maj. G. A. Perreau's, 241.

„ Lady E. Samuelson's, 195.

Aviary and Birds, My, 270.

„ and Gouldian Finches, 41, 45.
,, Experiences, My, 222.
,, Notes — Bakloh, 241. 265, 280.
Avicultural and Field Notes, 163.

Babbler Red-billed, 245, 265, 268.

Bakloh Aviary Notes, 241, 265, 280.

Bare-eyed Thrush, 80.

biarniiciis. Pan., 1S3, 231.

Bearded Tits, 135, 183, 231.

Beautiful Birds, 292.

Biid Catchinsr in India, '.20, 139, 169.

,, Life on Achill Island, 114, 142.

,, Lists. Breeding, 25. 205, 206, 255

,, ,, General. 16-20, 173, 174.

,, ,, In Aviaries, 173, 174;

175, 178.

,, ,, In Same Aviary, 174, 195.

254, 255.

,, ,, Synonyms. 91, 137, 229

,, The Cotton, 156.

,, The God-, 155.

,, Trappers of the Riverina, The,

43-
Birds. A Colony of, 107.

,, In and About the Station (Bak-

loh), 13.

,, In the Firing Line, 69.

,, in My .'Vviarie,, Some British,

195. 254, 255.

,, kept in the same .Xviary, 174,

229.

,, Mescpotamian, 288.

fndi

297

Birds. Seen in Flanders, i6i.

,, Some Colony, S i , 1 30, 151, 178;

208, 225.
,, Tailor-, 246, 268.

Blackbird, 217.

,, Guiana, 131.

Black-hcadeu Sibia, 217.

,, throated Sacki, 86. 3

Breeding African White-eyes, 134, 159.
Bearded Tits, 207, 230.
,, Black-headed Conures, 207.

,, Blue-Bicajtcd Wa.xbills, 196,

257-
„ Blue Budgerigars, 186, 217.

,, Bramblefinches, 292.

,^ Cacalua galerita, 102.
,, Hybrids, 183. 206, 207, 237 ;

264 .
„ Indian White-eyes, [97. p

,, Jackson's VVhydafi, 207, 211.
,, Landrails, 28, 58.

,, Lists, 25, 205, 206, 255.

,, Malabar Mynahs, 3,

„ Many-coloured Parrakeets, 236

„ Pied Bush-Chats, 269, 280.
„ Quaker Parrakeets, 247.
,, Red-collared Lorikeets, 186,

1 89, 207, 214.
,, Redstarts, 185.
,, Results in my Aviaries, 247.

„ Ruficauda Finches, 185, 196.

„ St. Helena W'axbills, 190.

,, Season, 1915. Shore Baily, 25,

S3-
„ Stanley Parrakeets, 236.

,^ Tailor Birds, 269, 280.

,, Unique Hybrid Grassfinch, 264

,, Vellow-Grosbeaks, 207.

Britis'i Bird Calendar, 136, 188.
brunneu, Lar.^ 246.
Butk Canary, 86.
Budgerigar, 217.

,, Blue, 186, 215.

^ ,, History of t he, 67, 124, 148
200, 236, 277.
,. Trying for Blue, 234.

,, Yellow, 135.

Bulbul. Him. Black, 217.
,, Red-eared, 217.
„ Red-vented, 217.
,, White-cheeked, 217.
,, White-eared, 217'.
Bullfinch, 217.

,, Desert-trumpeter, 184.
,, Rosy-winged Afghan, 217.
Bunting. Black-headed, 217.
,, Chinese, 217.
,, Hair-crested, 217.
„ Hybrids, 52.

Indigo, 187, 217, 274.
,, Nonpareil, 218.
,, Rainbow, 218.
, Red-headed, '218.
,, Rock, 273.
Bush-Chat, Pied, 246, 269.

C.
Cacalua galerita, to2.
caenitatus. Dry, 137.
cueniicscens, Lag.^ 20.
„ Mon., 13J.

cacsia, Sit., 233.
Culliite cayana, 87.

,. flaviveiitiis, 87.
cana, Aga, 25.
Canary. Buck, 86.
,, Cape, 218,
„ Creole, S^.
,, Grass-Biids, 83.
,, Hybrids, 206.
canota, Pho., 255.
capiala, Pra., 246.
Cardinalis cardinalis,,
Caidinals, 2(32.

,, Dominican,

,, Green, 218.
,, Pope, 182.

,, Red-crcstcd,
,, Virginian, 164. 1S3, 21S.

Cassadix oryzivma, 131.
Cassicii.i, af finis, 91.

,, persicus, 89.

Cassiquc. Black, 130.
castar,eivcntrif., Spc, 133.
I Castanet is, Tae., 25, 255.

183.

263

2IS,

263.

21S,

202

298

Index,

cayaic, Cat.. 87.
Euo, 87.
Ciryle nidis. 200.
Chaffinch, i34- i59, 276.
chalcoiitera, Phups, 25, 27.
Chan-aepclia griseola, 153-
tuiiiuta, 153
passerina 15--
,, talpacoti, 152.

Chat., Ind. Blue, 246.

Pied Bush, 246, 269; 280.
Chclidorhynx hypoxantlium, 14.
Clu'italopcx acgypliacus, 199.
chloris, Lig., 183.
Chlori.^ sinica, 25. .
chrysogasier, Phe, 207.
ChiysomitiL^ spiiwides, 183, 255.
cJiiysoptcrygius, Pse., 37-
Chrysoii- amazoiilca, 225.
dujresiii, 226.
jcstiva, 226.
ochroccphalus, 227.
rii.c /orl.yiuhil.',, Pet., 246.
cincrca, .4rd.. 199.
„ fi^. 255.
Cockaleels, 218. 247.
Cockatoo. Death of a Veteran, 224.
,, Galah, 43-

,^ Roseate, 43.

Suiphur-ci-eit. 102.
cocUb:i, Fri., 134-
Cornbas-ous, 21S, 273.
Conure. Black-headed, 207.
,, Petz's, 26.

,, Speckled, 26.

Ccnures, 290.
Coiiiiriis, cuups, 25.

,, nanday, 207.

, ocularis, 25-

Cordon Bleu, 273, 290.
comix, Cor., 200.
Corrigenda, 277.
Ct^AVHS comix, 200.
Coryp/iospi/igiis ciistutiis, 82.
Cow-Birds. Bay-winged. 290.

,, „ Silky, 291.

crii.t(itiis, Cor., 82.
/^o^, 166.
ciiculUiLUi,, PiC, 12-3.
Culu-culu, The, 226.
ctnicata. (ho., 25.
Cuttluoat, 291.
cvantis, Mon., 137.

D.
Dandelion Leaves for .Softl)ills, 258.
Dawn Amongst the Birds of an Egyp-
tian Garden, 199.
Death of a Veteran Cockatoo, 224.
Delicate Life-thread of the Vuung Grey

Parrot, 197.
Dhyal Bird, 291.
dissimilis, Pse., 12-3.
ii'oriwstica, Mtin., 255.
Do\'e. Aurita, 292.

,, Australian Crested, 292.

,, Bar-shouldered, 292.

,, Barbary Turtle, 292.

,, Bleeding-heart, 53.

„ Bronze-winged, 27.

„ Brush Bronze-winged, 27.

„ Diamond, 53.
„ Hybrid; 53.

,. Masked, 53.

„ Necklace, 53.

„ Savannah Ground, 152.

„ Speckled, 152.
„ Stock, 248.
,, Tiny Ground, 153.

,, Turtle, 248, 263.

Drcpanoplcctcs jacksoni, 207, 211, 279.

„ ruficollis, 137.

Dryo/iastcs cacniladis, 137.

,, ruficollis, 137.

Duck, Wild, 247.
dafrcsiii. A/na., Chr., 226.

E.
Early Notes of the Season, 182.
Editorial, 20, 72, 102, 133, 158, 185,

205, 292.
clcgans, Clia., 25.
Elciiica pagana, 178.
Endurance o f Birds, 16, 31. 97, 146, 2
Eophona melanura, 261.

„ personata, 23, 261.

index.

299

Errata 72, 102, 185, 293.
Erytlno^piza gH/iafriiiea, 184
Estrilda astiUda, 255.

,, clncrca 255.
Euplwniu cayuiui, 87.

,, niiiiiita, 86.

,j violacca, 87.

Euphonia, Black-faced, 87.

„ M -throated, 87.

,, Yellow-sided, 87.

.,, Violet, 86.

euops, Con., 25.
exiitiius^ PI a. 25.

Falco tiiinuiiculiis, 200.

fainosa, Ncc, 73.

festiva, Amu, Cliry., 226.

Field and Avicultural Notes, 1^3

Fieldfare, The, 229.

Held Notes — N.S. Wales, 71.

1-inch. Alario, 274.

,, Bramble, 292.

„ ChafY , 134, 159, 276.

„ Diamond, 196, 197.

„ Fire, 82, 274.

,, Gold, 276.

„ Gouldian, 41, 42, 55, 197, 277

„ Green, 182, 206, 276.

„ Hybrids, 183, 206, 254, 264.

„ Lavender-backed, 133.

„ Lcngtailed Grass, 56.

„ Masked Grass, 43.

„ Melba, 196, 197, 272.

„ Moustache 85.

,, Parrot, 103.

„ Piiitailcd Nonpareil. 103.

>. .. Parrot, 103.

„ Ked-headed, 197.

„ Ribbon. 274,.

,. Ring-neck, S^.

, Rose, 206.

,, Rufirauda, 185, 272.

,, Rufous-iailed Grass, 196.

,, SafTron, 55, 273.

„ Scaly-crowned, 274.

,, Scarlct-crcsted, 82.

Finch. Singing, 274.

,, Spice, 274.

„ White-throated, 84.

,, Zebra, 53, 196, 197, 272.
flavKoUis, Gyni.^ 184.
flavii'cntris, Cal., 87.
fliiviatilis, Pod., 165.
riuvicola pica, 157.
Flycatcher and Butterfly, 263.

„ Ind. Paradise, 13, 246.

,, Yellow-bellied, 14.

Eringilla coclcbs, 134.
Fruit, A substitute for, 162.

galactodes. Acd., 199.

galbiila. Sit., i .

githaginca, Ery. 184.

God-Bird, The, 155.

Goldfinch, 276.

gracilis, Pri.^ 199.

Grassfinch Hybrid, Unique, 264.

Grebes, 165.

Greenfinch, 183, 206, 276.

,, Hybrids, 183, 206.

Grey Parrot. The delicate life-thread

of the young, 197.
griscola, C.ha._ 153.
griitus, Nye, 199.
Grosbeak, Yellow, 207.
guiancnsis, Psi., 182.
Gull. Black-headed, 61.

,, Herring, gr.
Ciyninorhi. flavicollis, 184.

haemaionoliis, Psc. 8.
hacnialorilious, Psc. 25.
Hangnest. Red-back, 91.

,, Yellow-back, 89.

Hawfinch. Black and Yellow, 134.

,. ,, -headed, 261.

,' u -tailed, 23, 259.

Hen of the Black-tailed Hawfinch, 23.
History of the Budgerigar, 67. 1 24, 14S.

2CO, 236.
fiypfianloniij viU/linit.t, i, 35.
fiypolai.i pallida. 199.
hypoxanthutn, Chv. 14.

300

.Index .

Hybud. St. Helena Seedeater x Can-
ary 206.
Hybrid. Cape x House Sparrow, 264.
,, Crim. -crowned Weaver x Red-
collared Whydah, 237.

Him. Siskin x Greenfinch, 183
,, Indigo X Nonpreil Bunting, 52.
,, I'arson — Long-lailed x Ruficauda

Graibfinch, 264.
,, Rosefinca x Greenfinch. 206,

256.
,, Squamafa x Californian Quail,

icteroccplialtis, Age., 133.
icterus, Scr, 255.

jucaiiir Vol , 255
jacksoiii. Drc , 207, 211, 279.
jamaciaiisis, for., no
Jardine's Pigmy Owl, 72.
Jay, Mexican 135.

Lugoncsticta cccnilcsccm,, 20.

J, minima, 255.

,. nifopicta, 255.

Landrail.7, 28, 58.
larvaia, Par., 1S2.
Larvivora bntnnea, 246.
liiticaiida, Fen 279

Laughing-Thrushes, Eastern Variegated
137-

,. ,, My, 137-

Ligurinui chloris, 185.
lineata, Spc. 84.
Uneatuni, Trci., 137.
lineola. Spc, 86.
Lists of Birds, Breeding, 52, 205, 206.

,, General, 16-20, 173, 174.

,, In Aviaries, 173, 174, 175, 178.

,, In same Aviary, 1T4, 195,255

,, In the Firing Line, 69.

,, Seen in Flanders, 161.

,, Sjnonyms, 91, 157, 229.

Lcng-lived Finches, 133.
Lophophanes melanolophus^ 245

Lorikeet. Red-collared, 69, 186, 189, 207

,, Ked-naped, 207, 214.
lijgiibris. Qui. 131.
/:i/cns, Pas 25, 255.
Lovebird, Black-cheeked. 26.
,, Guiana, iii.

Madagascar, 26. 27.
,, Red-faced, 27.

M.
Malabar iMynahs. 3, 184.
lualubcti ifi!^\ Pol.. 184.
iiielanoccphc'liis, Pio., 208.
w.elaiiolophiis, Lop., 245.
mclanoxanthus, Myc, 134.
melaniira, Eop, 261
Melopyrrha nigra, 52.
Morula albivcntcr, i 54.
Mescpotamian Birds, 28S.
Milvus acgyptiiis, 200.
ii'iinma, Lag., 255.
miiuua, Cha. 153
Eiip, 86
Mccking-Bird. Black, 130.
, ,, Red-back, 91.

,. ,, Yellow-back, 89.

Mock-i5g-Bnds, 88.
Mo/iticola cacriilcscens, 137.
,, cyaniis, 137.

,, nibripes, 137.

multicolor, Pse., 9, 11.
muni, I domcstica, 255.

,, puiiciiiiata, 255.
'ntisciilns. Tro 155.
Myccrobas n:elanc.\-ai:tlius, 134.

N.
nana ay, Con., 207.

Nectarinia famosa, j^.

Nesting \otcs, 72, 134. 133^ 158,
258.
of Bearded Tits, 135,. 183
,, B'ack-tailed Hawfinches
,, Golden Weavers, i, 2.
,, Half-marsked Weavers,
., Indigo Bunting, 1S7.
,, Jays, etc., 135.
,, Landrails, 25, 58.
, Malabar Starlings, 1S4.
,, Mclba Finches, 196, 197
„ Pied Bush-Chats, 269.

Ncstins:

205,

, 259.

Index-

Nesting of Pope Cardinals, 1S2.

,, ,, Purple Sunbirds, 277.

,, ,, Ked-billcd Babblers, 265.

,, ,, Red-collared Lorikeets, 69.

,, ,, Red-shouldered Whydahs, 261.

, ,, Spot-winged Weavers, i, 3.

,, ,, Tailor-Birds, 246, 265.

,, ,. X'irginian Cardinals, 183.

,, ,, Yollow-wing Sugaibirds. 1S5
Nest of the Xorlolk Plover, 118.
186.
J, ,, Stone-Curlew, 1 18.

niff/7, Mel., 25.
nip,ri(>i'nis, Agii 25.
nignnuntiim, I'la., 137.
nipalcnsis. Pal., 25.
Notes of the vScason. Early, 182.
,, ,, ,. Nesting, 207.

Nuthatch, 133.
N yrlicorax giisviis, 199.

Obituary, 210.

obsoletits. Rat, 1 10.

occidetitulis. Ace, 167.

Occurrence of the Rcd-thro.Ucil Pi[)it in

Devon, 278.
occUata, Spe, 86.
ochrocephala, Aina., Chry., 227.
ocular i.-. Con., 25.
Oedicnimu^ sculopax 118.

,, sefUfralfnsis, 199.

Ortlioiomits siitoriiis^ 246, 265.
Ortygospizi palyzoiia. 255.
nryzivora. Cos., 131.
Oryzobonn (on id 11 s.^ 82.
Owl. Jardinc's Pigmy, 72

pugana. Etc, 178.
Puluvurni-, lupaUnsifi, 25.
put lid a, Hyp , 199.
Panurns bianiiicus, 183 231.
paradisi, Terp 246.
^Paroariu Inivnlii, 182.
Parrakeet. Alexandrine, 26.
,, Bauer's, 262.

" Blue Bonnet, 36, 38.

Parrakeet. Canary-wing, 26.
,, Hooded, 12, 36.

Malabar, 134.
Many-coloured, 11, 236.
Mealy Rosella, 26.
Psephotus, 7, 36.
Quaker, 26, 247,
Rcd-runiped, 8, ^7.
Ring-necked, 247.
Rosella, 26, 134.
" Stanley, 236.

Tui, 26.

Yellow-bellied, 40
Parrot. Grey, 197.

,, White-breasted, 208.
Parrot-Finch. Pintailcd, 103.
Parrots, 179.
I'asscr arctiata, 207.
,, domcstica, 207.
,, III teas. 25, 255.
pnsscrina, Clta.^ 152.
I'ciitlutria an/ciis, 25, 279.

,. laticaiida^ 279.

pcrsiciis^ Cas., 59.
ptrso/iaia' Eop, 23, 261.
Pcliuphilu cinclorhyiiciuis^ 246.
I'liiips chalcoptcra, 25, 27.
,, etc guns ^ 25.

Pheasant. Golden, 247.

,, Rearing under Broodies, 190

218.
Pheiiliciia chrysogaslcr, 207.
Phonipiira canora, 255.
pica, rill, 157.
Pics. Occipital Blue, 20.
pilaris, Tiir., 229.
Pintailed Nonpareil, 103.
Pionilus melanocephalns, 208.
Pipit. Red-throated, 278.
Pln/yccrciis cximius, 25.
Pddinpi's rrislalits, 166.

,, ftiivialiliSj 165.

, , podicipes, 1 67 .
poliiiiip/ialtis, Por., 112.
Polio p\itr malubariciis, 184.
poly zona, Url., 255.

302

Index,

Poiphyrio jamaciensis, no.

,, pcliocephaliis, 112.
porphyria. 112.
Post Mortem Rcpnris, 24, 107, 136, 236

295.
I'ratincola cuprata^ 246.
qrincipalis, Vitl., 2801
Priiiin iiracilis, 199.
Producing Blue Budgerigars, 186.
Prospect, The, 20.
Psephotiis, 7, 36.

,, clirysoptcrygiiis^ 37.

,, ctictillaiiis^ 12-3.

,, dissirnilis. 12-3.

,, hacniatorrhoiis, 37.

,, haenictorrhflits. 37.

,, multicolor, 9, 11.

,, pttlchcrrimiis. 37.

,, xanthorrlwtis. 37.

Psephotur Parrakeets a t Liberty, 7, 36.
Psitiaciili! iiitiaiifnsis, 182.

pi/sscrina, 237.
piilclwrrinuiK, Pse., 371.
piillaria, Af^a. 25.
piinctiilata, Mi/n., 255.
Pyromclana (lira, 3. 25.
,, /rt/m, 3, 25.

Quail, Californiau, 164, 247, 275.

,, Hybrid, 148.
Quiscalus lugtibris, 131.

Rail, The Amazon, 109.
Railiis aqiiaticiis, in.

,, jamaciensis, no.

,, obsoletus, no.
Redpolls, 276.
Redstart, 185.

Red-throated Pipit in Devon, 278.
Reed-Bird ,The. 133.

,, „ Yellow-headed, 133.
Reedlings, Bearded, 183.
Reviews ,"A Veteran Naturalist," 72.

,, '• A Bird Calendar for N. India,"
105.

Roadside Tagedy, A, 160.
nibripes Mori., 137.
nibritcrques, Tri., 186, 20
riidis Ccr. 200.
rujiccps, Sta., 265.
rujicollis. Dry. 137.
riifopicta, Lag. 255.

Sacki, Black-throated, 86.
,, Yellow-sided, 87.
,, ,, -vented, 87.

saiurata, Ac, 74.
Saurama, The, 227.
SCO I o pax, Oed., 118.
Screecher, The, 225.
Season 1916, The, 277.
Seedeater, Hybrids, 206.

,, Sulphury, 55.
Seed-Finch. Torrid, 83.
seiicgalensis, Oed., 199.
,, Tur., 199.

Scrinus icterus, 255.

,, sulpliuratus, 25.
,, Sexing Occipital jBlue-Pies, 20
Shama, An Aged, 134.
Shows. L.P.O.S., 74-80.
Sibia. Black-headed, 217.
Silverbills, 275.
sinicus, Lig., 25.
Siskin Hybrids, 183.
Siiagra galbula, i .
Sitta caesia, 233.
Some Colony Birds, 81, 130, 151, 178,

208, 225.
Sparrow. Cape, 207.
,, House, 207.

Hybrid, 207.
,, Java, 273.

,, Yellow, 55.

,, ,, -throated, 184.

Spermophila castanciventris^ 133.
,, lincata, 84.

,, lineola, 86.

Stai hyi liiaopsi.> ruficeps, 265.

,, ocellata, 86.

spi modes, C/iry., 183, 255.

Index

303

Sporaeointhus amandava, 255.
Stachrhidopsis ruficeps, 265.
Starling, Glossy, 276.

,, Malabar, 3, 184.
Story ol my B.H. Gull, 61.
Stray Notes, 262.
Substitute for Fruit, 162.
Sugarbirds. Yellow-winged, 185, 186.
siilphuratiis, Ser., 25.
Sunbird. Amethyst-rumped, 103.

,, BJack-breasted, 74.

Purple, 73, 134, 277.

,, Southern Malachite, 73.
Sunbirds, My, 73.
sitforius, Ort., 246, 265.
Sycalis arvensis, 83.
Synonyms 92, 157, 229.

Taeniopygia castanoth, 25. 255.
taha, Pyr., 3, 25.
Tailor Birds, 246, 269, 280.
Talebearers, The, 22.
talpacoti, Cha., 152.
Tanager. Black, 164.

,, ,, -faced, 87.

,, Yellow-vented, 87

temporalis, Aeg^, 133.
Tcrps,i phone paradisi, 246.
Thrush. Bare-eyed, 80.
,, Blue-headed, 246.

,, Rock, 137.
,, White-bellied, 153.
f/griiiiis, 'fur., 25.
/iiiniinciili/s, Fal., 300.
Tit. Bearded, 135, 183, 207, 230, 2

,, Crested Black ,245.
lorridiis, Ory., 82.
Trachaloplcnim linrfi/iini, 137.

I. varicgatiim, 137.

Trir/ioglossiis rubrilorqiics, 186, 207.
Troglodytes musciilus, 155.
Trying for B lue Budgerigars, 234.

Tua-Tua, 82.
Tardus pilaris, 229.
Tartar se/tegalensts, 199.

,, tigrinus, 25.

,, tartar, 261.
Tyrant-Bird. Black and White, 157.
,, ,, Rustic, 178.

Unique Hybrid, An, 264.
V.

vari( gatitm. Tra, 137.

Vidua principalis, 280.

violacea, Eup., 87.

virens, Zos., 13^, J59.

Visits to Members' Aviaries, 173, 195,

249.
vitellinus. Hyp., i, 25.
Volatiiiia jacarini, 255.

Waxbill. Blue-breasted, 196, 257
,, St. Helena, 196.

,, Sydney, 133.

Weaver. Crimson-crowned, 237
Golden, i, 2.
Half-masked, i, 273.
Hybrid, 237.
Red-beaked, 185 ,274.
,, Spot-winged, i, 3.

,, Taha, 273.

Whitc-cye. African, 134, '50-

Indian, 197.
Wholesale Flycatching, 187.
'.Vhvdah. Crimson-ringed, 279.
Hybrid, 237.
Jackson's. 207, 211.
Red-collared, 237.
,, -shouldered, 261.

xantlinrrlious, Psc., 37.

, virrns, 134, 159.

304 Index

Index to Inset — (Pink Pages).

Bird Market, 15, 22, 24, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35, ■})■], 40,, 44, 4s.

Breeding Medal Rules, 20.

Changes and Corrections of Address, 21, 24, 28, 29, 31, 35, 2)1 > 40. 45-

Committees. 17.

Donations, 14, 21, 24, 27, 29, 33; 37; 40.

Illustration and Deficit Funds, 14,, 21, 24, 27, 29, 33, 37, 40. 4^.

Members' Roll 2 — ^^13, 33.

New Members, 14, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, ^t, , 35, 37, 40, 43, 43.

Notices to Members 14, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43, 45.

Obituary, 37.

Officers of the Club, i.

Rules, 18 — 20.

Show Notices and Reports, 39.

Show Rules. 19.

Show Season, 39.

JANUARY 1916

The Foreign Bird Club,

President :

Till-; Lady Dunlkatii.

Vice Presidents:

H. R. Fo.i.MKi;. E. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.A., M.B.

E. J. Brook, F.Z.S.
•

Council :

The CorM kss of WiNciiii.sr.A Dr. H. Hetlev

TnK Hon. :\Irs. (i. BoiRfu-: Dr. L. L()Veli,-Kk.a.ys. F.Z.S.

Mrs. C. An'\in(;son Dr. X. S. Lucas

Mjss M. E. Bakkr Dr. J. E. R. McDox.vriii

Mrs. E. a. H. Harti.kv Dk. J. Ea.^tox Scott

Dr. M. Amslkr Rev. G. H. R.a.yxor, M. A.

W. Shore Baii.v W. T. Rooers

\V. A. I-5ainrrii)(;k R. SuGfarr

W. Bamfokd a. Sutcliki'e

H. Briciit W. R. Temple

E. W. Chai'i.in H. W1EI.EORI)

Dr Pmii.i.ip (i()<<v. M.l>,.(),l'. Hon. W. B. Wi.u! 1 i -,,i v I' Z.S.

Hon. Editor:

\Vk<i.i:y 'I", P\.:i:. F.Z.S.. .M.B.N.U.S.. (JLENi'iKi.r), (Jiimiam Avknim:.
MrTciiAM, Surrey

Hon. Secretaries :

fjnii. Treasurer <nid Buxhiess Secretary : Sidney Williams, F.Z.S.,
Oaklek;!!, 110. Riverway, Palmer's Gijeen, London. X.

//,>t/. E.dkihitional Sfcreldrt/ : Stanley M. Townsend. .''., Swiit Sii;i:k. i.
FriJiAM, Ijondon, S.W.

Hon. Veterinary Surgeon :

Hknrv (Jrav. M.R.C.V.S., 2;{, I'im'er ]'iiili,i\I(ii;e Placi;, Kensinoion

Ijo\D(^n, W.

Hon. Solicitor :

' II. R. Fillmer, Church Streei', BiaoiiiuN.

Hon. Photographer:

II. WiLLioHi), Uplanii View. Uavenstrkei. Rvue

Roll of Members.

JJdiiovdry Member.
FII.LMEK, II K., (Foundtr). JJremlon. 22, Harrington Hood, Brighton.

ACTON, Ci. li., I^ythani, Kiiliudic Road, (aversham, Roajding. (February,]
litm.

AJ)AMS, A. W.. lis, N')rtliami)tun Road, INfarkct lfarliorou<,'li. (May, 1912). j

.^ i J)i:ix'S()\, :\riss R., Park Hollsl^ Worksop. (March.. 19091.

Al.LAN, .1. W., ]3oiidgate, Alnwick. (Ai>ril. 1911).

.ALMOND. 'IM;? Kev. F., Dormant. (February, 1906).

■\T/r, Mrs. M., "is, Moli-ose Gardens, Hammersmith , London^ W. (April,
191t).

.\:\[ES, Mrs. HOBART, North Haston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (March,
1913).

AM.SLER, Dr. MAt'RTCE, Eton Court House, High Street, Eton, Windsor.
(March, 1909).

.\NDERSON. J. H., 20, Hoghton Street, Southimrt. (February, 1914).

ANI)Ri;\VS. F. J., (lordon House. W.oo<lhrifl';?. (Docenibor. 1911).

ANNINuSON, Mrs.. WaU-ham-sal, Barioii Kmxd, C'am1)ridge. (December,
1901).

AFPEEl^Y. K. A., Sprin;4fiol<l, l^i^oiion lJ()a<l. Lahore, Punjab, India.
(October, 1910;).

.NbmsTRONG. CHARLES. The Grove. Cambridge. (August, 1913).

ARMSTRONG, Mrs. A. if., Newton Purcell Eectory, Buckingliam. (Novem-
ber, 191.')).

APNOLl), P.. Towpi- House, Lcigham Court Roa<l, Streatham, London. S.W.
(Marcli, 1912).

ARNOTT, PETEP, Grant Street, Alloa. (December, 1913).

AR1\'IG1[T, Ti. .T., Harrison View, Watson Crescent, Edinburgh. (March,
i90S).

ASTON, Capt. S. AVILFEED, Manor House, Trensham, Farnham. (Septem-
ber. 19Vi).

\TTWELL. HAROLD E., Cassia Grove, Halfway Tree, P.O., Kingston,
.lamaica, B.W.I. (March, 1910).

M'STIN, W. E. AVandsworth Public Libraries, Allfarthing Lane, Wands-
worth, London, S.W. (April. 1909).

HADDELEY, A., 21, Derby Street, Hulme. Manchester. (July, 1912).

BAILV. W. SHORE, Borers House, Westbury, Wilts. (June, 1909).

JIAINBRIDGE, W. A., Hazlewood, Thorpe, Chertsey. (September, 1912).

B.VKEP, Miss M. E., The Elms, Blount Sorrel, Loughborough. (Septem-
ber, 1902).

P.MvEK, Mrs. H. G., Brookfiehls House, Swinton, Yorks. (December,
1914).

BAMFORD, WM., The Coppice, Werne'rh, Oldham. (June, 1904).

UAMPFYLDE, The Hon. Mrs., AYhitechai>el Manor, South Molton, North
Devon. (July, 1911).

BARLOW-MASSICKS, Mrs. C, Dormant. (November, 1911). *

MARNABY, Miss ALISON, Oak Lodge, Bitteme, Southampton. (August,
1912).

BAPNARD, T. T., Kempston Hoc, Bedfoixi. (July, 1915).

BATTY, Lieut. W. E., 15, Alexander Road. Sonthport. (October, 1915).
BEATY, S., Strathiiarn,' Elm Grove. Alderley E<lge, Manchester. (March,

1908).
BF]AZOR, Kev. J. T. A. LOVEI.L. The Nest, Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe.

(April, 1911).
liEl'iBE, C. W., Curalnr of Ornithology, New York Zoological Park, New

York City, U.S.A. (July, 1911).
BENTLEY. ERNEST E., St. Alary's Lodg:e, Louth. (March, 1914).
BLLSS, H. E., Cliurch Street, Middleburg, Cape Colony, S. Africa. (Janu-

ary, 190:5).
I'OTTING, H., 17, Eversiield Road, Reigate. (December, 1908).
liOUKKi;. HON. Mrs. GWENDOLEN; Ilitchani Vale, Taplow, INFaidenhead,

and 7.5, Glonccstc-i' Place, I'oBtman Sciuare, London, W. (Decem)>er,

1909).
BOUSFIELD, Miss M., Avon 'Court, Southbourne Road, Bournenio»ith.

(Janu iry, 1908).
bOWERM.VN, v., 12, Wellington Street. Swindon. (Sei)tember, 1914). *
bOWRlNG, Miirs CLARA, The Holly House, Broadway, Worcestershire.

(.July, 1914;.
BOYD, Miss M . Webl>ery. Bideford. (Februaiy. 1914).

BOYD. HAKOLl), Box 374, Ketowna, Brit. Columbia, Canada. (April. 1903).
LRANFOOT, B., Dormant. (November, 1912).
I. BIGHT, HERBERT, LyiitoJi, Eaton Roa<I. Cressington Park, Liverpool.

(Octoljer, 1911)
imoOK E. J., F.Z.S., IJoddam Castle. Ecclefechan. (March. 1908).
BROWN. Mrs. C. Dormant. (May, 1910).
liROWNING. W. H., ](), CoojH'r Sciuaro. N(>w York, U.S.A. (February,

l?tlO).
BROWNE, Cain. A. E., IJelmont. Alurree, Punjab, India. (:March, 1912).
URCCE, .Miss A., Clievct I'ark, Wak?:ield. (March, 1909).
lil'F'I'ON, REGINALD P., Caerhyn, Llandritidod Wells. (January, 1913).
lU'RGESS, Mrs.. Kingsweii-, .'')2, Clare. I'.lon l\()a<l, Redlands, Bri.stol. (Sep-
tember, l!tl."))
iilimilAM, JOHN B.. I'resident A. (LI'. an<i I*. Ass., Trinity Buildings,

in, Broadway. New York, I'.S.A. (March, 1913).
IjI'SH, \V., The <.'ountv Bor. of Newport School of .Art, Clarence Street,

Newport, Mon. (.May, 1!M)!))

< AI,VERT, Mrs. H., Tlie Ridge. Kasuli. T'unjab. India. (July, 191.'')).

< AMI'S. H. T. T., F.Z.S., Linden House, Had«ienham. Ely. (Orig. Mem.).
' AI'ERN. F.. Lewin's Meiid, Bristol. (October, 1907).

( ARR, F. J., St. Aidan's. Alnwick. (April, 1914).

< ARRi. J. T., BIythew(io<l. Dcraiuere Drive, Maloiie Road, Belfast. (Septem-

b(>r. 1912).
I ARTWRIGHT, Mrs. E.. Ilrettnii Txxige. WakefieNl. (January, 1912).

< ASTI.i; GA.N'T. Mr.^. .\., Willow Hyrst. Helliugly. Susse.v. (June. 191.5).

I H AMlJERbAIN, C. The Aviary, 20, I'crkin St reot. J'ort Eli/.abt^th, Cape
I'rovime. S. Afrira. (June. 1914).

< HANNING-PEARCE. J.. ALD.. etc.. Montague House. R^uusgato. (.Janu-

ary. 1!)1(;>.
• lIM'blN. Mrs. DIM'M.MOND. Government Hou.m., Salisbury. Rliodesia.

(.Inly. 19U).
HAI'I.LN. E. W.. Till- Fif-s. (ireul Aniwell, Ware. (Sept., liK13).
I HARI.ES. .1.. Sloiic House, Douc-artter. (February. Itni).

(■]IA1^LKSW(»1;TII. Mi■^r^ ATDRY. :\rnnihull Rcctoiy, Stunniii.stor NewtiHi.

Dorset. (July, V.iU'.
tUATTKKTON, Mr»., 11, Fairfiehl luuid. Crmich End. Ijondoii, N. (Janu-
ary. 1915).
CIlAWXEi;, .Miss K. F. Fore~s1 Hank, Lyndhurst. Hants: (Jvily, 1910).
( lilCK, llKRlIEirr J.. 39a, Radtoni Road, Nottingham. (March, 19U>.
CMRISTIE, Mrs G.. i\c\\lr>n IIoum-. Elsin. (January, 1913).
(LAKE, iliss LYDIA, '\'hv llolliis, 191, CoomlH- Lane, Wimbledon, London.

S.W. (March. 1910).
( LARK, ^V. (!.. Ilunimers Knott. Wiiuisor Road, Slough. (January. 191.')).
CLARKE. S.. Inoes. Sca.yiies Hill, llaywanls Heath. (August, 1911).
CLlF'l^dN. Lord, Dormant. (Octolx-r; 190.'-)).
( OLTON. R., 9. Bukendale Roa<l, Shetheld. (February, 1913).
CONNELL. Mrs. KNATCHBrLL, The Orchard, Brockenhuivst, Hants.

(July. 1912).
( ONSTABI^E, Rev. W. J., I'ppiujriiam. (Fobruary, 1912).
( RQKER, ('has. E., Buirow Inch, Ijower Bourne, Farnham. <Octo)>er, 1911).
CRONKSHAW, J., 193, Manchester Street, Aocrington. (Nov.. 1901).
CROSS. R.. Northumberland I'ark, Tottenham, London, N. (January,

19U).
( ROW, C. ]'".. Lindsey Bank House, Gri.m«by. (Octxiber. 191.5).
( ROYSD.VLE. Mrs. B., llawke House, Sunbury-nn-'l'hames. (January,

1908).
( LRRIE. J.. 128. Willowbrae Road. Edinburgh. (August, 1913).
c I'SIINV. Charles, c./o. Messrcs. Neish, Howell, and Haldane, 47, Watling

Street, St. Paul's, E.C. (Orig. Mem.).

DARRELI>, Dr. H. W., .\delaide House, All Saints' Green, Norwich. (Sep-
tember, 1908).
J)AV1DS(;)N, Mrs., Yew Tree Cottage, Bittern©, Southampton. (April, 1911).
T) A VIES. i[r,s. M. IL, Daresbury Hall, near Warrington. (January, 1914).
DAWSON-SMTTH, F., Nash Rectory, Stony Stratford, Bucks. (March.

1912).
1)I;LL, C. E.. 12, High Street, Harlesden, London, N.W. (January,

1914).
. DENNIS, Mrs. HAROLD, St. Leonaixl's Park, Horshaan. (January, 1904).
DEWAR, D., I.C.S., F.Z.S.. 33, Sbeepcote Road, Harrow. (June, 1907).
DEWAR. J. F., 2, St. Patrick's Squaj-e. Edinburgh. (Orig. M*m.).
DE YAL'BIJRG-BATESON, The Hon. LILLA, Heslington, York. (June,

1903).
DlTCHFiELD, F., 37, Nugget Street, Oldham. (April, 1914;.
DOBBIE, J., Waverley Works, Leith, Edinburgh. (April, 1906).
DOBSON. W. B. C, Bindown, Hampton Wick. (April, 1914).
DRUMMOND, Mis*?, Mains of Jlegginch, Errol, Perthshire. (November,

1907).
Ll'NKLEY, Mrs. H. F., Protae, Burma, India. (February, 1915).
DLNLEATH, The Lady, BallywaPer Park, Ballywalter, co. Down. (Novem-

bei'. 1901).
Dl'TTON, the Hon. and Rev. Canon, Bibury Vicarage, Fairford., Glos.

(May, 1906)
DA'OTT', ('apt. R. A., Freeford. Lichfield. (November, 1912).
EARLE. J. HUDSON, Newgate House, Cottingham, Hull. March, 1914).
EBRILL. WM.. 14, Victoria Terrace, Limerick. (April, 1906).

I'-D.M1'NI)S, W'., ( (ojuoc Fiiiin, LaiiKtoii Maliavcrs, Wai-ehaiu. (November,
19091. . , ■

1-LMS, E, F. -M.. H(S(biiiik ( uttayio, ( 'aishaltdu Iwia<i, Sutton, Suney. (June,
1910). ,

],ZKA, .\., F.Z.S.. UO. .Mount /Street, Uio.s'ciioi S((uan', London. (.laniiary,
19J1). ■'

i:ZR.A, ]).. .-J, F\y(l Stieei, ('ai( utta. lixlia-. (August, 1912).

rASKY, WILLIA.M K., The Oaks, Nolly iJush Hill, Snaresbrook, N.E.

(January, 1903).
KMIUtAK'. IJ. 11, M.D.', F.Z.S., Superiiiteiidcnl . the Koyal Zoological Society's

Gar<lens, I'li.fnix f'aik, Dublin. (Decenilx-r, 1912).
ilSllKK. W. II., The Bu.sh Hotel, Farnhani. (May, 1908).
I-ISIIFR-ROWJ;, 11. M., SI. I.tonard's Grange, Eeaulieu, Broekeuhurst,

llanis. (January. 1911).
FITZWILLIAM-IIALL, >rrs. D., Trevu, Camborne, Cornwall. (Feb., 1915).
I'LANNKKY, M. J., Barrack Street, Nenagh. (January, 1909). \

I'LOWKll, (apt. S. S., F.Z.S., M.B.O.TJ,, Keedah Plouse, Zoological Gardens',

Gizeli. Egypt. (March, 1909). ' .

' I.OWFK, Mrs. STAiSLFY, Eongfiebl, Tring, llert.«. (July, 1910).
! OKSTKH, \V. 1^., Sniilhtield, Orange Fre^ State, S. Africa, i May, 1911).
iOSTER. T., I'dirliglit, Babbaeonibe, Devon. (March. 1911).
FOSTER. Miss E. M., 3'). High Stieet, Huntingdon. (January, 1909;.
')\VLER-\VAK1), Dr. F., 10, Berners Street, Ji^swich. (Oct., 1913).
b'l>EL\ND, S< OTT, Hill Rise, Qnairy Hill, Tonbridge. (July, 1912).
I IxEVlLlj;, .Mi>- M. N. de, Quennevais House, Jei-sey. (January, 1916).
i HOST. \V. .). < .. 13, FairlawiV Avenue, ( 'li'iswick Park, London, W.

(Augu-,t, 1913 .
i iajSTlCK. J., 303, Hi-h Road, Streathani, London, S.AY. (Dec, 1909,.

(.ALLOW AY, .Mrs. E.. Fernville, Fortis Green Road, East Fi.nchley, London,

.\. (January, 1908;. ,

'.ALLOWAY, \\ !•'. M., 22, Rectory Raa<l, Cavershani, Reading. (November,

1907).
(lARDLNLR. Mrs. STANUn , Brcdon House, Sehvyn Gai-dent<, Cambridge.

(January. 1913).
I :|;RRARD, JOHN. .M.H.O.r., Worsley. Manchester. (June, 1905).
iLRK'vRD. Mis* M.. 11, Lung Arjio, Serristori, Florence, Italy. (June,

1914).
(.ODRY, EDOr.VRl), Oonnant. vJanuary, 1912).
■ .GOOJ).\< RE, HIGH, lllesthorpc, Lutterworth. (.May, 1912).

GOODCHILD, IL, M B.O.I"., (!(i, Gloucester Road, Regent's I'ark, London.

N.^V. (July, 1903 .
GOOD( lili.D. J., ( lare, Sulioik. (January, 1913).
UOODFELLOW, \V., The I'oplais. Kettering. (Octoben 190.S).
■;ORRINGE, The b'ev. RECilN \Li>, Mansti.n Rectory. Sturniinsler Newton,

Dorset. (DecenibcT, 1902).
'..)SSE, Dr. I'lMLri'. M.B.O.I".. Cur.leniad. B.aulieu, Brockenhurht ,

Hants. (April. 1910).
' <>|RLAY, H., i'en.shiu'^t, ShorUwatii, Fanihani, Surrev. (Novenilwr,

1907 r.

i.iv AHA.M. JOHN, R.iinlhjw irolel. Kendal. (February, 1911..
GRAY. H.. .M.R.C.V.S. (Hon. Vittriminj Sunjeon), 23, IpixM- rhilljjiion)
Place, Keiwinutoxi, London, W. (May, 190C),

GRl'lENALL; La;1y, Wallon TFall, iioar Wania-'toii. (September, 1915).
GREENAl.L, Alisn SUSAN, The Manor, CarKori Scroop, Grantham. (May,

1914).
GREEVJ'JN, Miss ^I., c/o. Mrs. Grocn, 51, Clanricarde Gardens, Nottiiijj Hill

Gate, LoiidoiL W. (October, 1907).
GROSSMl'J'Jl, .1. L., The Granye, Uickloy, Kpnt. (January, 19i;J).
Gt'RNEY, G. 11., Keriwick iiaJl, Norwich. (.June, 1913).

IIAGGIE, G. E., B.A.. Brumconibc, Foxcombe Hill, Oxford. (Feb., 1910).

HA UN, Countess C. V., 192, Walpole Road, Wimbledon, London, S.W.
(Au;,nist, 1910).

IIAI.L. M'is« A. F., 2(i, Adelaide Road, Regent's Park, I/ondon, N.W.; an<l
Deiihobiio. Huyling Island, Havant. (September, 1911).

liALE, (ITNTON B., Pedrogosa and Laguna, North West Corner, Santa
Barbara, ( alitornia, U.S.A. (April, 1911).

HARCOIRT, The Rt. Hon. LEWIS, P.C., 14, Berkeley Square, London, W.
(April, 1914).

:^ARPER, E. W., F.Z.S., M.B.O.l'., G, Ashburnham Road, Bedford. (Octo-
ber, 1907).

HARRIS, ('HAS.. 114, Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E. (April, 1910).

HARTLEY, Mrs. E. A., Lynchtield, Bi.-jlio])'s Lydeard, Taunton. (Septem-
ber, 1907).

HARVEY, P. T., .55^ St. Albans Road, Seven King,s, Essex. (June, 1915).

HATCHELL, D. G., c/o. Parry and Co., Madras, India. (December, 1911).

HAWKE. The Hon. M. C., c./o Miss B. Harrison, Manor House, Otton, Tad-
easter. (November, 1902). ,

HAWKINS, J. E., Belvedere, Streetlcy Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldtield.
lAi.nJ, 1915).

HAWKLNS, L. W., Estrilda, New ('live Roa4, Wesit Dnlwich. (Original
Member).

HEBB, T., Brocklea, The Downs, Lulon. (August, 1912).

HENDERSON, Airs. AV. F., Moor field. Upper Claremont, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
i (November, 1908).

HENDERSON, J. ALEX., Dormajit. (August, 1913).

HENSTOCK, J. H., Alarket Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. (March, 1907).

HERBERT, EDWARD GREVILI.E, Bombay Burmah Trading Ck)., Bangkok,
Siaiu, and The Rectorv, Hejinington .\bbot, St. ives, Hunts. (January,
1915).

HETLEY, Dr. HENRY, Bcaufon House, 114, Church Road. Norwood, S.E.

(January,. 1908).
HEWITT, F. W. G., The Old ILall, Weelsbr, Grimsby. (April, 1909).
HINCKS, Miss E. M., Baron's Down, Dulvei-ton, Somerset. (December,

1901).
HODGKIN, Mis., Sedbergh House, Kew Green, Surrey. (February, 1908).
M0LD1';N, RALPH A., F.Z.S., 5, .John Street. Bedfoi-d Row, London, W.C,

and IJarpeuden, Herts. (July, 1911).
HOLLINS, Miss. Greyfriars, Preston. (February. 1906).
HOLLINS, Mrs., The Aviaries, Coppice Drive, Harrogate. (May, 1903).
HOOPER, Miss G. M., Lan«down, West Derby, Liverpool. (Fe)>ruary, 1915).
HOPKfNSON. EMILUS, D.S.O.. ALA.. M.B., Oxon, South Bank, Bathhurst,

Gambia, West Africa. (October, 1901).
HORSBRLGH, Lieut.-Col., B. R.. F.Z.S., Tandridge Priory, Oxted, Surrey.

(.October, 1909).
HOKTON, Uisi M., Mascalls, Brentwood, Esses, (NoTOmbpr, 1915),

HOX'FTOiV, Mk-s K.. Fountain Dale, Mansfield, Nocts. (April, 1014).
IIOl'LTUN, ('KAKLE8, Laburimni House, Denton's Green, St. Helens.

(November, 1901).
liOWE, FRANK, 54, Thomas Street, AVellingborough. (February, ]!)02).
HUBBARD, .Mrs. D. L., Dormant. (January, 1905).
Hr.MF, .IA.M1':S, llejjscott. Mori)otli. (.June, 1903,).
li r.MlMUiVS. Rl'SSFLL, Present a^klress unknown. (July, 1902).
IMRNDALL, -Mrs. R., Ditton Hill Lodge, Ditton Mill, Surbiton, Surrey.

(April. 1913).
IIVDF, WALTER, Kempton Park. Sunbury-cn-Thames. (June, 1915).

ISAAC, ("HAS., Brockley House, Slough. (Mareli, 1911).

JAMRACH, A. E., 180, St. GeoKge's Street, London, E. (July, 1909).
.lAPDINE, J., Castle Inilk, Lockerbie, N.B. (August, 191.3).
.lENKS. H., 54, Ebury Street, London, S.W (August, 191.3).
'OIINSON, Miss L., S'I'I inON, Orotava Douse, (Jre, Haistings. (Septenilx-r,

1910).
.iOIlNSUJS'. .Maj'ir F., .Melrose, Wilbui'y Road, Hove, Brighton. (August,

1911).
JONr.S. W . YAKWORTIi, Villa <1 AriiA, Kingston-on-Thames. (Aug., 1915).

KELSON G. MOirriMER, Home Cottage, Sunbury-on-Tliames. (June,

1913).
KENNl'JDY. Capt. G., c/o. ilrs. Kennedy, 7, Albion Road, Sutton, Surrey.
- , (-May, 190S,.

KENVVOKTllY. J. M., ]Mea<lo\vcroft, Windermere. (June, 1909).
KlisG. FRANK, iXirmant. (March, 1909).
KING, H. T., 11, Elm Tree Avenue, West Briilgford, Nottingham. (April,

1914).
KITE, E. BAGSIIGT. Haines Hill House, Taunton. (February, 1*12).
KNUBEL. Miss E. MAFD. 32, Tavistock Square. London, W.('. (Deoember,

1911i.
ivOMYAKOlF. ALEXL*^, Novinsky Boulevanl. 109, Moscow, Russia. (Dei;..

191-Ji.

L.V'vlB, L. J., Alver.^ioiic, Tliciioril Riia<l, New Mahleiii, Surrev. (Mav,

1906'.
LEACH, C. F., Vale Lodge, Leatherhead." (July, 1914).
LEE, Mrs. E. D., Jlartwell House, 'Aylesbur>-. (Sei)tejnber, 1910).
LEGH, DE LEGJI, Dr. IL, Re<lear. (April, 1911).

LILFOIJD, The LORD, Lilford Mali, Oundle, Northants. (January. 1914).
LONGDEN, -Mi-s. D. A. S., Dormanl. (February, 1914).
LONGDOX. Mr.H. C. A., Arreton, Epsorn Road, Guildford (February, lOO'.l)
LOVELL-KEAYS, Dr. L. F., F.Z.S., Park Lodge. East Hoathly, lialland.

Sussex. (.March. 1913).
LOW, G. E., 14, Woyal Terrace Ennt. Kingstown. (.May, 1914*.
LOWE, .\. J. (. ., I'l^sent addre.ss unknown (January, 1912).
Lv ..vS, Miss EMM.V. Braniblehur.st, East Grinstea<l, Sussex. (Sept., 1913).
LICAS, N. S.. .M.B.. F.Z.S., 19. Westlxjurne lerraoe, Hyde Park, Li>ndon,

W. (January, 1914).
l.YN \\L C. ('., M.A., Bardswell Road, Oxford. (Sef)icinber. 191.3).
LY'l'HGvyE, G. W. F., Cunilyn, Crouiwell Koa<i, S1rctlur<i, MuuchoBter.
McCULLUUGH, JOHN, Dormant. (January, 1914).

Ml j)()^ ! !;.( I'., F.Z.S., L.L.S., 4, Wimpole

StriHi, j.i.ndoii, W . (.Iaini;u-y, I'.KKJi.
McDONAL]), Miss, Meadow Jiank, JioUingtoii I'uik, St. Leoiiards-oii-8ea.

(April, 1911). o .

\i(DONALD, D. D., \th.oll Anns Hotel, Blair Atholl, N.B. (Oct., 1915).
M.M.UxuV, Vi.scounte«:s EYELINE, Great Biookhain, Lcatherhead. (Aiig^ust,

1909)' ■ ^':^■ .

\iALLETT, E. A., AI.A., Great Wisliford, Salisbury. (September, 1911).
,MANN]':i?IN"G, R., Knoll Cottage, Noah Hill, Essex. (February, 1912).
UAWiN, STANLEY, V2, Albert Hall .Mansioiifi, Kensington Gore, South

Kensington, London^ S.W. (February, 1911).
.\L.\RM^/NT. W. B., The Firs, Anil>erley, Stroud, GJos. (October, 1908).
MARSHiCN, J., Thornhurst, lewit i'ark, Ijarrogate. (March, 1914).
MASON, JD., The Maisonette, Broadstairs' (April, 1914).
MASTj'.il. G., M.B., B.C., 86, Guildhall Street, Bury St. Eamunds. (Nov.,

1903).
MAXWELL-JACKSON, Miss M., ( owiiill, Rutland Road, Harrogate. (Jami-

ary, 1913'-.
MAXWELL, » . T., J, Shardcroft A\en, Heme ILill, S.E. (December, 1908).
MEADOWS. J. C. W., 19, Cardiff Road, Luton. (February, 1908).
AiEAKlN, H., 16, Shafteybury Roa<l, Luton. (January, 1904).
:\[1LLER, I\h\s K. LESLIE, Dorniant. (January, 1913).
MILLSLM, O.. The Firs, Weslwmxl, Mnrg^te. (July, 1907).
.MINCMIN, Mr., The Zoo, Adelaide, Australia. (July, 1914).
:L1TCHELL. IE., Haskells, Lyndhurst. Hants. (September, 1903).
MONEY, Sir L. G. 'TJIOZZA, 'MA'.. The Grey House, llanipstead Lane,

London, N. (Octobe-r, 1910).
:M0NTAGIIE. G. R., 63, Croxted Road, Duhvicji, S.E. (February, 1909).
MONTGOMERY, W. O.', c/o. Mr^. HuLse, Alexamlra Road, Hornsea, Hull.

(January, 1913).
MORRISON, The Hon. Mrsi McLAREN, t^uceu Anne's Mansions, St. Jame's

Park, London, S'.W. (Novemljcr, 1906).
.MORTl?ilER, Mrs.- Wigniore, Hohuwood, Dorking. (Original Member).
MUNDY, Miss SYBIL, Shipley Hall, Derby. (August, 1011).
MLRTON, AlARSHALL, Osborne Villas, Ncwcastle-ui>on-Tyuc. (August,

1913).
BAYLOR, iir-,. W M.. " Verniont.y Grappenhall, Warrington. (Oct., 1915).
NEWLEY, R.'A., 24, Stockwell Green, London, S.W. (December, 1902).
NEWAIAN, T. H., F.Z.S., M.B.O.L., Newlamls, Harrowdene Road, Wembley,

Middlesex. (Jnly, 1903).

CAKEY, W., 34, Lligh Streoi, i.. uc-ti r. (Original Alember).
OliERHOLSJsR, HARRY C, 1,444, Faiimont Street, N.W., W^ashingtoii,

D.C., r.S. A. (December, 1903).
( DONNELL, O., Hyntle I'lace, Hintlesham, Ipswich. (August, 1912).
It UONNELL, Major-Gon. II., CB., D.S.O., Banu, N.W.F.B., India. (Octo>

ber, 1913;.
O'KEILLY, NICHOLAS o.. Ill, i^a^tern Road, Kent Towji, Brighton. (Orig.

Member). . ■

( GG, J. E., The Grove/ Cockburnspath, Berwickshin'. iFcbiuaiy, 1913).
ONSLOW, The Counte&s of, Dormant. (April, 1913).

1 AGE, W. T., F.Z.S., (Hon. Ediiuv), Gleuhcld, Graham Avenue, Mitiiiiain,
Surrey. <May, 1905),

PAINTER, V. KENYON, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. (November, 1910).
PARKIN, THOS., M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Fairseat, High Wickham,

Ha.s-.ings. (May, 1514).
lATERSON, Rev. J. MAPLETOFT, Karachi, Siudh, India. (November.

1908).
PAUWELS ROBERT E., Everbeig par Cortenberg, Brabant, Belgium.

(September, 190!)).
PENNANT Lady EDTTil DQL GLAS, Soham House, Newmarket. (July,

1908).
PERCIVAL. W. G., Nauga, Cliania Bridge, British East Africa. (January,

1915).
PERKINS, E., Chester Hill, Wloodchester, Stroud, Gloucestershire. (Feb.,

1903).
PERRi:\U, Alajcr G. A., F.Z.S., 2-4 Gurklui Rifles, Bakloh, Punjab, India.

(December, 1903)
PERREAU, ':\lr6. R. A. D., 11, Douglas Crescent Edinburgh. (September,

1908 K
PERRINO. C. S. K., Clareniont Avenue, New Maiden, Surrey. (October.

1902).
I HAIR, H. J., Broad Street, AJresfoi'd. (January, 1912).
PHILLIi'S, E. R., 12, Waltham Terrace, Blackrock, Irelan<l. (Sep., 1915).
IICKARD, II. K., 298, Wf>fit End Lane, Kilburn. London, N.W. (Oct..

1991).
PICKLES. W. H., Stonyhurst, Moi'ecambe, Lanes. (May, 1904).
PIKE, L. G., F.Z.S., King Barrow, Wareham. (December, 1910).
PILKINGTON, Lady KATHLEEN, Che/et Park, Wakefield. (September,

1908).
POLTIMORE, Lady, Poltimore J 'ark, E.xoter. (August, 1911).
POND, Mrs. T., 174, ri)por Parliament Street, Liverpool. (November,

1902).
POPE. Mrs.. Ilowden, Tiverton, Devon. (Februaiy, 1914).
POWELL. Miss M. .M.. Hawthorn House. Oakhill Park. Old Swan, Liverpool.

(May, 1914 >.
PrCK, OTTO, Darenth Lodge, Chingford, N.E. (May, 1912).
1 PLLAR. LAWRJ;NCE, H. F., F.Z.S., Dunbarnie Cottage, Bridge of Eajrn,

Perthshire. (OctobtM-, 1913).

QL'INCEY, R. de QI INCEY, Ingiewood, Chislehurst. Kent. (August, 1910).

IvATHBORM;, II.
RATTIGAX, G.

1909^
RAVEN. W. TL, 239, Deiby Road, Nottingham. lOcto)>er, 1909).
RAYNOR, Rev. (L H., M.A., Uazeleigh Rectorv. Maldon, E.ssex. (Deoombcr

1909). •

READ. Mrs. W. IL, (^hurch Croft, Weston Park Road, Thames Ditton.

(January, 1911). \

REEVE, Ca)»t. J. S., GU-ndaragh, Caterhani, Surrey. (March, 1908).
R.ESTALL, J. A., 82, Ca.ni)>ridge Street, Birmingham. (November. 1903).
RICE, Capt. G., Clayquhat, Blairgowrie. (July, 1002).
RICKM.VN, I'., Bro()kiiipa<L Windsor Road. Bray. Berks. (A])ril, 1915).
ROBBINS. IL, 37, New OxtWd Street, London. \V. (October, 1908).
ROBSON, J., 2'6, Camden Grove, Ptckliam, S.E. (December, 1909).
ItOGJiJKS, W. T., 31, Priory Villas, New Road, Brentwood. (October, 1907).

L 1^., Dreenan, Letter, Co. Fermanagh. (November, 1915).
E.. "Fron-Felen," Caersws, Montgomerysliire. (March,

KOGERSON, Mrs., Flourvill<>, Cheltenham. (February, 1903).

ROTH, FRED G. R., Sherwood Phice, En-lewood, N.J., U.S.A. (Nov.,

1908).
ROTJIWFLL, J.VMES E., 153. Spwell Avei.ue, Brookline, Mass., U.S.A.

(February, 1911).
KUUiH, Col. J. J., 2, B^^eehworlh Villas, Cheltenham. (January, 1912).
ROW, C. H., Chapel House, Long Melford, Suffolk. (December, 1905).
RU:MSEY, lacy, 23, R\ia de Torpa Pinto, Villa Nova de Gaya. Oporto,

Poriu^al. (October, 1911).
R\'.AN. G. E., i,Bar.-at-law), Hintlesii.im Hall, Ipiswich. (November, 1913).
EVAN, \V. .J. NORWOOD, St. John's, Beaufort Road, Kingston-on-Thames.

(Septeinber, 1913).

S( IIUYL, D. G., 12, 'J'oe-Haringvlihl, i;.,tvor<lani, Holland. (January, 1914).
SCOTT, Lieut. B. HAMILTON, lEamiMean, Ipswich. (July, 1910).
SCOTT, A. H.. Waterside Copse, Liphook, Hants. (October, 1915).
SCOTi, J. E ASTON, M.B., Birdhurst. VVoodcote Road, Wallingtoni, Surrey.

(Majch, 1908^
SCO'ii', Mrs. J. EASTON, Bii<lhurs(, Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey.

(Ma.rch, 1908).
ftCOTT- MILLER, R., Greenoai: Hill, Broomhousc, Glasgow. (May, 1913).
SEBAG-MONTEFIORE, Mrs., East Cliffe Lodge, Ranisgato. (May, 1914).
SEGl xC, LE COMTE DE. 45. Avenue d'Jena. Paris, France. (April, 1914).
SHERLOCK, Rev. W. J. R., 159, Park Road. Barnsley. ( January, 1916).
SHIPTON, A. J., 71, Cloudesdale Road, Balham, London, S.W. (April,

1913).
bICH, H. L., Coruey Plouse, Burlington Lano, Cliiswick, London, W. (June,

1908).
SIDEBOTTOM, Mrs.* E. HARROP, Etherow House, HoUingworth, Man-
chester. (February, 1908).
SILLS, ARTHX'R, 260, Loughboj-ough Road, Leicester. (January, 1911).
SIMPSON, R. E., 5, Christ Church Avenue, Armley, Leeds. (December,

1907).
SLADE, G. J., 34, Milron Road, Fitzhugh, Southampton. (February, 1915).
SMITH-RYLAND, Mrs., Barford a.i11. Warwick. (April, 1909).
SMI'1>H:, J.,. Woodlands, Kendal. (JanuaiT, 1910).
SMYTH, Miss ALFREDA, 40, Davenport uoad, (Jatford, London, S.E.

(January, 1911).
SNARLY, H., 21, Leamington Eoad, Blackburn. (March, 1911).
SOAMES, Rev. H. A., M.A., F.L.S.. Lyncroft, Bronxley, Kent. (Rejoins

January, 1914).
SOMERS, Lieut. F. W., A.V.C., T.F.. 66. Francis Street, Leeds. (January,

1907). %

SOUTIICOMBE, S. L.. Highlands, Ash, Martock, Somerset. (September,

1910).
c^OUTHEY, Miss M. E<, The Viclrage, Cliiddingly, Halland,, Sussex. (Janu-
ary, 1915).
SPEAKl!.R, .Mrs. ALIL'E, Giffonl Lodge, Twickenham. (April, 1915).
SPRANKLING, E., Brookland Cottage, South Road, Taunton. (Fobi-uary.

1908).
SPRAW.-^ON. Capt. lO. C, R.A.M.C.. (i.s. Soutliwood Lane, Highgate, London,

N. (October, 1913).
SLROS'ioN, Mr3., The Elm House, NanUich, (January, 1911),

STEAFENSON, Mrs. PAGET. Crosos Baiik Hill, Hurwood-on-Teee, Darling-
ton. (January, 1915).

STEED, D., 22, North Strwt, Sudbury, Suffolk. (May, 1911).

ST1]1NS('11]]N, W. E., The Bun^'alow, Contanchey, Guorn.sey. (February,
1911).

STEIMli^NS, A. J., Aryyle Koad, lliord. (Febiiiary, 1914).

8TEECKMANS, Dr. C, Dorniaiit. (August, 1910).

sTEW'Airr. 13. 'I\, Glenhurst, The ( ro^spaths, RacUe-tt, Herts. (February,
1914).

STONEY, Mr.-,. STELl^A, .'i8, Canipden Ilou«e Court, Kensington, Loudon,
W. (August, 1912).

STOKx..,!, Mrs. A., Sxunmer Hill, Tarporley, ("heshiro. (November, 1912).

STOTT, A. E., 15, Ea^st I'aiade. Leeds. (January, 1915).

s'l REET, E., The Poplars, Oatwoodis, Anslow, Burton-on-Trent. (May,
1909).

STRICKLAND, E. A., 16, Alma Road, Wiadsor. (May, 1912).

STRONG, HERBERT, The Hollies, Beckenham Lane, Bromley, Kent.
(April, 1913).

SlGGITT, \V. E., Suggitt's Lane, Cleethorpes, Grimsby. (Jaai., 1915).

SUGGirr, W. E., Suggitt's Lane, Cleethorpes, Grimsby. (Jan., 1915).

SUTCLIFi'E, .ALBER'J", Fairholme, Welholme Road, Grim.sby. (May, 1907).

SWAYNE, HENRY' A., 29, Percy Place, Dublin. (January, 1913).

SWAY'SLAND, W., Dormant. (Original Member)

SY'KES, J., 16, Shiorthope Street, Musselburgh. (January, 1912).

TAINTEGNIES, BARONNE LE CLEMENT DE, Cleveland, Minehead,

Somerset. (.August, 1913).
'I.WISTOCK, The Marquis of, 19, Hanover Square, London, W. (Jauuarj',

1913).
1 EMPLE, W. R., Ormonde, Datchet, Windsor. (December, 1908).
•I ESCHEMAKER, W. E., B.A., Ringmore, Tedgnmouth. (iMarch, 1907).
THOM.YSSET, B. C, F.Z.S., The Manor House, Ashmansvvorth, Newbury.

(July, 1912).
'! HOMl'SON, M.. 1, William Stree't, .'^oslyn, Duuedin, New Zealand. (June,

1911).
THORBLRN, Mi*>s C. W., 99, Edge Lane, Liverpool. (March, 1910).
THORNILEY, PERCY W., Shooter^s Hill, Wean, Shrewsbury. ^May,

1913).
TilWAlTES, Dr. GILBERT B., 94, lieacon-sfield Road, Brighton. (May,

1910).
I IDEY', J. W., Dormant. (January, 1912).
riLLEY, G. D. F., Now York. Z.S.. Darien, Connecticut, U.S.A. (January,

1913).
TOMASSI B.ALDELLI, L.\ COUNTESSA G., 4, Via Silvio, Pelico. Florence,

Italy. (Deceml>er, 1901).
TO.MLINSON, M\LCOLM R., ShophenlV House, Inveresk. Midlothian

(Ai)ril, 1913 >
lOWNSEND. S. VI.. (Hon. Kjhihnonul ScrhUiry). 3, Swiff Street, Fulhani.

S.W. (Original Aleniber).
I l\ACY. :\Ir-i. \. H., Thala.>ba. Shaldon, Teignmouth. (February. 1914)
IK-AVERS, .Mrj,. JOHNSON, Feij. Hill, Ch.nukiltv. co. Cork. (December

1903).
K.A.V1S, Mrt>., Pediuore Grange, Stourbridge. (January, 191D.

'IRELOAK, Sir W"\I., Bart.. Grange Mount. Norwood, S.E. (June, 1909).

'lURNER. PiKRIiERT J., Treniadoc, Keybc-riT Road, Newton Abbot. (Feb-
ruary, 1915).

irRNER-rrRNER, Mr.-?., Abbf.y SiKing. Beaulku. Brockcnhurst. Hante.
(November, 1910).

TYSON. C. R., 1C9, Sloane Street, Cbelsca, London, S.W. (February, 1911).

URWICK. D. R., St. Cross Mill, Winchester. (March, 1913).

VALE, LEWIS, 8, Broadway. Woiulfoni, London, N.E. (May, 1913).
VALENTINE, E., 7, Tlighfield, Workington. (December, 1911).
VfLLIEuS, Visoiiuntess, C, Aniwick's iianor, Letcombe Regis, Wantage.

(November^ 1912).
VOLLMAR, I'., 8, George Street, Minorie*^, London, E.C. (February, 1909).

W<VDDELL, Miss E. G. R. PLDUIE, L Great Stuart Street, Ediinburgh.
(February, 1909).

WADE, L. M., Oakhill Road, Ashsteaxl, Surrey. (Sei>tember, 1913).

W.AIi.', Misjs L. M., ^t. A., 12. Rosary Gaidens, South Kensington, London,
S.W. (December, 1907),

\V.\RD, lloi). Mrs. SO.MERSET. Greenniount, Newcastle, oo. Down. (Octo-
ber, 1!)05.).

W ARDALE, II. ,t)orniant. (May, 1903).

V\'AREN-WILLJAMS, H. E.. Wiio<icote Lo<^ige, Wowlcote Road, Wallington.
Surrey. (January, 1911).

WATSoN, S., 37, Tithebarn Street, i'ie.-.ton. (September, 1910).

W.V'iTS, RlUOLI'Il, Sunnyside, St. Peter's Road, Huntingnion. (November,
190G).

WEBB. Miss KATUERINE. Emery Down, Millington Road, Cambridge.
(July, 1909).

WEBSTER, Lady, rowdermill I louse, Battle, Sussex. (February, 1911).

WEDIjE, E., Kingscote, Trinify R<)ad, Wood Green, London, N. (Febru-
ary, 1915).

\^ Elii, J., I^uglas Cottage, Upper Ashley. New Milton, Hants. (December,
1912).

WESTACOTT. H., Wellingtt.n Hotel, Minehead, Somerset. (September,
1907). ■•

WESTON, G. E., 12, Lowisham Road, Dartmouth Park, London, N.W.

(Julv. 190R).
WETHEY, Mrs. R. E., Lehden. ( oatham, Rcdcar. (July, 1911).

VvilISTLER, HLGH L P.. Hissar, I'unjab, India. (January. 1913).
WHITLEY, H., Primley Hill, Paigntim, S. Devon. (January, 1916).
WILLFURD, HENRY (//ow. Phoiofjrujyher), Uplands View, Haven Street,

Rj^e. (July, 1908).
WILLIAMS, Airs. C. H., Emmanuel Parsonage, Exeter. (January, 1911).

WILLIAMS. Mra. IIOVVARD, 24. Harlev House, Regent's Park, London,

N.W'. (June, 1910).
WILLIAMS, SIDNEY, F.Z.S., (Hon. Treasurer and Business Serrelary),

"Oakleigh," 110, Riverway, Ralmer's Green, London, N. (October, 1910).
WILSON. Mi.=s F. M., 35, Emanuel Avenue, Acton, Middlesex. (March,

190(5). *

W1J>S0N: T. N., -M.A., Harrow Lodge, Bransgore, Christchurch.(Jan.. 1902).
WINCIIELSEA and NOTTINGHAM, The Countess of, Haverholme Priory,

Sleaford, (June, 1903),

WIMBLE, CHAS., Thirlmero, South End Road, Beckenham. (December,

1909).
WOOjJ, J,. \V., .M;^]ii:!^' Fartii, Aldwinclo, Thrapslon. (April, 1911j.
WOODWAl^D. KENNETH N., 1. Mrdisoii Avenue, New York, U.S.A.

FebTiiary, 1915).
WORKMAN, W. 1[., M.B.O.T'., Lismore. Windsor, Belfast. (June, 1912).
WRIGHT, G. B., c/o. G. Heaton, Church ITill, Handsworth, Birmingham.

(June. 1908).
WRIGHT, 11. NEWCO:\IBE, LEB., Dormant. (.January, 1911).
WROTTESI-EY, 'I'he Hon. WALTER B., F.Z.S., Seis<lon, Staplecross,

Hawlchurst. (Decem)>er, 1902).

YEALLAND. JAMES. Bin.stead, Ryde. (Septemlier, 1909).
YOUNG, ARTHUR E., Thornhill, Alnwick. (October, 1911).

■0-

The Hon. Business Secretary rrqvext.^ ih'tt he may he promptly informed of
any errors in the above List.

Notices to Members.

SmscRiPTiONs : The year is sure to be a difficult and trying one
for tlie officials, and we ask tli u all suhscri[)tions may be sent in promptly,
so as not only to lighten as far as possible honorary tasks, but also to
facilitate the smooth working of the business of the club.

Tm- M AGA/iiNK ; This issue will, -,ve fear, be rather late, owing to
the revision of Roll, etc., but also, so many having enlisted, our printer is
much undcr-slaffed ; these difficulties, liowever, will right themselves as the
year proceeds. That the Magazine may not be lacking in interest and
variety, the Hon. Editor requests that copy may be sent to him dealing with
any t<jpic of avicultural interest.

Rules: We regret having to hold over these till next issue, when
they will duly appear.

Snows: These have not been numerous owing to the "times "
there will be held on February 2nd and 3rd the Jgi.n't Me.mbf.rs' Ci.ub Show
of L.C.B.A., iX.B.B., and M ;C .. and F :B :E .L ., open not only to the
members of these societies.

Roil OK Honour: Instead of continuing this month by month,
we propose to publish a full list on the completion of the war. Among the
last of our members to join are: A. SutclifTe (one of our Council), who
has obtained a commission in K.F.A., and F. Somers, who has a commission
in the A.V.C. ; but more of our members\ are with the colours than we
know of at, .present.

WESLEY T. PAGE. Ron. Editor.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon Bus. Sec. and Treus.

New Members Elected. •

Miss M .\ de Freville, Quennevais House, Jersey.

-♦

Proposed for Election as Members.

J. Channing-Pearce, M.D., etc., Montague House, Ramsgate.

By Mrs. Sc hag- Monte foire and S. Williams.
Rev. \V J. R. Sherlock, 159 Park Road, Barnsley.

II. Whitley, Primley Hill, Paignton, S. Devon. By the Hon liditor.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

These two funds much need all the assistance members can give
them. The Committee tender best thanks for the following donations:

£ s. d.^

Arnott, R o 2 6

Hume, J . o 2 6

Miller, R. Scott o 10 o

Bampfylde, the Hon. Mrs. i o o

Page, W. T ' o o

Wait, Miss St. A o lo o

Wilson, Miss F. M o lo o

The Bird Market.

Adverti8>'ment,'i mutt be prepaid and reach the R^'torial Secretary by
the lOth of thi' month. Charge: Mcmbe>-^ ^vertisementa, four
words a penny, minimum 4d. Non-Mcmhcrs, three words a penny,
minimum 6d.

CONOUUED PLA'I'KS: All the plates that have been issued up to the
present, c&n he obtained uncut for framing, at 1/- each, with the excep-
tion of '"A Beautiful Aviary" which is 1/6.

Apphi III The Prm.rsHKK, Market Place. Ashbourne.

— ^ 4

MEMBERS' SALES AND WANTS.

FOR S.ALE . Two Silverbill X Bronze Mannikin hybrids, 5s. each, or would
excliangc— Miss. Mary Boyd, Webbery, Bideford.

FOR SALE. Cocks. Taha Weaver, 7s. 6d., and Cutthroat, 4s., both accli-
matised and in perfect health.— f^apt. Reeve, Glendaragh, Caterham,
Surrey.

FOR SALE or EXCHANGE: "Bird Notes "-VoL VI., N.S., unbound ;
\'ol III., First Scries, bound; good condition. WANTED: Zebra
Finches. Java Sparrows, and Small Doves. -Mrs. Cartwright, Bretton
West Wakefield .

FOR SALE : Mealy Rosella (cock), lost one eye, 40s. ; Blossom-headed
(cock). 40s.. or exchange hen; Breotiing pair Black-cheeked Love-
birds 40s.; pair Madagascars 10s. 6d. -W. Shore Baily. Boyers House,
VVestbury, Wilts.

lOR SALE. "Bird Notes," Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; splendidly and,
uniformly bound, leather barks, perfect condition. Cash offers or
exchange (or part) for good mu roscopc.- F. Howe, 54 Thomas Street,
Wei lingborough .

' 'FFERED 2 cock Diamond Finches, wanted cock Pectoral Finch and
hen Diamond Dove ; also offered, hen Red Avadavat for hen Golden-
breasted Waxbiil. all outdoors past 18 months. Also < ock Crimson
Finch, imported igi.s. has bred, for cock Red Gouldian ; and 2 aviary
bred Cuban Finches, for 2 other ditto, all perfect feather except on
Cuban.- Capt. Sprawson. 68. Soutfiwood Lane, Ffighgate, London, N.

WANTED Hen Vellow-b;i< kod Whydah. J. Charring Pearre. Montague
House, Ramsgate.

\V.\NTED : Hen Green Avadavat; p.-iir of Cordon Bleus ; Singing Shama.—
Apply c/o Editor, " Bird Notes "

WANTED to Exchange,' Peach-faced Lovebird (believed to be a hen) for

guaranteed cock. — G. E. Haggi?. Brumcombe, Foxcombe Hill, Oxford.
FOR SALE : Copies of " Bird Notes." all in good conditio^, and with

coloured plates, 1908, Feb. and Aug. missing. 190c) Nov. missing.

1910 December missing. 191 1 Oct. missing. 1912 and 19.3 complete.

1914 Nov. missing.— Oilers to Mrs. Croysdnle. Hawke House, Kunbury-

on-Thames.

AVIARIE& AND BIRD FOODS : Aviaries Planned and their erection
and furnisliing supfirviscd at reasonable charges. Aviaries visited
ant' export adyice given. Existing aviaries overhauled, re-arrani;ed,
and re-furnished. Supervision of aviaries undertaken by monthly,
bi-monthly, or quarterly visits, at tnrms to be mutually agreed
upon. In response to numerous requests I aln willing to supply all
kinds of Bird Seeds and Foods from my own stock. Also special
mixtures for Parrots, ♦ Parrakeefs, etc., at current rrftes : TNSECT-
ILE MIXTURE, Is., Is. 6d., 2^., and 2s. 6d. per lb. NEST
BARRELS, for Parrakeets, Lovebirds, etc., specially made for the
purpose, in three sizes — small, medium and large. These jarrels.
especially the large size, if fitted with a perch or twiggy branch,
make excellent shelters for birds of the Finch-tribe during inclement
weather. Also Rush Nests for Waxbills, and small Finches. —
Apply, W. T. Page, Glcnfield, Graham Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey.

De VON & Co.

Importers of Foreign Birds. Small Animals, Aquarium
Requisites, etc.

VVHYDAHS.

WEAVERS.

BISHOPS.

COMBASSOUS.

QUAILFINCHES.

CUTTHROATS.
DIAMOND DOVES.
1-TREFIXCHES.
SULI HURY

' SEEDEATERS.

TALKINC MACAW,

GOLDFISH.

CRESTED

MYNAHS.

Price Lists from —

De Von & Co., 114, Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E,

Telephone : —

6489 London Wall.

Telegraphic Address : —

" Oiseauz, London.

FEBRUARY, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club<

(Continued from page 1).

Magazine Committee :

Dk. M. Amsi.ki! Dm. L. Luvtm.i.-Keavs

W. SeoRK Baii.y Dr. J. E. R. MgDonacii

W. A. Bainhriixu: Rev. G. ff. Rayxok

Dr. Piiu.i.rr (iossE Dr. J. Eastqx Scott

H.Grav. M.R.C.Y.S. R. SuGGiTT

T)r. X. S. Ll'cas H. Wir.LKORD

Show Committee :

W. A. Bainkridce Hon. 'Mk^. G. Bourke

S. M. Tow.NSENi) (Hon. Sec.)

Social Committee:

Mrs. C. AsNiNOrfo.N W. Bam ford

Miss E. M. Baker W. T. Rocers (Ho/i. See)

Hon. Mrs. G. Bourke A. S'i;t(:i,ikke

Mrs. E. a. H. Hartley W. R. Tkmim i;

Awards Committee:

Hon. W.B. Wrottesi.ey, F.Z.IS. E. W. Chaim.in

The Cointess ok Winciuesea Dr. H. Heti.ev

H. BHKillT R. SufiGrrT {Hon. Ser).

A will I r Scrntinfer :

E. P\ M. Ki.Ms G. Scott Fi;i la v\i.

Rules.

1. The objects of " Thf. Forf.ig.n- Bird Ch-b " shall be the mutual
encouuigoment and assistance of the members in keeping and breeding all
species of Birds, and the exhibiting of Foreign Birds, and the improvement
of Shows in regard to them. "

2. The Club shall be composed of members. Every member shall
pay an entrance fee of 2s. 6d. and an annual subscription of ids. Sub-
scrif)tions shall be due and payable in advance on the ist of .January in
each year If any member's subscription shall be more than three months
overdue, he shall be suspended from all benefits of the Club, and if more
than nine months overdue, notice of his having ceased to be a Member of
the Club, and of the cause, may be published in Notices to Members ; and
on such notice being published he shall cease( to be a member accordingly,;
but his liability for overdue siibsi-riptioiis shall continue.

3. New Members shall be proposed in writing by a Member of
the Club; and the name- and address of every person thus proposed, with
the name of the person proposing him, shall, be jpublished in the Notices
to Members. Unless the Candidate shall, within fourteen days after the
public.Ttion of his name, be objected to by at least two Members, he shall
be duly elected. If two or more Members shall lodge with eifher of the
Secretaries objections . to any Candidate, he shall not be elected, but the
signature to the signed objections must be verified by the Scrutineer. The
Secretaries and the Scrutineer shall not disclose the names of the objectors.

4. Any member wishing to resign at the end of the current year
of the Club shall give notice of his intention to one of the Secretaries
before the 31st of December, and in default of such notice he shall be
liable to the following; year's subscription.

5. The (Officers of the Club shall be elected from the Members,
and shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-presidents, and Auditor,
a Scrutineer,, one -or inore Secretaries, a Treasurer', a Veterinary Surgeon,
a Council of Twenty-four Members, and such number of Judges as shall
from time to time be determined by the Council. The Editor, Secretaries,
Treasurer, and Veterinary Surgeon shall be ex-o/fieio members of the Council.

Three Members of the Council shall retire annually by seniority, but
are eligible for re-election. The Editor, Secretaries, and Treasurer shall
be elected trienially. The Council and Judges shall be elected in a manner
hereinafter provided. The other officers shall be elected annually at a
meeting of the Council, immediately after their own election.

6. The .election for the three annual vacancies on the Council, and
the Judges, shall take place ^ every year between the 15th November and
the 5th December. • The Secretaries shall ascertain which of the Members
are willing to stand for election to office, and shall send to each Member
of the Club on or about the 15th of November a voting paper containing
a lis!, of all such members, showing the offices for which they are respect-
ively seeking election. Each Member shall make a (X) opposite the names
of those for whom he desires to vote, and shall sign the paper at the foot,
and send it in a sealed envelope to the Scrutineer, so that he may receive
it , before sth December. The Scrutineer shall prepare a return of the
Officers elected, showing t'he number of votes recorded for each Candidate,
and send it one of the Secretaries for publication in the Notices to Mem-
bers for December. The Scrutineer shall not reveal to any person how
any Member shall have voted. In the event of an equality of votes the
President shall have a casting vote.

7. Dealers in birds shall not be eligible for election to any office
in the Club, cxcei)t that of Judge. For the purpose of this rule, any iMem-
ber who habitually buys birds with the intention of selling them again, shall
be deemed a bird dealer. Before the annual election of officers', the Sec-
retaries shall submit to the Council the list of Members willing to stand
for lelection to the Secretaryship, the Treasurership, and the Council ; and
the Council shall remove from the list the name of any Candidate who
shall be, in the opinion of the Council, a dealer in birds, within the mean-
ing of this rule. The decision of the Council or of any Committee to
whom the Council shall delegate^ its power under this rule, shall be final.
W'hen a dealer is proposed as a Member of this Club, the fact of his being
.1 dealer shall be stated in the Notices to Members.

8. 1 1 shall be lawlul for the Council to delegate any of its p(jw'ers
111 a rommittee.

V. Thi- Council may ajjpoint an Arljitration Committee^ wliicli may
decide questions at issue between Members, when requesited to do so by
both parties. Any decision of such Committee shall be final. Except to
the extent permitted by this rule, the Club and its officers shall decline to
concern themselves with disputes between Members.

lo. The Council shall have power to alter and adtl to these Rules',
but shall give to the Members noti'ce of any proposed alteration or addition, anti
in the event of six members, objecting thereto within fourteen days, the
proposed alterations or additions shall be submitted to the votes of the
Members. Failing such objection the alteration shall date from its adoption
by the Council.

12.— Neither the office of Scrutineer nor tiiat of Auditor shall be
lield for two consecutive years by the same person. The Scruiinoer shall
not be a Candidate at any Election at which he acts as Scrutineer.

I3'.— If any 'office becomes vacant at any time other than the end
the current year of the Club, the Council sh.ill ha\e power to .ippoint any
Member to fill the vacancy.

14. The decision of the majority of the Council shall he iinal and
binding on the Club, but a resolution passed by the Council shall not be
acted upon unless there be an absolute majority of the Council (and not
merely of those voting) in its favour.

Rules Governing Club's Patronage at Shows.

1 he patronage of the F.B.C. is given at all OPEN SHOWS, j)rovidcd
the following conditions are observed.

(a) At least three classes must be provided for FOREIGN
BIRDS (excluding local and members" classes, in which no bird
competing for F.B.C. p.-\lron;ige may be shown).

ih) The classification, and name of tiie judge, mii.-^l be sub-
mitted by show Secretaries, when applying fof patronage.
{c) Those societies obtaining patronage, must print in the schedule
tha • the section is under the patronage of the F.B.C.

(d) That no alteration (.im.ilgamaiion or canceliaiioivj of classes
must be made, or the judges changed without giving notice to the
Hon. Show Secretary of the F.B.C, in which case the original pat-
ronage does not hold good.

All MEDaLs are awarded to BEST BIRDS (but the Coinmittee have
the right t" iw-fl <vtn medals for speci.il purpo'^'-'- ■•'■! •(•• -■'•■•■■

il IS granted where less than six classes are providec

3 Members of the F.B.C. must place F'.B.C. after each entry on entry
forms and should request Show Secretaries to print these initials
in their catalogues.

4. No Member can win more than two medals in a season, i.e., one silver

and one bronze, or ^ore than one medal at the same show.

5. The London Silver Cup is offered for competition at all Shows under

patronage in the London Postal District, where ten or more classes
are given, and the Provincial Silver Cup at Shows outside this area,
where six or mori: classes are given. Both Cups are awarded for most
points gained throughout the season by nominated birds.

6. These Cups become the properly of those who have won them three

times (not necessarily in succession), and only three birds at each

Show can be nominated, which is done by writing the word " Cut' "

after the entries on entry form If members nominate more than

three birds they will be disqualified for that Show.

7. These conditions only hold good where Show Societies' and Members

observe the rules. Failure to conform annuls all offers, and the
birds of a member whos^ subscription is unpaid at the time of making
an entry are ineligible ^to compete.

8. Points for the Cup to. count as follows: ist, 7 points; 2nd, 6 points;

and one point off for each lower award. Should a tie take place,
the member taking the most prize money to win.

9. Any item not herein provided for, may be dealt with at the discretion

of the Show Committee.

Rules re Breediii^ Medals

The F.B.C. Medal for Breeding a Species or Hybrid for the first time
in captivity in Great Britain, will be awarded on the following con-
ditions only :

{a) As detailed an account of the success as possible must be
sent for publication in " Bird Notes," as soon as the young can
fend for themselves.

{b) The Awards Committee, whose decision shall be final, to
make the awards from the Secretary's data, and the published articles
recording successes.

{c) The awards will be made, and the medals distributed, at
the tlose of each successive season, or as soon afterwards as the
the publication of said articles permit.
SPECIES : The young must be reared to be independent of their par-
ents. When hatched, or reared by artificial means, or by foster-
parents, the record is not eligible for the medal ; except in the
case of parasitic species.
HYBRIDS : For any cross not previously reared in captivity, between
any two species— the domestic Canary as one of the parerits alone
being excepted. A cross between any two species is only once recog-
nised, e.g., Parson Finch X Long-tailed Grassfinch, and Long-tailed
Grassfinch X Parson Finch are reckoned as the same Hybrid for the
purposes of this award, and whichever was secured first \vojld hold
the record. The eggs must be incubated and the voting reared by
the pair of birds producing the eggs, or the record will not be eligible
for a inedal.

Notices to Members

SiRsck-iPTiONs : Quite a !,number have overlooked the tact tliai these
become duo on January ist, and that they are payable in advance ; will
they kindly sufl'er this reminder and remit at once, and so save the
Hon. Sec unnecessary labour and also thercl)y assist in- the facile working
of the aflairs of the Society.

Tnr 'M.\gaz;m: : AVhile thanking those vvlio have so liberally re-
spoiuled with donations and copy, the Hon. Editor strongly presses the.
])oint that, if each member sent one article about their aviaries and
birds or other aviculuiral topics, not ojily would all sections be repre-
sented ou'.' contents more varied, and the Editor's task made much
lighter than it is at present, but also there would be created an interest
in the Club that has never yet. existed. Of donations we cannot hiive too
many— the whole of our income is spent on our Journal and Medals, all
the ofjicials of] the Club are honorary, so all should have a personal in
teres' in this- matter, seeing that all alike benefit therefrom.

The Hon. Editor asks the f .rbearance of members and contriiiutors as to thi.s
and next issues, as he is changing his residence and it has been impossible to give the
usual time and clcse attention to proofs, etc. Hi.s address on and from March ist
will be " Lang.stone, Lingfield, Surrey."

WESLEY T. PAGE, Hon. Editor.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus. Sec nJid Treas.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

These two funds much need all the assistance members can give
them. The committee tender best thanks for the followinj^ donations :

.£ s. d.

Browning-, W. H o ro o

Bruce, Miss A. M o lo o

Cufrie, J 026

Gerard, Miss M. ' o 15 10

Hewitt, T W. on o

Mundy, Miss S i o o

Paterson, Rev. J. H on o

Suggiit, R o 10 o

Tavistock. The Marquis of 10 o o

Whistler, H o 5 o

Changes and Corrections of Addresses.

H. Goodchild. to 5g Leslie Road, East Finchley. London. X.
Rpv. |. M. l'a'er.soii, lo Hopewell. Srinaoar, Kashmir, India.

New Members Elected.

J. Channing-Fearce. M.D., etc., Montague House, Kamsgate.
Rev. W J. R. Sherlock, 159 Park Road, Harnsley.
H. Whilley, Primlcy Hill. Paignton. S. Devon

Proposed for Election as Members.

Richani Iiaine>, 0 Toronto Sticei, Monks Roatl, Lincoln.
Mrs. A M. Cook. 3i Oxford Road, Kilburn. London, N. \V.

By S. Williams.
Stanley Amor, c/o Long & Sons, Railway Road, Bath. By IV. Shor0 Baily.

The Bird Market.

Advcrtisemrntft iiitist 6(^ prepaid and nach the Editorial Secretary by
Ihi'. 10th of the month. Charyc : Members' advcrtiscmettts, four
words a pnivy, minimum 4(1. Non-Members, three worcts a j/enny.
mihimum 6i. \

MEMERS' SALES AND WANTS.

FOlv. SALE ■ 'True pair Scaly-crowned I'inches, have nested and laid in c<ij^c,
£3 , cock Long-tail Grassfinch (Heck's), 20s., would exchange the three
for a ')ietding pair of Peach-faced Lovebirds or Blue Mountain Lorri-
keets.— Miss Peddle Waddell, 4 Great Stuart Street, Edinburgh.

FOK SALE : Good pair Green Singingfinches, in out-door aviary, los., :>r

would exchange for breeding pair of Zebra Finches. — B. Thomasset,

Ashmansworth, near Newbury.
I
WANTED . Hen Diamond Dove in exchange for Cock, will give little

Cash al^o. -Miss Webb, Millington Road, Cambridge.
WANTED . Cock B.H. Gouldian Finch, also pair of Red Avadav.its.

— H Turner, Trcmadoc, Newton Abbot.
FOR SALE . Cocks,, Crimson-crowned Weaver, 6s., and Napoleon Weaver

4s., or would exchange for two hen Zebra Finches.— R. E. Simpson.

5 Christ Church Avenue, Armley, Leeds.
FOR SALE • Privately imported, St. Helena Waxbills, Grey-necked Serins.

Russ' Weaver, Cape Rock Bunting, Pintail Whydahs, St. Helena Seedeater.

—Page, Glenfield, Graham Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey.
FOR SALE; Three cock, three hen Golden Pheasants, perfect condition,

from aviarv ; verv tame. — Longdon, Arriton, Guildford.

De VON & Co.

Importers of Foreign Birds. Small Animals, Aquarium
Requisites, etc.

WHYDAHS.

WEAVERS.

BISHOPS.

COMBASSOUS.

QUAILFINCHES.

CUTTHROATS.
DIAMOND DOVES.
FIREFINCHES.
SULI HURY

SEEDEATERS.

TALKING MACAW.

GOLDFISH.

CRESTED

' MYNAHS.

Price Lists from —

De Von & Co., 114, Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E

Telephone : — Telegraphic Address : —

5489 London Wall. " Oiseaux, Londoa.*

MARCH, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

1 HE Mag.izinf : T he Hon Esliioi regrets the non-aiiponrance jf any
repon of the Foreign Section of the Holborn Bird Show, but in conse-
quence of change of residence, he has been quite unable to have,
access to his notes, which have gone astray in packing ; perhnps
members would write him, and slate whether tfiey, would like a report to
appear in April issue or not ; if 'there is no response he will conclude that
the matter is too much ancient history to occupy space. For the,^
same reason he has been unable to include anv instalment of the " Endur->
ancc of Birds " in this issue, but hopes to resume it next month.

Aktjcif.s. These are tnuch needed if the contents of our Journal
arc to be as varied as Hitherto, and the Hon. Editor solicits articles on.
such toi)ics as " Foreign Doves and Pigeons," " Parrots and Parrakeets."
" Aviary Records " (these should be sufficiently full to impart help "and
iiiKtiuciion to others), " Wading Birds and Waterfowl," " Fancy Pheasmts,"
or any oilier aviculturai topic.

Co'-OiKFU Plati- : The Hon. Editor has a beautiful coloured plate
aw.'iiting rciirf>duction, and in these troublous times does not consider he
ought to spend the fund.s thereupon ; he is desirous to hear from some
laember who would be willing to bear the cost of same, otherwise he is
o! the ojiinioii that we should abstain frcMii coloured plates this vol., even
though he has three g'ocid water-colour drawings awaiting rrproduction.

WESLEY T. PAGE, Hon. Editor.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon Bus. Sic. and Tieas.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

These two funds much need all the assistance members car^ give
them. The committee tender best thanks for the following donations:

£ s. d.

Cc.nncll, Mrs. 0130

Gcriinge, Rev. R. E. P o 2 6

Hu.mc, J. o 2 6

I ;

Montague, R. (ovci-paid subscription) 006 |

Phair, H. J (ovei-paid subscription) 006

Rothwell, J. Ej o 10 o

New Members Elected.

Richard Baines, 6 Toronto Street, Monks Road, Lincoln. [

Mrs. A. M. Cook, 21 Oxford Road, Kilburn, London, N. W.
Stanley Amor, c/o. Long and Sons, Railway Road, Bath.

Proposed for Election as Members.

Baron M. Tossi^.za, 15, Rue de Lubeck. Paris, France. By the Hon. Editor.
Cajcr Walker, Tyrie, West Park, Headingiey. Leeds. By Mrs. C. Hnllins.

Changes and Corrections of Addresses.

li. Vvnistlcr, I. P., to .'X.mbala Ciiy, Punjab, India.

G. ]■-. Hoibeit. to Hcmingford Abbots. St. Ives, Hunts.

The Bird Market.

Advcrtiscvients viust he prepaid and reach the Editorial Secretary by
the lOlh of the month. Charge: Members' advertisements, four
tvords a penny, minimnm 4d. Non-Members, three words a penny,
minimum 6d. ' ^ ,

— OBD—
MEMERS' SALES AND WANTS.

COLOURED PLATES : All the plates that have been issued up to the
present, can be obtained uncut for framing at 1/- each, with the excep-
tion of " A Beautiful Aviary " which is 1/6.

.1/1/)/// fo The rrr.i.is;:r.n. ?T:ir1cet riaco. Asli'inuriic

FOR SALE or Exchange for Finches and VVeaMers : i cock Wagner's Mang-
iest, 30s., ! cock Yellow-backed Whydah, 20s.— Dr. J. Chaning Pearre,
Montague House, Ramsgate.

I OR SALE: Pair King Parrakeets, £10; odd cock £5; pair Blue-wingcd
Parrakectsi, £10; pair Mealy Rosellas, £5; odd hen, 50s.'; Cherry,
Finches, 7.1s 6d. I'pair ; Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, 50s. each; doldcn-
shouldered Parrakeel, £10.— R. Colton, 9 Birkendale Road, Sheffield.

FOR SALE: Cock (Red-headed Finch; St. Helena Waxbills, Grey-necked
Sf.un. Kuss' Weaver, Cape Rock Bunting, Pintail Whydah, St. Helena
Seed-eater, Red-headed Bunting, Alario Finch, iGrey Finch, Scaly-crowned
Finch, Siiky Cowbird. Speke's Weaver. Malabar Starling.—Page, " Lang-
«tc ne," Lingfield, Surrey.

WV'lvTFD- Pair Nightingales; acclimatised Gouldian Finches; cock Red-
surt ; hen Grey Wagtail. Cash, or part exchange breeding pair Peach-;
faced Lovebirds and Norwich Canaries. — A. Scott, Liphook, Hants.

WANTED: Fiom out-door avikry : Hens, Californian Quail, Rosella Parra-
keet (one which has bred preferred) ; Cock Cuban Quail, and two
pairs Ccckateels, or. would exchange two pairs for change of blood —
Mrs. Lee, Hartwell, House, Aylesbury.

FOP SALE : Avicu!ti;ral Library, about 50 vols., including complete sets
of early Vols, of " Avicultural Magazine " and " Bird Notes " (several
r.f which are out of prints. Unique opportunity to acquire scarce
avicultural books. List on application.— H. R. Fillmer, 22 Harrington
Road, Biighton.

FOR S.ALF: : Unbound "Bird Notes" Vols. II. to VI. inclusive; kindly
uonaled by Mr. Hansell, for the benefit of the Deficit Fund. QtTers
inviitu— S. Williams, Oaklcigh, iio Riverway, Palmer's Green, London,

FOR S.'V! E : Cock Green Cardinal, 20s.; pair Ruficauda Finches, 353.;
pair Indian White-eyes, £4. WANTED: Hens, Mealy Rosella,,-
Blio-bonnet, Blossom-head, and Plum-head, For sale: Champion Italian
Gieyhounds.— Miss Clare, The Hollies, 192 Coombe Lane, Wimbledon-,
S.W. I

WANTED . Hen African Silverbill, and true pair Orange-cheek Waxbills.—
Rev. W .1. R. Sherlock, 159 Park Road, Barnsley.

FOR S.\LE : I pair Californian Quail ; i cock Silky Cowbird ;' 1 cock

Cockatcel ; i pair Amazon Parrots; 28-30 Green Budgerigars. All are

in out-door aviary, quite hardy and in perfect health. Would prefet'

to sell cheaply! as one lot, but will sell any pail or bird separately^

Dcibson, liitiflown, Jlanipton, Wick.

AVIARIES AND BIRD FOODS : Aviaries Planned and their erection
and furnishing supervised at reasonable charges. Aviaries visited
and expert advice given. Existing aviaries overhauled, re-arranged,
and re-furnished. Supervision of aviarfes undertaken by monthly,
bi-monthly, or quarterly visits, at terms to be mutually agreed
upon. In response to numerous requests I aln willing to supply all
kinds of Bird Seeds and Foods from my own stock. Also .special
mixtures for Parrots, Parrakeets, etc., at current rates : INSECT-
ILE MIXTURE, Is., Is. 6d., 2s., and 2s. 6d. per lb. NEST
BARRELS, for Parrakeets, Lovebirds, etc., specially made for the
purpose, in three sizes — ^small, medium and large. These Ijarrels,

especially the large size, if fitted with a perch or twiggy bl'anch,
make excellent shelters for birds of the Finch-tribe during inclement
weather. Also Rush Nests for Waxbills, and small Finches. —

W. T. Page, " Langstone," Lingfield, Surrey.

De VON & Co.

Importers of Foreign Birds, Small Animals, Aquarium
Requisites, etc.

PRICE LISTS.

FROM :-

De Von & Co., 114, Bethnal Green Road, London, NE.

Telephone : — Telegraphic Address : —

6489 London Wall. " Oieeaux, London.*

APRIL, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

Members' Advertisements : ' Commencing with May issue, advertise-
ments for members (not deakrs) of birds only lor SALE^ EXCHANGE, or
WANTS, will be inserted tRt.ti of charge; but all adverts, for books,
dogs and other creatures^ etc., will be charged 6d. for i8 words, and
one penny for each additional three (or part of three) words. Trade mem-,
bers can insert small adverts at the rate of a penny for three* iox
part of three, words. Rates for displayed advertisements for quarter,
half or whole page can be obtained from the Publisher or the Hon.
Editor. Apart from the above change, adverts, are sent and accepted
acco'.ding to conditions prevailing hitherto.

M*:mbeks' Sub.scriptions : There are still a few outstanding ; will
all those who have not yet paid please remit at once and save the clutj'
and officials the expense and trouble of postal application?

The .Mag.azine: The Hon. Editor desires to thank the Rev. C. H.
Raynor for kindly sending the article from " TIMHREI " for reprinting
in '• B.N.", slso B. T. Stewart for the loan of his water-colour drawing
of the Bare-eyed Thrush for rcproluclion. Articles and photos on all
topics of aviculture arc much needed to keep our contents varied and
helpful Will not our members who specialise in Parrots and Doves
kindly write descriptions of their aviaries and birds^ together with details
of ticjitmcnt and nesting episodes?

\ WESLEY T. PAGE. Hon. Editor.

\ SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus. Sec. and Treas

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

The Committfc lender best thanks for the following donations :

£ s. d.
Lovell-Kcays, Dr. I o ii o

Proposed for Election as Members.

Mull- \ . r,u,ini.'ii, Au>4U'.i.i llnu-..-, Vn-Wr \'uc Ko.ul, Rani-^gatc.

/ij' Dr. J Chanin^ Pcarcc.
W. .Jordan, Mill f^ouse, Palmer's (Irecn, London, N.

.Miss M L. Harbord, Lorton P.irk House, Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumber-
land. * By S. Williams.
11, \' llamilt.(in. The Rest on the Hillsiile, Hytlie, Kent. By the Hon . Ijlitor
.\. i: .Irakins^ Winscottie, Simla, India. By F. . W . Harper^

New Members Elected.

( .in Waikir, lyric, West Park. He.uiinglcy, Leeds.
!>.ir'»n ,M. To>M?./a, 13, Rue de Lubcck. Paris, France.

Changes and Corrections of Addresses.

R. E. Simpson-, i Highthorne Grove, Ridge Road, Armlcy ; Leeds.

The Bird Market.

Advertisements must reach the Hon. Editor by the loth of each
month.

Rates : Private Members' Adverts, referring to birds only inserted
For terms of Displayed Advertisements of quarter, half, or whole page, apply
for each additional three words. Dealer Members. Three words per penny
For terms of Displayed Advertisements of quarter half, or whole page, apply
to the Publisher or Hon. Editor.

MEMERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SAL: Several pairs of Pintail Nonpareil Finches, just arrived, in
show condition, 50S4 a pair, hens 20s. each.— R. Arnold, Tower House;
Leigham Court Road, Streatham, London, S.W.

FOR SALE ; Beautiful Australian Laughing Jackass, 5 guineas ; Rare!
African Buzzard^ 2 guineas; Pair fine Runts, 12s. 6d.— Rectory, Nash,
Stcny-Stratford, Bucks.

FOR SALE : Pair breeding Peach-faced Lovebirds, WANTED : Gouldian
Finches.— Scott, Liphook, Hants.

FOR SALE : Cocks : Red-headed Finch ; Russ' Weaver ; Cape Rock Bunt-
ing ; Pintail Whydah ; Red-headed Bunting ; Grey Finch ; Scaly-crowned
Finch; Silky Cowbird ; Speke's Weaver. — Page, Langstone, Lingfield.

FOR SALE : You^ng Ring Doves from out-door aviary, 2s. pair ; hen ,
Canaries, 5s. each.- — Mrs. Croysdale, Hawke House, Sunbury-on-'Thames.

FOR SALE: Aviary-bred Zebra Finches, all now out of doors, pairs 15s.,
odd. hens los. each. — Nicolson, Glenoe, Walton-on-Thames.

WANTED "to e.\change 2 Cock Cutthr'oats, and i ^ock Cockateel for hens
of same species. — Salt, L.M. Treloar Cripples' Hospitab and College,
Alton, Hants. |

FOR S.A.LE ; Acclimatised pair of .Magpie Mannikins, breeders. W.\NTED :
cock Gouldian Finch, hen Fire Finch, and hen Zebra Finch.— Smith,
Woodlands, Kendal.

De VON & Co.

Importers of Foreign Birds. Small Animals, Aquarium
Requisites, etc.

PRICE -LISTS.

I'ROM :-

De Von & Co., 114, Bethnal Green Road, London, NE.

Telephone : — Telegraphic Address : —

5489 London Wall. " OiseaMX, London."

4 MAY. 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

Thf ^Magazine : The Hon. Editor requests that members will send
him( notes (photos also if possible) of the doings of their birds. He also
specially desires articles on Doves arid Pigeons ; Parrots and Parrakeets ;
Pheasants and other game birds ; Cranes, Flamingos and Waders generally ;
Raptores ; and also details of their housing and treatment. He also particu-
larly requests that those who are only able to keep birds in cages in-
doors, will send him full notes of their birds and how they treat them.
The coloured plate appearing with this issue is to illustrate the article
" My Sunbirds " in last issue, page 73.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus. Sec. and Treasurer.

WESLEY T. PAGE, Hun. Editor.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

The Committee tender test thanks for the following donations ;

£ s. d.

A Friend o 10 o

Bourke, The Hon. Mrs., (p.irt cost coloured plate) I 18 o

Henderson. Mrs. o 'i "

Jones, W. Yarworth (op. '-ub.'. o o 6

Pithie, Miss D. E o 2 6

Changes and Corrections of Addresses.

The Countess of Jersey, Osterley Park, Isleworth.
Mrs A. L. Tracy, to Halsham, Teignmouth, Devon.

Proposed for Election as Members.

J, L. Bonhole, M.A., F.Z.S., The Zoo, Cairo, Kgypt.

Hy Sc- Lieut W. .4. [ininhridge :

New Members Elected.

Mons. Verstranten, Augusta House, 'Belle Vue Road, Ramsgate.

W. Jordan, Hill House, Palmer's Green, London, N.

Miss ^M L. Harbord, Lorton Park House, Lorton ; Cockcrniouth. Cumber-

H. V. Hamilton^ The Rest on the Hillside, Hythe, Kent.

.\. E. Jeakins Winsrxittie, .Simla, India.

The Bird Market.

Advertisements must reach tlie Hon. Editor by the loth of each
month.

Rates : Private Members' Adverts, referring to bird.<i only inserted
1 or terms of Displayed Advertisements of quarter, half, or whole page , appl;
for each additional three words. Dealer Members. Three words per penn\
For terms of Displayed Adverti.sements of quarter half, or whole pagv", apph
111 the Publisher or Hon. Editor.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SALE . Hens, C'.ijic, Vcllow. and ("iniiamon Sairrdus, 7s. 6d. each

or exchange cocks. \V. Shore Baily, Boycrs House, Westbury, Wilts.
yOR SALE : 2, Acclimatized and perfect cock Crimson-wing Parrakeets,

agree together, 5 guineas each. Tlie Hon. Mary C. Hawke, Wighill

Park, .Tadcaster.
FORi SALE : Pair Ring-necked Parrakeets, nesting.— Mrs. Gant, "vVillow

Hyrst, iHellingly, Sussex.
FOR. SALE : iHen Zebra Finches, and pair Diamond Sparrows, all out-doors.

— Nicol-son, Glenoe, Walton-on-Thames.
FOR SALE : Breeding pair Black Tanagers ; cocks Sulphury Seed-Eater,

Pin-tail VVhydahs, Red-headed Bunting, Speke's Weaver, Silky Cowbird,

Red-headed Finch, Grey P'inch (Spermophila grisea). Scaly-crowned

Finch, 'IVL-ilabar Starling, Ru.ss' Weaver. -Wesley T. Page, Langstone,

Lingfield, Surrey. 1

FOR SALE • A number of Water-ioloui- Drawings of Foreign Birds by H.

Goodchild, also coloured lithos of birds,, hand coloured by the artiitj

List and prices from.—Wesley T. Page, Langstone, Lingfield, Surrey.
WANTED : Cocks, Black-headed Sibia, and Gold-fronted Fruitsucker. Hens,

Ruficauda Finch, and Hair-crested Bunting. Also' Gouldian Finches,

Red, or Black, either scx.^R. de Q.-Qumcy, Inglewood, Chislehurst.
WANTED: iHen Black Swan. -Mrs. Gant, Willow Hyrst, Hellingly, Sussex.
WANTED: Hen B. H. Gouldian Fincli.-H. Turner, Tremadoc, Newton

'Abbot. j '

WANTED . Acclimatized cock Gouldian Finch.— H. Bright, Lyntoii, Eaton

Road, Cressington Park, Lixerpool.
WANTED : Cock Scarlet J'anager, in good condition, also sittings of

Elliott'.s Pheasant's egg.s. -Railigan, Caersws, Montgomeryshire.
WANTED : Sittings of Phca'-ant's eggs, excluding Silver, Golden, Amherst,

and (Ring-necks.— Page, Langstone, Lingfield, -Surrey.
FORI 'SALE : Several pairs of Pintail Nonpareil Finches, in show condition,

privately imported, 50s. pair, hens 20s. each.— R. Arnold, Tower House,

Leigham Court Road, Streatham. London, S.W.
J"OR SALE . Hen Magpie Matinikin and cock Grenadier Weaver. W.A.NTP:D ;

Hens Fire and Zebra Finches.— Smith, Woodlands, kendal.
I'OR SALE ; .All G reen Tanager, acclimatized. — Miss Peddie Waddell, 4

Gt. Stuart Street, Edinburgh.
WANTED' ''lame and acclimatized cock Tovi Parrakeet.— Miss D. Pithie,

68, Clarendon Road, Southsea, Portsmouth

De Ton ^^.

Arrived 17th April, 800 pair Adult Breeding Green
Budgerigars, and 200 pair Yellows. May 1st,
arrived, 700 pair Greens, and 300 pair Yellows.

Also since, we have received, African, Grey Parrots,
Amazons, Alario Finches, S, Helena Seedeaters,

etc. ^'-"'-" P'"''"'" Lists ol Nightingales and other stock.

Bethnal' Green Road, London, N.E.

JUNE, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

Tui; i\lAGA2iNi: : The Hon. Editor would be glad to receive articles
from, members on anj' avicultural topic, and from members residing abroad,
notes of the birds and aviculture in their localities generally.

Subscriptions : There are' still a few members who have over-
looked thefse ; it is Sitpportant for the facile working of .the Club that these
should be remitted to the Hon. Treasurer (Mr. S. Williams), at once.

Donations : In these " war times," even though all are more or
less afiected thereby, there is a need for liberality and that the Illustra-
tion and Deficit Funds should not be forgottea. owing to the high price.
of paper a nd cost of production generally.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus. See. and rrcasarer.
WESLEY T. PAGE, Han. Editor.

Changes and Corrections of Address.

E. W Harder, 17-19, '^''J Court House Street, Calcutta, India.
.Major Ccnoral II, O'Donnell, Earl Soham, .Suffolk

Proposed for Election as Members.

Mrs. TS' Mackncss, 22 Cypiess Road, Church End, Finchley, London, X.
Mrs. C Garcke, Wye Lodge, Maidenhead. ! By S. WiUiamx.

L. A. Windybank, Lalchmere, Richmond Road, Kingston-on-Thames.

^V the Hon. Editor.

New Members Elected.

J L. lionliotc. MA., F.Z.S., The Zoo, Cairo, Egyj)!.

The Bird Market.

Advertisements must reach the Hon. Editor by the loth of each
month.

Ratf.s : I'rivale Members'' Adverts, referring to birds only inserted
(rrei Books, Dogs, etc., sixpence' per eighteen words ; then one penny
for each additional three words. Dealer Members. Three words per penny
For terms of Displayed Advertisements of quarter half, or whole page, apply
to the Publisher or Hon. Editor.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR S.ALE : Hen (ireen Cardinal from outside av ary, 30s. o exchange
for a hen iCouldian Finch. WANTED : Hens, Kuficauda Finch, Cordon
Bleu, and 'Green .Avadavai. Mrs Srnrcv. Stimmcr Hi!!. rarpurlov.
Cheshire.

FOR SALE • Bleeding pair Peach-faced Lovebirds. WANTED Albino cock
Sparrow.— Scon, Liphook, Hants.

FOR SALE . Proceeds for War Fund, cocks Long-tailed Grassfincl), Zebra
Finch, Scaly-headed Finch; hens, Gouldian -Finch. Gold-breasted and
Dufresne's Waxhills. WANTED: Uens R-jd- uitip Par;ak e , and iJrown-
throated Conure and Italian Grcyhounds.-Miss Clare, i<)4, foMmix-
Lane, Wimbledon, S.W.

FOR SALE. Swinhoe ;P heasants, i cock and 2 hens. £6 the pen. Cock
Vellow-flank Parrakeet, 25s.; cock Canary-wing Parrakeet, 25s.: Brown-
throated Conure, 20s.— Mrs. C. H. Williams, (S. Thomas), 3 Manor
Road. Exeter.

FOK SALE: Privately imported. \L-uoon Oriole.^, true pair Havdwick's
Fruitsuckers, Gold-fronted Fruitsucker, Tcmminck's Blue Whistling
TJuush, Rufous -cliinned Laughing Thrush, White-eared Bulbuls and
Blue-cheeked Barbet.— W. T.. Page, Langstone, Lingfield, Surrey.

FOR SALE. — Two fine Cock Green Singing Finches, in outdoor aviary ;
in full song ; offers.— J. H. Henstpck, Avian Press, Aslibourne.

FOR SALE.— Very fine young pair of Red-collared Lorikeets ; price-
£4 4s. ; also an "All Green" Taiiagcr cock, 35s..— Miss I'cddie
Waddell, Balquhalstone, Slamannan, Stirlingshire.

■FOR SALE.— Australian birds in pairs ; Many Colour, King, and Mealy
Rosella Parrakeets ; Cocks : Golden-shoulder, Barraliand's and

Pennant Parrakeets, and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets. Finches : Bich-
eno's, B.H. Gouldian, Long-tail Grass, Parson, Cherry, and Common
Parrot Finches. 'WANTED.- Scth Smith's Hook nn Pairnkcets. -
R. Colton. 9, Birkendalf^ Road, Sheffield.

^^'.ANTED Cocks, Scarlet Tanager, Red-vented Bulbul (or sell guaranteed
breeding hen Red-vented Bulbul, reared young last season), and a
hen Red-crested Cardinal.— Rattignn, Caersws, Montgomeryshire.

W.ANTED : Breeding jJaTrs, Peach-faced, Red-faced and Blue-winged Love-
birds.—\V. Edmunds, Coombe Farm, Langton MatraVers, Dorset.

WANTED. Hens, Cordon Bleu, Gold-breasted Waxbill and Grey Singing-
tinches. — Apply c/o.. Hon. Editor. " Bird Notes," Langstone, Ling-
field. Surrey.

WANTED : Hen Bib Finch. —Miss C. Bowring, Rose Cotias^e, Wind-
sor F'orest, Berks. :

De ^^OJT^^.

Arrived 17th April, 800 pair Adult Breeding Green
Budgerigars,! and 200 pair Yellow^s. May 1st,
arrived, 700 pair Greens, and 300 pair Yellows.

Also since, we have received, African, Grey Parrots,
Amazons, Alario Finches, S, Helena Seedeaters,

etc '^"^'-' ^'''■'"c Lists of Nightingales and other stock.

Bethiial Green Road, London, N.E.

^^ JULY, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club,

Notices to Members.

Uapaid- Subscriptioms ; A few of these are still unpaid, and though
mostly this- arises from 'a sort of thoughtless slackness, there is one fact
hat must not be overlooked, viz.: The production of Bird Notes entails
I he meeting of heavy printer's bills periodically, and the only source for
meetmg these is members' subscriptions. Will those in arrear suffer this
reminder, and kindly remit same to the Hon. Treasurer at once?

Thd' M.^gazine : Copy is still wanted from members, we will not
pecialise, but simply state that articles and photos upon any topic of
ivicultural or ornithological interest will be welcome. Aviary records, episodes
rmd descriptions of attempts (successful or otherwise) to rear young, are
"f grea'. interest to ail readers.— the Hon. Editor desires to keep contents
ot the Club Journal as varied as possible, this can only be achieved
t>\ tlic < ()-operation nf all members.

S.DXE'/ WILLl.-^MS, Hon. Bus. Sec. and I reus.
WE.SLEY T. page, Hon. Lditor.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

The Committee tender best thanks for the following donations :

£ s. d.

Scott, Dr. and Mrs. J o lo 6

Walker, H. Carr o lo o

Southcombe, S. L \..: o lo o

New Members Elected.

Ml-. .\ . Alatkiic'-s. 22 Cypress Road, Church End, Fim hlcy, N. London.

Irb. C Garcke, Wye Lodge, Maidenhead.
I A Windybank, Latchmcre, Richmond Road, King>ion-on-Thamc;s.

Proposed for Election as Members.

T. W. Macrcady, 39 George-street, Stranraer. By S. Williams.

r. C. Halkes, The Limes, 141 Monks Road, Lincoln.
E. Paterson, (jlenulg, Wellington, Salop.
Lady Samuelson, Hat< hford Park, t'obham. Surrey. By llic Hon. Editor.

Add to Roll.

Lady Yule, Hanstead House, Brirket Wood, Herts.

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

I OK S.\LE- Breeding pair Pea. ii-factd Lovrbiids, WANTED: Albino cock

Spaiiow. -Scott, Lipliook, Hants.
I OK S.ALE ; Very fine young pair of Red-collared Lorrikects, 4 guinea>,

tUo an All-(;recn Tanager cock, 35s.— Miss Peddie Wadfkll. Balquhal-

>ione, Stamannan. Slirlin^^liire.

FOR SALE . Proceeds Red Cross Fund, Lot : cotks, Long-tailed Grass-,
Zebra, and Scaly-fronted Finches; hens: Gouldian 1-inch, Dufresne's
and Gold-breasted Waxbills ; tickets, 4s.' 4-°^ = 4 pairs Budgerigars,
tickets 2S. ; i J>air ditto,, tickets 6d. Also cock Red-rump Parrakeet.
—Miss Clare, 194 Coombe Lane, Wimbledon, S.W.

FOR SALE: Swinhoe Pheasants, i cock and 2 hens, il6 the pen; cocks
Yellow-flank and Canary-wing Parrakeets, 25s, each ; Brown-throated
Conure, 20s.— Mrs. C. H. Williams (S. ThomasJ, 3, Manor Road,
Exeter.

FOR SALE : Two handsome cock Crimson-wing Parrakeets, acclimatised,
agree together, can be kept out of doors in unheated aviary ; owmg
to change of residence, will accept 9 guineas for the two.— Hon. M.
C. Hawke, c./o., Miss B. Harrison, Manpr Hou;je, Otton, Tadcaster.

FOR SALE : Handsome cock Peacock Pheasant, healthy and acclimatised,
will accept 50s.— Miss A. B. Smyth, 40 Davenport Ro:id, Caiford, S.E.,
London.

FOR SALE: Cocks Half-masked and Taha Weavers, 7s. 6d. each; also
a Little Owl, hand-reared, 20s.— Capt. Reeve, Dunhevcd, Caterham,
Surrey. ,

FOR SALE: Privately Imported, Himalayan Blue Whistling Thrush, Siskins,
and Goldfinches ; Red-headed Buntings, Jungle Babbler, Maroon Orioles,
hen Hardwick's Fruitsucker, Black-breasted (Rain) Quail, and Afghan
Rosy-winged Finch.— Apply W. T. Page, Langstone, Lingfield, Surrey.

WANTED: Cocks, Grey Singingfinches ; pairs, Avadavats and Bib Finches.
—Mrs. Chattertonj 11 Fairfield Road, Crouch End, N., London.

WANTED : Hen Bib flinch.— Miss C. Bowring, Rose Cottage, Windsor
Forest, Berks.

FOR SALE . Orange Bishop, in exhibition form. A few Green Budgerigars,
single or pairs.— J. H. Henstock, Avian Press, Ashbourne.

FOR SALE : Cocks, Hooded, King, and Red-rump Parrakeals ; also pure bred Fox
Terrier bitch, and pup Italian Greyhound bitch, 8 rronths old. WA^TED.
Adult Cock, African Ring-necked Parrakeet- — Miss Clare, 194 Coouilie
Lane, Wimbledon, S.W

POR SALE : Several pairs of privately imported Pintail Nonpareils in .show con-
dition, 50/- pair, hen.s 20/- each. — K. Arnold, To\«^r House, Leighain Court
Road, Slreatham, S.W. , London.

De VON^^.

Direct Importers of Poreign
Birds, etc

SEE PRICE LISTS.
Address :—

IMBethnal Green Road, London, N.E.

Telephone: 54S9 London Wall. T(kgrai)liic Address: "Oisoaux," London.

^^ AUGUST, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

Members Meetings at Zioo : Owing to the war we have omitted
these meetings this year, bul there will be an informal gathering on
•I'hursday, August 31st, when the Hon. Editor hopes to be supported by
as many o,f the Council and members as can make it convenient to attend.
Kriulczvoim- Outside Small Birds' House at 11 to 11-30 a.m. and 2,
p.m. Will those attending either wear club badge or carry a copy of Bird
Note.'. ? ,

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus. Sec. and J'reas.

WESLEY T. PAGE, Hon. Editor.

Changes and Corrections of Address.

Mi.s .\. B. Smytli, to 27 Havcifield Gardens. Kew Gardens, Kew.

New Members Elected.

T. C Halkes, The Limes, 141 Monks Road, Lincoln.
E. Paterson, Glenelg, Wellington, Salop.
L-^dr Samuelson, Hatchford Park, Cobham, Surrey.
T. W. Macrcady, 39 Georgt-»treet, Stranraer.

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SALE • Brcedi.ng pa;r PcaUi-factd Lovcbi.d,, WA.XTED : Albino cock
Spajiow.— .Scott, Lipliook, Hants.

FC<R S.ALE: Very fine young pair ol Red-collared Lorrikeets, 4 guineas,
also an All-(ireen Tanager cock, 53,.— Mis> Peddie Waddcll, Balquhal-
sione, .Slamannan, Stirlingshire.

FOR' SALE. Pairs Doves, Bronzewing 4cs., Diamond 30s., Necklace 20s.,
Hybrid IMecklace X Senegal, very pretty, 20s.; Young Rosclla Parra-
kects, 20s. each; Californian Quail 15s. pair; Eastern Variegated
'I'hru^li. 50s., hen Cordon Bleu, finest condition ; 20s. Young
Waterfowl : 3 Red-crested Pochards 40s., 3 Yellow-billed Ducks 25s.,
2 Cinnamon Teal 30s.^ 5 Wigcon 25s. -W. Shore Baily, Boyers House,
Westbury, Wilts.

FOR SALE: ■.•\11 privately imported— Red Avadavats ; Indian Silverbills ;
Button Quail ; Red-headed Buntings ; Jungle Babbler ; hen Hardwick's
Green Bulbul ; Temminck's Blue _ Whistling Thrush ; Bank Mynahs
{Acridotlwrcs ginginianiis). Large Hill Mynah, Swainson's Ldrikeet
Maroon f)riole. Particulars from W. T Page, Langstone, Lingrteld
Surrey

FOR SALE. Pair Black-headed .Mannikins 1 3s ; . (m k White-he.ided Manni
kins 7s 6d. WANTED: hen African Silverbill.-Rev. U I R
Sherlock, 159 Park Road, Barnsley.

FOR S.'\LE : Beautiful lame Australian Jackass ^5 ; African Buzzard 30s
young tame Tawny Owl, io.>. , Pair Runts los. 6d. -Rectory, .Nash
Siony-.Siraiford.

FOR SALE ;■ Cocks, Hooded, Red-rump, and King Parrakeets ; Zebra Finch,
breeder; 3 Indian White-eyes; hen Af. Ring-neck Patrakeet, breeder.
Als(. Fox Terrier bitchy 2 lyears 8 months, sire Ch. West Point, good
house dog, suitable for brood bitch. 40s. HALF PROCEED RED
CROSS -FUND : Italian Greyhound bitch, 9 months, peach fawn sistct
to famous Ch.\ Dandy Dick, tickets is. 2'! each. '.Miss riarc. i()4
Coombe Lane, Wimbledon, S.W.

FOR SALE: Crimson-crown Weaver, winner, 6s. 6d.; pair Gieen Budgeri-
gars, champions, always first, 9s 6d. ; cock Yellow Pi»d, 3s., Parrot
Show Cage, once used, cost i8s. 6d., sell 8s. 6d. ; uiso others " Avi-
cultural Magazine, Vols. 3 and 4, offers.— Shipton 71 Cloudesdale Road,
Ralham, London, S.W.

WANTED: Cock Cockateel and hen Vcllow-backed Wliydal, J Chaninf;
Pearce, Montague House, Ramsgate.

FOR SALE : Pair Virginian Cardinals. 60s., ctxk, lalcnied songster ; :m-
other pair, coclg, ifine colour, hen rather old, but free breeder, 42s. ;•
Diamond Doves, perfect, 30s. pair; Emerald-Spotted Doves, 25s., odd
cock, defective foot, 7s. 6d. ; Black Tanagers (free breeders and
easy to rear; 20s., young from. do. 6s. each ; Common Quail 7s. 6d.
pair ; Californian Quail 25s. pair, young from same los. each, 17s. 6d.
pair; pair Nuthatches (in cage and aviary since last winter) 15s.;
Grey Plover 6s. ;( Golden Plover (summer plumage) 6s. ; hen Scarlet
Tanager 3os.;Jiien Red-faced Lovebird (show condition) 20s. ; PHEAS-
ANTS : this year's birds, Golden 5s., .Amherst js. 6d., Kalige 8s. 6d.,
adult pair Kalige 30s. ; pair Pallas' Sandgiouse 40s. AVIARIICS :
No, I 30 X 15x7 feet (i inch mesh netting) complete with shelter
shed 10.4ft. X 5.2ft. X 7ft., constructed September. 1915, cost £30.
No. 2 : 20ft. square x yft. (| inch mesh netting), shelter 9^ft x 4ft.
X 7ft., cost £17, constructed Afftil, 1914. No. 3: Pheasantry, with
3 partitions, shelter for each run. cost U 1 2 los., constructed May,
1916 (20ft. X 15ft. X 7ft.), ofl'ers in\itcd, no reasonable infer refused
— Rattigan, Caersws, Montgomeryshire.

WANffED : 2 cock Nonpareil -Buntings, hens Cuba and (Jlive !• inches,.
cock Hooded Siskin, and many other odd cocks and hens of various
species.— Grossmith, The Grange, liickley, Kent.

De VON & Co.

Direct Importers of Horeign
Birds, etc

SEE PRICE LISTS.
Address :—

114Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E.

|li"[ir 5489 London Wall. Telegraphic Address: " Oiseau.s," London.

SEPTEMBER, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

_ 1 UK Magazine : Ihe Hon. Editor and Secretary would be grate-
ful for any donations, however small, to the Illustration Fund. Our lllust--
rations form one of the most practical fi-ytures of our .Journal, but in
thewe 'time* they are very costly ; yet, if each will send a little, there
Will be no need for further curtailment than in receint issues — the Hon.
Editor presses this point upon the consideration of all. He would also be
grateful for articles ■ upon any and every topic of aviculture — individual ex-
periences, because we get similar from many, situated in various localities
does not necessarily mean mere repetition ; rather the. comparison of such
results from many localities is most valuable, — 'moreover, there are many
roSds, all of which may and often do lead to success, and the more fre-
quent publication of such in our Journal should still further tend to enhance
the value of " Bird Notes " as an Avicultural Text Book — this ought to
he ihc ambition and aiin of every member.

SuB.sc RiPTiONS ■; There are still a few of these unpaid, and we
would again remind those in default, that we hiive to meet very heavy
printing bills at fretjueni intervals, and that subscription's and donations are
our SDie' source of inconie. The earnest desire of your Council is to

h'astfn the time' when subscriptions will pro\'ide a sufficient income ; bui
tho slack ovtersight of the date when such become due (.Jan. isti, and the
failure to remit them promptly cause much anxiety and unpleasantness to
youi- honorary ofificers. We would further remind members that all officers,
without exception, give their services'^gratuitously ; thus the whole income of
the Club comes back to the members in the form of a valuable Journ.il,
Medals, etc. It should not be needful to pre.s^ the matter further, and
apology is unnecessary for this plain statement of the case. J

WESLEY 1. PAGE, /iou. Editor
SinXKY WILLIA.MS, '//«'/. AV.' S^ . , - ■

Obituary.

(iip'ain A. (- Vouni^ ; killed in aclion, July 1st, 1916.

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

1 h'^s'^ iv\-(i funds no^-tl all the assistance members can give thoni.i
Th. Commllti' ii inks fur tlir- following donation :

£ s. d.

(row I F I 10

Proposed for Election as Members.

Mrs; L. \fKon, The Wvrh, SsndKanks, l';irksii)ne, Dorset /ir ih- lion, t.d.to..
Ml.. 1; A iVrrenu, Maklwh, I'linjal., India

Changes and Corrections of Address.

Cronkshaw, J., to " Red Croft," Hollin's l.ane, .\ccrington.

H M> ' 'A -• "■■•'• T.,.i..,. ^,,.,,, Hork<;.

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SALE : I'air lilack-heuded Bjuiue M.iiinikins 15s. ; also cock Gri'y
Java Sparrow 5s., or exchange Zebra 1-inches. — Theo. Foster, Fair-
light, Babbacorabe, S. Devon.

FOR SALE : B.H .Gouldian cock, 2 years, perfect condition, 2Ss. ; two
Bronze-wing Mannikins 10s. ; pair Zebra Finches los. Od. — Turner,
Tremadoc, Newton Abljot.

FOR SALE : Pairs Rosellas and Black-checked Lovebirds, 35s. each ;
Bronze-wing and Brush Bronze-wing Pigeons, 40s. pair ; Necklace
and Hybrid Necklace -f- Senegal Doves 20s. pair ; all in very fin«:
condition. — W. Shore Baily, Boyers House, Wcatbury, Wilts.

FOR SALE : Three very fine Many-colour Parakeets, also three young
Stanley Parrakeets ; own breeding. Will exch:inge acclimatised Oreri-
dier Weaver in colour for hen Firefinch or hen Zebra Finch. J.
Smith, Woodlands, Kendal.

FORi SALE : Lory hybrid, Swain«on -f- Garrulous ; own breeding, very
handsome, feed from hand. — ^Mrs. Hartley, Lynchfield, Bishops Lvdeard,*
Taunton.

FOR. S.'\LE : All acclimatised ; Yellow Budgerigars ; cock 'jreen

Glossy Starling ; - Yorkshire Canaries ; All Green, and Ring-neck

Parrakeets ; Black-ctieeiced and Peach-faced Lovebirds ; Red-billed

and Russ' Weavers ; Grey Java, Sparrows ; Orange-shouldered and Stiining;

, Whjrdahs, hens, Cockatee", Orange Bishop ; ParticuTars, c.o. Hon. Eduv. .

PRIVATELY IMPORTED.: Silverbills ; Red-headed Buntngs ; young
Blossom-headed Parrakeets ; cock Japanese Robin ; Jungle BafcbUr ;
pair Glossy Calornis (hand-reared) ; Blue-cheeked Barbct ; Button
Quail ; pair Bank Mynahs ; hen Hardwick's Fruitbuckor. — W. T.

Page, Langstone, Lingfield, Surrey.

FOR S/\LF : Acclimatised, adult pair Barraband's Parrakeets ; i)air

acclimatised Pennant'i Parrakeets, in full colour ; acclimatised hen
Rosella ; pair Cockatecls ; 3 Crested Pigeons ; 4 Piping Crows :
pair S^ack Rajls ; pair Bleeding-heart Pigeons ; cock Brush Turkey ;
2 pairs Mandarin Ducks ^ 3 Gargancy^s ; 5 fin^r tame Canary-wing Par-
rakeets ; 2 Banded Parrakeets ; cock Ring-neck Parrakeet ; 2 Bare-
eyed Cockatoos; 4 large Yellow-crested CocJcaN'O;; Slender-billed Cocka-
too ; 2 Brown-eared Conurej ; pair Himi'.iyan S.iow Pigeons, etc.
alto tame Monkeys.--A E. Ja-iurach, 180, St. George Street East. London

FOR SALE : Acclimatised pair of Meyer's -Parrots, tame, and in good feather :
also large cage 4ft. long, 4 ft. high and 3 ft. wide, which they are ace ustomed
to occupy. *Also a copy of Kuss' " l''<ireign Finches ''Vith coloured jjlates 30s.
Miss Smyth, 27 Haverfield Gardens, Kew Gardens, Kew, S.W.

FOR .SAI.,E: Good pair Suffron Finches ; 2 hen Pekin Kobin.s ; one S.Am. C-roy
Fincli. — Miss Tlinck-^, Barons Down. Dulverton,

De VON & Co.

Direct Importers of Roreign
Birds, etc*

>^ee"l'i.. .. ;.,„-. Ad.lic.s.s:

114Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E.

'' ':^'-. T ntidon Wall. Tthgraphir .-Xddress : "Oiseaux," London.

OCTOBER, 1919.

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

The Magazine The Editor much regrets the late appearance of this
issue, pressure upon his tim>; prevented him dealing with copy till the issue was
all but due. Members can materially assist him by sendinij articles and notes
of their aviaries and birds, or any other topic of avicultural interest, which would
enable him to prepare the issues a little in advance. Even in these arduous times
such can be done, if meml>ers wiil kindly give the matter a thought — the times are
equally arduous /or all and such assistance will much lighten your Hon. Editor's
task.

Our Roll. This hideous war has already claimed many of our members,
whose names willbe missing from the roll next year — another two months and
1916 will have passed, will members kindly looK arotmd among their bird friends
who are not members of " F.B.C " for recruits for the coming year? Thus we
may repair the breaches made by (he war and be in a position to recover lost ground,
when less weighty matters claim our mutual lime.

WESLEY T. PAGE, /ion. Editor.

SIDNEY WILLI A.MS, Hon. Bus Sec. and Treas.

The Show Season.

The Show (umnutlec li.ive gtanleii the {.'lub's Patronage to the following Shows :

SHEFFIELD, open 81.ow, Noveml>er 3rd and 4tb Classification for six classes
for Foreign Birds. One Silver Medal. Judge, Mr. J. Frostick. Schedule*
from .Mr. E. C. Job, WincoUnk, Sbeftield.

3 Swift Street. Fulham. S. M. TOWNSEND, Exhibition Sec.

' 40

Illustration and Deficit Fund.

These two funds need all the assistance members can give them^

The Committee tender best thanks for the following donatiotns :

£ s. d.

Cook, Mrs. A, M. ... ... 2 6

Chawner, Miss .. ••- 110

Mortimer, Mrs. ... ... 5 o

Perreau, Mrs. 6. A. ... ... 76

Reeve, Captain J. S. ... ... 100

New Members Elected,

Mrs. L. Nelson, The Wych, SandV)anks, Parkstone, Dorset.
Mrs. G. A* Perreau, Bakloh, Punjab, India.

Proposed for Election as Members.

Henry Le Pelley, L.C. & M. Bank Ltd., Guernsey.

A, I. White. Glenshira, Barrohy Road, Grantham,

P. J. Calvocaressi, Holme Hay, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool,

Ouy Falkiier, The Cottage, Belton. Uppingham. By (he Hon. Editor,

Changes and Corrections of Address.

G. E. Rattigan to, Lanarkslea, Cornwall Gardens, London, S.W.
Miss M. Gerard to, 31 Via Santo Spirit<>, Florence, Italy,
Mrs. C. Anningson to, 4 the Crescent, The Park, Plymouth.

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SALE — Few pairs, fine Green Budgerigars S/3 pair; also I pair Zebra
Finches 15/- all out-door aviary bred.— Mrs. Mackness, 22 Cypress Road,
Finchley, London. N.

FOR SALE— Fine pair Senegal Parroi.s, have nested, 3c/- ; handsome pair Black-
headed Conures, 50/- ; cock Moustache Parrakeet, 2c/- ; hen Ringneck, 20/- ;
all in out.side aviaries. — VV. Shore Buily, Boyers House, Westbury, Wilts.

KOR SALE — Weavers : cock Greater Golden, rare 35/- ; Crimson-crowned, 8/6 ;
Rufous-necked, Cock, lc/5 ; Large hen, species unknown, 7/6 : acclimatized
birds in out-door, unhealed aviary — I ion. Sec., 110 Riverway, Palmer's Green,
f London, N,

FOR SALE— Californian Quail, i7/6ipair, 3 pairs 50/-; Indian Painted Sand-
grouse 15/- ; Scarlet Tanager hen, 30/- ; Teach faced Lovebirds 70/ — Guaran-
teed true breeding pair and in Show condition— a young bird from above 30/- ;
take £7 10/- ; fur the lot,— Kattigan, I.anarkslea, Cornwall Gardens, London,

s.w

WANTED — Acclimatised hen Pennant's Parrakeet, for out-door aviary — Baronne
Tanctegnies, Cleveland, Minehead, Somerset.

WANTED — Acclimatised hen Rainbow Bunting — Lady Samuelson, Hatchford
Park, Cohhain, Surrey.

FOR SALF2 — Bengal L'iitas, hand-reared ; Indian Green Barbets, hand-reared ;
Glossy Calornis, hand-reared ; Yell-backed Lory Jungle Babbler ; heu Hard-
wick's Chloropsis ; pair Bank Mynahs ; Button Quail, both s.-xes ; Blue-
cheeked Barbet ; Black-headed Nnns ; Indian Silver-bills ; Red-headed
Bunting's Himalayan Goldfi iches ; Young Bloss-headed Parrakeets ; Japanese
RoWm {E. akhaige) ; pair Gold -fronted Ciiloropsis — All above privately
IMPORTED. Also Ring-necked Parrakeet; Yellow Budgerigars; Shining and
Orange-shouldered Whydah ; hen Orange and Red-billed Weavers ; hen Yell-
throated Sparrow; all acclimatised — Apply W. T. Page, Langstone, Ling-
field, Surrey,

FOR SALE — Aviary bred Zebra Finches, either sex, pairs 15/- ; ditto Peacl>face3
Lovebird 30/ — G. E. Haggle, Brumcombe, Foxcombe Hill, Oxford.

FOR SALE— Mandarin Ducks; Purple Kaleegea { Evphjcamiis hnrsfieldi) ;
Swinhoe's Pheasants; Horned Tragopans ; Monauls ; Elliott's Pheasants;
Bleeding-Hearts Pigeons ; Crested Pigeons; Bare-eyed Cockatoos; Black
Swans ; Crossoptilons ; Pied Peafowl ; i pair Barraband's P.irrakeets ; tame
pet Monkeys, etc,— Ali^ert 1% Jamrach, 180 St. George Street, London, E.

TOR SALE— As a going concern the business carried on for some years under
the title of "Pets" Supply Co., Coppice Drive, Hatrogate — Buildings, Office.
Aviaries, Poultry runs, houses and all accessories ; charmingly situated, low
rental, looo customers on the books — a .splendid opening for Lady or Gentle-
mon with small private income Wanting a fascinating and remunerative hobby
-Apply as above — Higheat testimonials.

FOR SALE— Exquisite pair of Red-naped Lorikeets (rr/cAoj/ZosaM* ruhritor-
(/»^k)— Miss Peddie Waddell, B.dquhalstone, Clacmannan, Stirlingshire.

FOR SALE— Finding it impossible to look after stock during had weather and
being unable to fnid suitable labour, I wish to clear the llolowing and will Le
glad of reasonable offers — I pair Silver Pheasants, full perfect plumage ; 3 pairs

Senegal Turtle Doves, breeding ; 6 pairs Yellow and Green Budgerigars ;
I cock C^alifornian Quail ; 2 cock Saffron Finches, full colour ; l Leadheaters
Co'katoo; I Lemon-crested Cockatoo, very time, A great number of show
cages of various kinds, Aviaries and general appliance. — Mrs; l^Iollins, The
Aviaries. Coppice Drive, Harrogate.

FOR SALE^Cock Diamond Sparrow, Culian Finch (cock?). Two Cock
avadavats Cock and Hen Cor'don Blue Cock Fire Finch ; 3 common Wax
Bills, sex uncertain ; cock Golden Breasted Wax Bill ; Orange-cheeked Wax
Bill (2). No rea.sonahle ofler refused to clear the lot, — li. M. Kelson,
" Home Cot" Sunhury-on-ThaineP.

FOR SALE — I cock and 2 hen Stanley Parrakeets, and 1 pair of Many-colours;
all outdoor aviary bred. Wantkd— hen Firefinch. — J. Smith, Woodlands,
Kendal.

FOR SALE — Well-appointed outdoor Aviary, about 20 Foreign birds and
pair of Califonian Quail and ten young ; no reasonable offer refused, owner
with the colour'. — Apply Miss H. Watts, Fairago, Weldon Road, Hornsea,
E. Yorks.

FOR SALE— Private Importation, just arrived, in sfood condition, Avad-
avats ; Kokia Green Fruit-Pigeons (SpheuncercuH gphenurus) ; and a few
c©ck Pintail IJonpareils. — W. T. Page, Laugstoue, Lingfield. Surrey.

De VON & Co.

Direct Importers of Roi^eign
Birds, etc

See Price Li.sts. Address :

114Bethnal Green Road, London, N.E.

Telephone: 5489 London Wall. 1 elcgraphic Address: " Oiseaux," London.

NOVEMBER, 1916

The Foreign Bird Club,

Notices to Members.

Eu.cTiON or Cui:n(;il: Mr. A. Sutcliffe and Mrs. E. A. Hartley
retire by rotation, hut are eligible for re-election. Miss E. M. Baker has
rfisigneci and wo suj^gost that Lady Kathleen Pilkington he elected to fill
'ic vacancy.

SL'i;scRiprioNS : There are still a few of these unpaid I We should
In- greatly obliged if those who have overlooked 1916 subscriptions (due
.lanuary ist of each year, in- advance), would promptly remit same, as we
are most anxious 10 dose the year's accounts promptly.

To Mr.MrjERs Ovkrseas : Arrangements Ixave been mai^e to secure.
" Bird Notes " reaching all our members in neutral countries, and if any
number.-* are mi<;.inf thn {'ubliiiher will be obliged if ihcy will communicate
ith him.

USSLEV 1. PAGE, /-/o/i. Editor.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus Sec. and /reus.

Changes and Corrections of Address.

he Countess of Jersey, to Middlcton Park, Bicester.

Proposed for Election as Member.

]• M. Castcllo, 20. Chaifont Court, London, N.W. By \V . fi. F/.thrr.

New Members Elected.

Il'nr, i. r ;:. V 1 ( ,,n.i \1 , iVuik, CuernsfV.

N I Willi. 1,1, , ,, '..iirohy Ko.id, ("irMiiihan).

ay Fiilkii. ' uifagc, Belton, Uppingh i' 1

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

FOR SALF-! : Breeding pairs Sikliim Siskin-^. 4<"- , Sulphuiy Seccieatcr.^,
20S. ■ Saffron Finclies, 15s.; Yoimg Sikhim Siskins 30s.; Yellow Spar-
rows, los. ; Zebra Finches 10s. ; Diamond Doves 2;s. ; all per pair.—
W. Shore Baily, Boyer's House! Wcsthmy, Wilt-

FOR SALE " Bird Notes," good opportunit\

8, all uniformly and sjjlendidly bound. -"Coloured plates, fine condition.
60s. or near offer. .Approval if desired. F Howe, 54. .ThoiUfis .v
Wellingborough.

F'OR S.'ALE . Breeding pair Diamond Doves, 35- , /tl)ra I'itKlu--. ii>- '>d

per pair. Red-headed F'inches. 12s. 6d. per pair, odd hcn^ ~- 'nl..

cock, 6s. 6d. each; also pair of Buttrui (juail. 4; ■'» \
Bainbridge, Hazelwood, Thorpe. Surrry.

1 ( >I\ SALE I'^irs Cireeii 1- ruit-I'jgeons (,■>. splu-ni:rn^ ' , 5 s ; (...()>.> iiitiiii:
Starlings {Calornis chnlybcus), 50s. ; Bank Mvnals. 45s ; Cock JungN
Babbler, rare, 63s.; hen Hardwick's Fruitsucker, 60s. Expected n-
anive about 17th inst. : Bronze-wing Pove-** {Chulcophdps indictts), Black-
crested -Yellow Bulbuls [Ruhif^ula //ai'ivinlris), Bengal Pittas, hen
Shania, Pintail Nonpareils; Blue-cheeked Barbets, Gold-fronlrd Fruit-
suckers, Pied Hornbill, etc. Also acclimatised breeding p.iir of Malabar
Mynahs, 50s. No post cards. — \V. T. Page, Langstone, Lingficld,
Surrey.

W.ANTED .Acclimatised pai.-- of Golden-breasted W.ixbilN ■ In 11 Vellow-
winged Sugarbird ; cock Firefinch ; pair Grey Singingfinchcs > ,, Hon
Editor, "Bird Notes." Langstone, Liii,i.,'(iel<]. Sune>'.

S.\L1-" UK E.\rll.\\(.l-: Silvci J'iii.i..,,, ,,.-,, ,n/> >>.,,- ],,,.:.->, lu,, Hi<'«^".
2 cocks and 1 ]Veii, would exchange for other spefties (Jther than
Silver ^r Gold W ! Page, Langstone, Lingficld, Surrey.

WANTED : I'air ol Orange-flanked P;inakcets. Capt. Reeve, Glendaragh,
Caterham, Surre\

FOR SALE: Aviary Bred Zebra iinclie- ■ ■■• IMii.h, 'I'.iiil Xoiis.
l.angston?, Lingfield, Surrey.

DECEMBER 1916.

The Foreign Bird Club.

Notices to Members.

Election of Couxc il : No other nominations haviag been received,
ilio following— Lady Kathleen -Pilkington, Mrs. Hartley, and Mr. A. Sut-
' iitife are duly elected to fill the vacancies ._on the Council.

SuBSCRiPTio.Ns : These become due on January ist next, and are
payable in advance. It will greatly help the Honorary Secretary in these
diflicult limes if members will promptly remit same, together with <iny
iirears there may be.

SIDNEY WILLIAMS, Hon. Bus Sec. and I reus.
WESLEY 1. PAGE, .Hon. Editor.

Deficit and Illustration Funds.

£ s. d.

Bright, H i o o'

Raven, W. H o to o

Three Members (Me;lal Fund) ... 3- o o

Changes and Corrections of Address.

Die Hon. and Rev. Canon Dutioii, to " Mo.,b(in)ugh," Craftnn Road,
Cheltenham.

New Members Elected,

1'. M. Castdli) 20, Chalfont Court, London, N.W.

Proposed for Election as Member.

'>. Bartels "Orchidia," Mayne, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
< Itas. Clecberg, junr., 16 I^ckerbie Road, Dumfries, N.B.
i - I'. > r Parmenler, Didgcmere Hall, Roydon, Essex. f

I Hy till- lion. Editor.

The Bird Market.

MEMBERS' SALES EXCHANGES AND WANTS.

I OR S.Kl.E; f'liva-ily ImpoiLd l'.iir:, liiai k-cresteJ Yellow HuUuils, Indian
(Irecn-wing Doves, and Bank Mynahs. Also aviary-bred Zebra Finches
.ind aiclimali,ed breeding pair of Malabar Mynahs Mon F.ditnr.'
' Bird Ntttcs," I.angslone, Lingfiel.l, Surrey.

4'>

I"OR SALE • Cock Pckin Robin, arclimatized and perfect in every way,
20S., or would exchange for Hcii in siniilnr rnndition.--<'".'ip^. Rcovc.
Dunhevcd, Caterham, Surrey.

WAN TED . Hen Yellow-winged Sugarhird. — Apply cyo Editor, Langstnno,
Lingfield, Surrey.

WANTED Cock White Sparrow, also thirty square yards |in. mcsli
netting. — A. H. Scott, Waterside Copse, Liphook, Hants.

KOR SALE: Young Champion-bred Italian Grey-hounds, 12 mutuiis i-iil.
Dog, £4; Bitch, £3, peach-fawn, 6lb.' , Cocks: Zebra, Scaly-headed,
and Grey-Singing Finches, breeders; cock Rosella 50.S. ; Purple Sun-
bird, £4 los.; hen African Ringneck 7s. 6d. ; cock Budgerigar, bred
from Blue and Green, £2. W.ANTED : Softbills, Shama ; also Parra-
kects, hen Yeliow-naped, and cock Many-colour. — Miss Clare, 194,
Coombe Lane, Wimbledon, Lundon, S.W .

FOR SALE Pairs, Taha Weavers, 25s.; .\a|x)leon Weavers, 15s.; St.
Helena Waxbills, 15s.; and Red-headed Finches 15s. Cocks: Grena-
dier, 12s. 6d. ; Taha los. ; Half-maeked los. 6d. ; and -2 Sitagra
Weavers (species?) los. each; Giant 63s.; Pintail 21s.; and «,)ueen
Wh].dahs, 63s.; 2 ,Singing P'inclies, young, los. the two ; "Scaly-fronted
13?.. Quail, 15s.; and Red-hcpded Finches, 15s. pair, cocks los.
each; St. Helena . Waxbills, cock, 63. 6d., hen 8s. 6d,— Mrs.' W. A.
Bt inbridge Hazclwood, Thorpe, Surrey.

FOR SALE: Silver Pheasants, 2 cocks, and i iien, \ijorn\i

year, full grovn ; or would exchange for other species, Gold alone
excepted. — Page, Langstone, Lingfield, Surrey.

BOOKS AH in library pondiiion, clean as published. I)i. iUi In -
'Foreign Finches"; 60 coloured • plates by Frohawk (2nd edition',
puhlisTied 35s., for 17s. 6d. "British Bi;'ds,' 6 volumes, by Teget-
meir and 7 other special authors; 318 full paged plnle« of Birds
and Nests, and 24 coloured plates of Eggs, by Frohawk; 1248 pages,
published £5 5s,, for £« i|,i2s. 6d. Morris's. " British Birds," 6

volumes, 400 full paged plates £6 6s., for £3 3s. " Fauna Hawaii-
ensis." The Zoology of the Sandwich Islands; 27 hrge coloured
plates; 12 photogravures and 41 full paged plates iq black and white;
3 volumes in i8 parts, quarto, paper covers as or^^iiuiUv ifisiied, pub-
lished £20 5s., for £5 5s. Hook of Birds by Duncan. 4 volumes.
Ixumd in 2, Calf; £2 15s. Dr. Green's "Parrots," 3 volumes, K ->

Natural History: 6 volumes, bound in 3, C2 ics., published by
Cassels. These volumes woidd form beautiful Christmas or New
Year Gifts. — Address, Mr. John Dobbie. 12 Inverleith Gardens, Edin-
burgh.

FOR SALE :Finc Yellow Budgerigars, los. per pair; also aiT adu!' ,r
15s. prolific breeders; and one hen Cockatcel (brec'
Mrs. Wethcv. I.chden. Coatli.nn. Re Ic .,. N'o.k,

New Scries.

JVV

JANUARY, Idle.

Vol. VII., No 1.

?•?'-'•;

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Price Y^. AniviiJ SuLscrfph'o/^

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BIRD
NOTES

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Pe^^e, F-Z-S.^xv.

\\\\

1^:

'^z- //'''■,]

Pa£)/sAg^ UoaJ-J-^ /5f^S^eix(fAmotJA,

\fh\\\

AIHBOUXNE
PrintctI and PnbUsked br J. H. BIMSTCCR. Avian Tr—m

GONTENT8.

J he Siestinv of Half-Masked Golden and Spotted-winged Weavers ... B^
W Shore Bailkv.

My, Malabar Mynahs By Weslev T. Page, F.Z.S., Etc.

Psephoiui Parrakcets at Liberty Bv the Marquis of Tavistock.

Birds In and About The Station By Majou G. A. Perreau, K./..S

The Izndurance oj Birds By Wksi ev T. Pack, F.Z.S., £tc.

Editorial

The Talebearers Bv M. N. dk Frivelik.

Correspondence -.—The Hen oj the Japanese Hawfinch.

Post Mortem Reports.

♦

The conditiona upon whicli tlies« will b« mad« bj Mr. HY.
ORAY, MJl.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore PUce, Kensington, London.
W ., are m foUowg : —

(1) The birds mutt be sent immediately after death.

(2) They must be packed is a box.

(3) The Letter accompanying them must wot be pheed in th<.
box along tcith th« bird.

(N.B. — Unless the above conditions arc complied with tJke paek-
Ages will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail at far a» potaiblt all partioulan
as to —

(o) Date of death.

(6) Length of illness.

(0) Symptoms of illness.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birdii, and

(e) Eepecially as to whether egg food or inga seed has been

given.
(6) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report puV-
/Uhed in Bird Notes, but under no eircumstaneet whatever will a report
he sent by post unless a fee of 2s. 6d. accompanies the letter and
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. 6ray to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether they are personally au-
^uamtsd with hitt or not.

New Series.

FEBRUARY, 1916.

Vol. VII., No 2.

Price l6» Ai\T\aeJ SaI>scriph'o3\
"""""■"""^ fo r\o/\-/we/r\leps, /"^^

BIRD

NOTES

the: FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Pe^^e, F.Z.S.ek..

r/(«? nukiJ-Me /S^^s^eacA /nan/A,

ASHBOURJIE

Printed apd Publlihfd by J. H. HINSTOCK. Avun itcs

CONTBNTS.

I h. 1 , / ; l;

Mr Aviary and ( •'••,i,i:.,,, /■;,,,- /-^c <•:■

PsipkiHii'^ PinriiLtit- (if liberty I'.v I III. .Makqi is <^^ iwisrfHK..

Some Obscrvaliona on the Nesting and Rearing of Landrails in Captivity...

hS CiKRALD E. RaTTIGAN.

The Brffding .'Reason, 1915, in Hoyefs tlonsr Ai'iiirirs...hv \V. Shohe-Bailv.
!'hr Birr I rappers of the Riverina .. By Charles Babsk rr.

CoRKE.spoNDF.KCE : hidigo X NonparcH Bunting Llylirids.

Post Mortem Reports,

The conditiouB upon which these will be m&de by Mr. HY.
GRAY, MJl.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place, Kensington, London,
W ., tir* u follow! : —

(1) The birds mugt be sent immediately after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) I'ht Letter accompanying them must not be phused in tht
box along with tht bird.

(N.B.— Unless the abore conditions are complied with t^e paek-
Age« will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail at far a* po$»ibl» all p&rtioulan

tM to —

(a) Date of death.

(b) Length of illness.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and

(e) Especially as to whether egg food or inga seed has been

giten .

(5) The work will be dons gratuitously, and a report pub-
itshed in Bird Notes, but under no circumstances whatevtr will a report
b» sent by post unless a fes of 2s. 6d. accompanies the letter and
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Gray to make this an inrariabU
ml*, and it applies to all Members, whether they arc personally ac-
^naiaWd with him or aot.

Vtw ScrfM.

MARCH, 1916.

Tol. YII., «• 3.

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All Rig K>s Reserved.

Price I'fe,

Ai\r\aeJ Suhscn'ph

VOA.

/54

BIRD

;• J/A

'>C''':

NOTES

the: FOREIGN BIRD CLUB

Edited Q^y^

Wesley T. Pzx^c, F.Z.S.^,

A\V

ASHBOUUfI
Priatatf 1114 PabUtlie4 by 4. H. MINI TOCK. AtIu rr«M

OONTJ^r^tB,

J'fte Bu'edfA^'SeaUSh, i^^in'fibyers Hrms^' Avidfh's. By W. Shors-tBailv;
..V/ , a*^ GiatifM Finches Bv Bernard C. ThoiAissbt.

Some l)bsirvati6'ni p)ii the Nesting and Rraring of Landrails in Captivity ■
Hy Gerald E. R'Ai-riCAk'.

The Sio/y of My Black-headed Gull By Frank Dawson-Smith.

C'.oBRrsi'ONDKNCF. : Early Nesting of the Red-collared Lorikeet \\ Birds In
ihf I'iritig Like ; Field Notes^ New South Wales.

KlU lUKl Al,.

T6si Mortem Repotts.

The conditloDs upon which thew will be made by Mr. HY.
GRAY, M.R.C.V.S., 28, Upper Phillimore PUise, Kensington, London,
W ., are as follows : —

(1) The birds must be sent immediately after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) The Letter accompanying them must mot be placed in tkt
box along with the bird.

(N.B.— Unless the abore conditions are complied with iV« pask-
Ages will be destroyed without examination).

('4) The letter must detail a$ far as possible all partionl^s
as to —

(o) Date of death.
({>) Length of illness.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and

(e) Efipecially as to whether egg food or inga seed has been

giren.
(6) The vrork will be done gratuitously, and a report pub-
Aihed in JSird Notfs, but under no cireumstancet whatever will a report
b$ sent by post unless a fee of 2a. 6d. acoompanies the letter and
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Gray to make this an inrariable
rule, and it applies to all Members, whtihar ihey ars personally ae-
^uafaUd Witk hui w aot.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Aanuftl Subttription to Membcn 10s., du* on tlb* Ut el JkatuBH

A N«w Volume tommencM tT*rj January.

All Subteriptiona ihould be Mnt to Ik* Hon. Treasurer, SIDNEIX
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Biverway, Palmera Green, Lon-
don. N.

All dead birda for ^o»i moritm examinations should be sent to
H. GRAy, M.E.C.V.S., 23, Upper Pbillimore Plaoe, London, W.

All MSS. for publication in BxxdL JNotea, and Books for Heriew^
Propoaala for New Members. Advertiaements for " The Bird Market,"
Mkd clainv for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Editor, W,«
T. PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ; Surrey.

All enquiries as to the treatment of Birds should b« sent t*
the following gentlemen: Parrots and Parrakeets, H. T. Camps, F.Z.S.i
Linden House, Haddenham, Isle of Ely ; Inseotivorous, Frugivorous, an4
Snail Seed-eatbg Sirds. W. T. Page, F.Z.3., Glenfield, Graham Atcbtm,
Miteham, Surrey.

*** All Letters referring to the above identification of birt§
mtt$t contain a penny ttamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows should
bs sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 3, Swift Street, Fulham, Londoa,
8.W.

All other Correspondence, Changes of Address, eto., should b*
ami to the Hon. Busineaa Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.S.,
Oakleigh, 110 Riverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HENSTOCB^
" Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all order*
for back numbers and bound volumes (with remittance) should be seni*

All correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittances) relating U
TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCK, who will quote rates and transact all business con-
sected therewith. Also all complaints re cion -delivery of the Magazia*.

An Illustration Fund is kept spen for the purpose of increas'
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olufc
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received far
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Note* by the
20th of each month should at once write the Publisher, complaining
of tha omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case In Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. Tiie Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume compkte for 3/3 post free.

The Publisher undertakes the Binding of VoiumfH \u the C\mh
OaM ar any ethar style of ^indinx as may b<> df«irc>i

BOUlfD VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTES.'

V«l«m« I. ii out of priat. «. 4.

Yclum* II. »nd III., there remaini onlj » few eopiae, to

Members and AMOciatea (each) 21 (^

V«lninea IV. and V. with Hand-coloured Platet : —

To Member* and Aaiociatea (each) 10 f

To Othera 16 ^

▼elomea VI., VII., and VIII. with Hand-coloured Plates:—

To Members and Aaiociatea (each) 16 (^

To Other* 30 0

HBW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

fWhtmea II., III.. IV. and V.— To Member* (each) IT »

To Other* M 9

Oa«a for Binding Vol*. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 may ba had pria*

IS. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Vols i, a, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obtained

from the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
39W Pabliaher, J. H. Henstock, "Avian Preas," Ashbourne, will W

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover aat
return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tlf Reared Young

and

HY5RIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,
Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

♦

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6cl., Net. By Post 2s. 9(1

J. H. Hbnstock "The Avia.n Pkess," Asubouic^ib.

MIMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

— « —

Aaail»l Stibstription to Memben lOs., da* on tha 1st of Jftnaarip

A New Volume commenoee erery J»nu»rj.

All Subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, 8IDNBT
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Riverway, Palmers Green, Lorn-
do», N.

All dead birds for po»t mortem examinations should be sent !•
H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place, London, W.

All MSS. for publication iv Bird Notes, and Books for Rerieir,
PropobaU for New Members, Advertisements for " The Bird Market,"
and claim.^ for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Editor, W.
T. PAGE. F.Z.S., etc., Glonfield, Graham Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey.

AH enquiries as to the treatment of Birds should be sent im
the following gentlemen: Parrots and Parrakeets, H. T. Camps, F.Z.S.*
Linden House, Haddenham, Isle of £ly ; Insectivorous, Frugivorous, aai
Small Seed -eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Glenfield, Graham Arsnua,
Miteham, Surrey .

*** All Letters referring to the above identification of hirit
fmut contain a penny stamp for reply.

AH applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows should
be sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 8, Swift Street, Fulham, Londoa,
8.W.

Alt other Correspondence, Changes of Address, etc., should \m
sent to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.8.,
Oakleigh, 110 Riverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HENSTOCK;
" Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all orders
for back numbers and bound volumes (with remittance) should be seoA,,

AU correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittances) v>elating to
TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCK, who will quote rates and transact all business coa-
nected therewith. Also all complaints re non-delivery of the Magann*.

An Illustration Fund is kept spen for the purpose of inoreac-
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the OlaW
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received far
this object by the Hon . Treasurer .

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by tha
l:t^>th of each month should at once write the Publisher, complaining
of the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume compl^ite for 3 3 post free.

Ths Publisher undertakes the Binding of Volumes in ths 01«k
Case ar any ethsr sty la of Binding as may be desired.

BOUND VOLUMES OF **BIRD NOTIS/*

▼•Inme I. is out of prini. •< d.

Volume II. and III., there remain* only a few eopiM, to

Members and Associate* (each) 21 0

Volumf«* IV. and V. with Hand-coloured Plate*:—

To Members and Associates ('each) 10 6

To Others 16 0

Volumes VI.. VII., and VIH, with Hand-coloured P/ar« :—

To Members and Associates (each) 16 0

To Others SO 0

WBW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

▼olnmes II., III., IV. and V.— To Members (each) 17 «

To Others 33 0

OaoM for Binding Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may bo had prie«»

IS. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Vols I, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obtained

fioni the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
Th* Publisher, J. H. Henstock, "Avian Preaa," Ashbourne, will be

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover antf

return jiostagc.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tit Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS T,ait Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

15 V

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ll,i,r.>l !;A'I'I'.!> JNrERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J 11. Uknsiix iv "Thi: Avjan Piti-.-s.'' Ashbournk.

MSMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Annual Sab«cription to Members 10s., due on the lat of Jannary
tM eaflh jear.

A New Volume commences erery January.

All Subacriptiona should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, SLDNBT
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Riverway, Palmers Green, Lom-
don. N.

All dead birds for post mortem examinations should be sent !•
H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place, London, W.

Alt MSS. for publication in Bird Notes, and Books for Reriew,
PropoaaU for New Members, AdvertiMmenta for " The Bird Markst,"
and claim.<i for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Editor, W.
T. PAGE. F.Z.S., etc., Qlenfleld, Graham Avenue, Mitcham, .Surrey.

Al' enquiries as to the treatment of Birds should be sent k*
the following gentlemen : Parrot* and Parrakeets, H. T. Camps, F.Z.S.,
Linden Hoiise, Haddenham, Isle of Ely ; Insectivorous, Frugivorous, and
Small Seed -eating Birda, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Glenfleld, Graham Avenua,
Mitcham, Surrey .

*** Ail Letters referring to the above identification of hirdt^
m%ut ooutain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows should
be sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 3, Swift Stntt, Pulham, London,
8.W.

All other Correspondence, Changes of Address, etc., should b*
sent to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.8.,
Oakleigh, 110 Riverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HENSTOCK,
" Avian Pre«s," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all orders
for back numbers and bound volumes (with remittance) should be sent.

All correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittances) relating to
TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J.
H. HENSTOCK, who will quote rates and transact all business con-
nected therewith. Also all complaints ro non -delivery of the Magazin*.

An Illustration Fund is kept spen for the purpose of increas-
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Clnh
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received for
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by ths
20th of each month should at once write the Publisher, complaininf
of the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume complete for 3 3 post free.

The Publisher undertakes the Binding of Volumes in the Club
Case ar any other style of Binding as may be desired.

BOUND VOLUMES Of "BIRD NOTES."

Voluino. I. U out of print. s. d.

Volume II. and III., there remains only a few copina, to

Mtmbera and Associates (each) 21 (V

Volum** IV. anil V, uith Hand -coloured Fl^itr^ : —

To Members and AsBOciaten (each) 10 8^

To Others 15 (J

Volumos VI.. VII.. and VIII, wifli Hand-coloured Platet :—

To Membfus and Aatrociatce (each) . Ifi (>

To Others 20 0

N.BW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

Volumot II.. III., IV. and v.— To Members (eaeh) 17 &

To Others 23 0-

CasQs for Bindinii; Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may be had prioa-

is. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Vols i, 2. 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obtained'

ftoni the Publislier, is, 8d. post free.
Th* Publisher, J. H. Honstock, "Avian Press," Ashbourne, will b«

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at ^s. -d., jn-i' '■■^'^ '"over .ind"

return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES g Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS t^ Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

•

ILLUSTRATED. IKrERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDILM 8vo.

2s. 6cl., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. 11 1h-.:.-ii-K Thk .\ni\n Pjuo-^s," AsiinciMtNK.

New Scries.

AnnaoJ Suhscrfph

15^-:

BIRD
NOTES

THE .FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Pzv^e, F.Z.S.eK

Po6)/sAiea ewfoo^yife /SH's^etcA moi\/A^

ASHBOUKNI

I>rtnted ard Publithed br J. E. HENSTOCK. Avian PrM«

CONTENTS.

My Sii'ih, _ 15V TilK LI 'i. H.>ri;Ki

Foreitjii iind Hrtl'xU lliiils ,it thr //nJboni Tmrn /fnll...H\ \\

l^Z.8.. Ew:

T'i> Ihtirffje.l Titroy'i \<\ I'HEO. Stkwaiit

iSomc ('i)lvini liiril.< lil,i-i:i.v i F,r» KKoM "TlMKHJM.''

All Al'out "A'-r' HyFkvnk 1)vw-;..n- S\mn

Till' EiKhn-.Kir^ of liir<l.< 1{V Wkj^I.F.Y 'I' I'

Ediioi.'iai..

C-oilKEsroNDKNCi: :--'/'//(» A mftlnistRiiviprd Sunbird ; I'intaili'! I'arrot

Fine hey
Book NoTicKs : — .1 /(.?•■/ ('..;.,„■.,,■,,. \, ,,//,,,■„ /f,f^,..
Post Muktkms
A d'lUiny of BiiiLt

Post Mortem Reports.

The conditiona upon which tuese will b« made bj Mr. HY.
GRAY, MJK.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place, Kensington, London,
W ., are aa f oUowa : —

(1) The birda muat be aent immediately after death.

(2) They mtitt be packed in a box.

(3) Th* Letter accompanying them mutt kut be phaced in tk»
box along with th4 bird.

(N.B.— Unlefia the above eonditiona are eomplied with tVe pack-
Agt>4 will be deatroyed without examination).

(4) The letter mnat detail at far at pottiblt all partioalara
aa to —

(a) Date of death.
(6) Length of illneaa.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birda, and

(e) Especially aa to whether egg food or iuga aeed haa bean

given .
(6) The work will be dona gratuitoualy, and a report pub-
Aahed in JBird Notes, but under no eircumitancet tchattvtr vfill a rtport
ht ttnt by post untttt a fet of 2a. 6d. aeeomponiu Iht Utttr amd
^rd. Preaaure of work compela Mr. Oray to make thia an iuTariable
rula, and it appliea to all Membcra, whathar thay are paraoaally m*
^uaiftlai witk kim ar not.

Mtw Series.

MAT, &016.

Vol. VH., M«. 5.

ASIBOUINB
Printed »ni PubliUed by J. H. HKNSTOCK. Aviu PrMa

CONTEMTS,

The Amazon Rail By W. Shore BaiLky

Bird fAfe and Sport on Ac/till Island By Frank Dawson-Smith

An Indian JSestof the Norfolk Plover or Stone-Curlew By Hugh WHrsTLER

M.B.O.U., I.P

Btrd Catrking In Ihdia By Douglas Dewab, F.Z.S.. l.C.S

The History of (he Budgerigar Bv E. HopkINSON, D.8.O., M.A.

British Bird Calendar

OoRRESPONDENCE .—The Netting of Japs.

Editorial.

pobt mortkmb.

Post Mortem Reports.

— ^_

Th« coaditioM npoB wkieli tlwM will b« mad* hj llr. HT.
OBAY, MJt.C.V.S., 28, Upper PMIlm«ra PImi. KciuiBfton. LondM,
W^ »r* M foUovi: —

(1) Tht bird* mtxft b« Mst immtdiaMi/ after daatli.

(2) Thej mutt ba packed ia a box.

(3) Th« Letter aceompanffing them mm$t voT ht phetd in (J^
ioa along with tht bird*

(N.B. — Unlets the abore eonditions are eomplied tritb tiu paek-
agee will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter most detail as far at pottibU all partionlars
as to —

(a) Date of death.
(6) Length of illness,
(o) Symptoms of illness.
(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and
(s) jBspecially as to whether egg food or inga seed has bsea
(ivtt«

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report pub*
Athti in Bird Notet, but under no eiroumttanott whatovor wiU » rtport
bt ttnt by pott unlett a /es of 2s. 6d. aeoompmitt tht Isflsr mi4
bird. Prestore of work compels Mr. Gray to maka Ihia in invariable
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether they art parMMllj m>
fxialated with him or not,

Price 1^6

AnnatI SuLscriph

/54

BIRD
NOTES

TAe q/oupimJ ^o/^

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Pavge. F.Z.S.e>c

.Pa^/sAe^ e^u^/Ae 15^ s^ etxeA /nonZ-J^

-.v^".;->^?^

ASHBOURNE

Pilnted and Publlihed by J. H. HINSTOCK. Aviu Pi-cm

CONTENTS.

Aty Laughing Thruslim ll\ \' -.. .:.-B^n.v

Blrif Catrhirig in hdia Rv Douglas Dfavar, F.7 S, \ X S

Bird I. ill and Sport on Arhill Island Bv F'rank I).,.

Tho tlndiiranrc of Birds . By THK Marquis of TAriSTorK

The History of the Budgerigar By E. Hopkinson. D.S.O , MA

Some (ninny Birds By Rev. Chas^ R. Dawson. S I , M.A.(Oaon

A Roadside Tragedy Bv Dr L. Lnvti-L-KtAVS, K Z.S.

ICditorial.

C■oR^:^^spONDE^fCF. -/./5/ o/ Birds Seen in Flanders; A Substitute for I rait ,
Field and . Avicultural Notes.

Post Mortem Reports.

TI16 conditiona upon which tti«M will be made by Mr. HT.
^BAY, MJi.C.V.S., 23, Upper PhiUimere PIae», Keaaington, Lond^a,
W ., an as follows : —

(1) Th» birdB mutt b« sent immtdimiely after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) Tht Letter accompanying them must hot h* placed in the
4)02 along toith the bird.

(N.B. — Unlem the abore condition! are oomplied with tKe pack-
Hi gee will be deitroyed without examination).

(4) The letter muat detail as far a$ po$9ible all partioulara
>IM to —

(a) Date of death,
(ft) Lfogth of illness,
(e) Symptom* of illneee.
(d) LoagTuent and feeding of birds, uai
(•) Kspecially at to whether egg food or inga teed ha« be«a
giT»B.

(5) The work will bf done grstuiiously, and a report pub-
>.l«hod in Bird Notes, but under no circumstances whatever wilt a reitort
bt tent by post unlesa a fee of 2m. 6d. accofnpanits the Utter an4
bird. Pressure of work compelt Mr. Gray to make this an itiTariabIa
raU, and it applies to all Members, whether they are personally a«-
^uamWd with hija ar net.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Aannal Subceription to Member* 10a., da« on tht l«t of J^nwMy
ia smIi 7«»r.

A New Volume commence every Januarj.

All Subacriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treagureri SEDNST
WILLIAMS, P.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Kiverway, Palmer* Grera, Lo«-
don. N.

All dead birds for post mortem examinations should be sent !•
H. GRAY, M.E.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place, London, W.

Ali MSS. for publication in Bird Notes, and Books for Reriew,
Proposals for New Members. Adrertisements for " The Bird Market,"
*nd claim.1 for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Editor, W..
T. PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ; Surrey.

Al' enquiries as to the treatment of Birds shonld bo sent t*
the following gentlemen : Parrots snd Parrakeets, H. T. Camps, F.Z.8.k
Linden House, Haddenham, Isle of Bly ; Insectivorous, Frugivoroas, tmA
Small Seed -eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Olenfield, Graham Av«Bt»|
Miteham, Surrey .

*** All Letters referring to the above identification of birSk
mmst eontain a penny stamp for reply.

AU applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Show* shonlA
be sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSBND, 3, Swift Street, Fulham, Londoa.
8.W.

All other Correspondence, Chaagea of Address, eto., should W
scat to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.8.,
Oakleigh, 110 Riverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HENSTOOX,
" Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all ordoiv
for back numbers and boxind volumes (with remittance) should be ssdI*

All correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittances) relating I*
TRADE ADVEBTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCE, who will quote rates and transact all business cob*
itected therewith. Also all complaints re nou-delivary of the Maganna.

An Illustration Fund is kept epen for the purpose of increas-
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income uf the Club
provides for. The smallest donation will he thankfully received far
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by tka
20th of each month should at once write the Publisher, complaiBtag
of the oibission.

BINDING COVERS,

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now realy. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume compkte for 3 3 post free.

Q'ho Publisher undertakes the Binding of Volaiaea in tho Clafc
Case or any other atyU of Binding as may be daiirsd.

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTIS."

Vftlnme I. u oat of print. ■. 4.

V«lanie II. aod III., there rem«ine onlj » few eopiee, to

Members snd AMOoUtea (each) 81 0

Volnmea IV. »nd V. toith Uand'coloured Piatt* : —

To Member* and Aaiociate* (each) 10 #■

To Othere 16 0

Votnmee VI.. VII., and VIII, with Hond-eoloured Platm:—

To Member* and Asiociatea (each) 16 ^

To Other* 10 0

&*BW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

T*lumea II.. HI., IV. and V.— To Member* (eack) IT f

To Other* 81 0

Om** for Binding Vol*. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 may b* had priaa

Is. 8d. post free.
Case* fo- Binding Vols i, a, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Seriea, to be obtained

ftom the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
7k» PvbliaUr, J. H. Henstoek, " Arian Pre**." Aahbourne, will ba

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover an^

return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES til' Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS talt Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. ]N rLllLEAVED.

IN CLOTiJ. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d.. Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. Hbnstock "The Avian Preks," Ashbournb.

MIMORAflDA FOR MIMBXRS.

Amaual Sabtaription to McmlMn lOi., da* on th« l«t •! Jaavaq;

A. N«v Volum* tommenoM •▼•ry Janutry.

All SubaeriptioM ahould b* sent to tho Hon. TreMurtr, SIDKIX
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oftkleigh, 110, Bivu-waj, Ptloitn Qxmm, Lm>
4m. K.

All d«ftd birds for po$t mortem •xaminatioBa ahonld bt imiI |»
B. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S., 23, Upp«r Phillimore PUoa, London, W.

All MSS. for publication in Bird Notes, and Booka for R«viaV|
Pvopcaab for Now Membara, AdrartiaamaBta for " Tha Bird Markat«**
4ttd alain* for Braedinf Modala, abould ba aant to tha Hon. Editor, l^i
T7"PAGE,~F.Z.S., etc., " Langstbne," Lingfield ; Surrey.

All anqniriaa aa to the treatment of Birda ahonld be aant l«
ihm following fentlemen : Parrots and Parrakeeta, H. T. Campa, E.Z.B^
liadan Houae, Haddenbam, lale of Ely ; Inaaotivoroiu, Fragivorona, ui
Small Saad -eating Birda, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Olenfleld, Orabam AvanMi
Mitabam. Surrey.

*** All Letters referring to the above idemtifieatitm of Nfit
mmttt oomtain a penny stamp for reply.

All applieationa for Sbow Madala and enqtiiriea re Show* ahooli
be aant to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 8, Swift Straet, Fulbam, LondM«
«.W.

All other Correapondenoe, Cbangea of Addreaa, eto., aboold W
•nt to the Hon. Boainesa Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, JSJZ.S^
Oakleigh, 110 Biverway, Palmera Green, London, N.

Thia Magacine ia printed and publiahed by J. H. HENSTOOI^^
" Avian Preaa," Market Place, Aahbonrne, Derbyahire, to whom all ordart
for baek numbers and bound volumea (with remittance) ahould be aeal<«

All correapondenoe, MSS., etc. (also remittanees) Minting to
TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS ahould be aent to the publiahar, J«
H. HENSTOCE, who will quote rates and tranaact all buainasa eoa-
aeetad therewith. Also all complaints re non -delivery of the Maganjaa.

An Illustration Fund is kept open for the purpose of inerena*
Lng the number of platea, other than the regular income of the OluV
provides for. The amalleat donation will be thankfully reoeived fev
thia object by the Hon. Treaaurer.

All membera not receiving their copiea of Bird Notes by tl»
80th of each month ahould at onoe write the Publiaher, oomplainiag
«f the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Deti^, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. Ttie Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume complete for 3/3 post free.

The Publisher underUkes the Binding of Volumes in the Qlmk
Oaae er any ether style of Binding aa may be desired.

BOUND VOLUMES OF '*BIIU) NOTIS."

▼•Inms I. u out of print. a. d^

Talama 11. and III., there remeina onij e few aopiea, to

Membera end Aaaoeiatee (eetih) 31 (t

Vvhiuee rV. end V. with Hnnd-coloured Plaht : —

Te Membera end Aasocietee (eeeh) 10 f

To Othera 16 ^

Vvluwe VI ^ VII., end VIII. ieith Hand-coloured Ptol«t—

To Membora end Ataocietee (eech) lA 9

To Othera 90 0

WBW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

r«iwMe II., m.. IV. end V.— To Membera (eech) 17 f.

To Othera OT 0

fkaea for Binding Vola. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, end 8 mey be hed price

IS. 8d. post free.
Ceae* fo- Binding Vols i, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obteined

fiom the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
9iha Poblieher, J. H. Henatock, "Avian Preaa," Ashbourne, will he

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover anrf
return postage.

r- ■ . . -■ ' - ■ ' -

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tlf Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tg Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PA.GE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,
Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

♦

ILLUSTKATED. INTERLEATED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. UtNBTOCK "Thk Avian Press," Asubournk

MEMORANDA FOR MIMBIRS.

■'" » ■■' ■

Aanuft) Sabttription to Members lOt., du« on tht lal of Jaauift
iB eaeh j*%t.

A New Volume eommenoea every January.

All Subecriptione ehould be aent to the Hon. Treaiurer, BIDNBT
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Kiverway, Palmer* Grean, Lm-
don. N.

All dead bird* for post mortem examiuationa ahould be leat k*
H. GRAY, M.R.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Plaoe, London, W.

All MSS. for publication in Bird Note*, and Books for Rariaw^
Propoaala for New Members, AdrertiMments for " The Bird Markat,"
iumI elaim/> for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Editor, W.
T. PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ; Surrey.

All enquiries as to the treatment of Birds should be sent k«
(ha following gentlemen: Parrota and Parrakeets, H. T. Camps, F.Z.S.,
Linden House, Haddenham, Isl« of Ely ; Inaeetivorous, FrugiTorous, aa4
Small Seed-eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Glenfield, Graham Avanii*,
Mitcham, Surrey.

***■ All Letter t referring to tht above identification of hirta
imtst contain a penny atamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows should
b* sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSENO, 3, Swift Street. Fulham, LondoBi
8.W.

Alt other Correspondence, Changes of Address, etc., should b«
sent to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.S.,
Oakleigh, 110 Biverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HENSTOCS^
" Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all ordart
tor b*ck nambers and bound volumes (with remittance) should be Mnl«

All correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittanoes) relating to
TBADE ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCK, who will quota rates and transact all business <oa>
aeeted therewith. Also all complaints re non-delirery of the Maganoa.

An Illustration Fund ia kept epen for the purpose of inoreaa*
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olnb
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received far
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by tka
20th of each month should at once write the Publisher, complaining
•f ths omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pub-
lisher will bind the Volume compkte for 3/3 post free.

The Publisher undertakes the Binding of Volumas in the Olmk
Oaaa sr any athar sty la of Binding as taay ba desirad.

BOUND VOLUMES OJT *'BIRD NOTIS.'

▼•lome I. u oat of print. a. d>

V*lam« II. aod III., there remftiiu onlj a few eopiea, to

Member* aud Aisocifttea (each) 31 O

Velome* IV . and V . with Hand-coloured Platet : —

To Members and AMOciatea (each ) 10 #-

To Other* 16 ft

Volume* VI.. VII., and VIII, with Hand-coloured Plate*:—

To Members and Associate* (each) 16 0-

To Other* 30 0

MBW SERIES. Volume I. out of print

T«ltme« II., m.. IV. and V.— To Members (each) 17 fr

To Other* 29 0

CasM for Binding Vol*. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may be had pri«»

IS. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Vols i, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obtained

fioni the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
Dm Publisher, J. H. Henstock, "Avian Press," Ashbourne, will be

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 35. 3d., including Cover antf

return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tlf Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

JLLUSTKATED. INTERLEAVED

TN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d.. Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. II, Henstock "The Avian Pkkss. ' .Vshhovrni.

New Series.

JULY, i^ie^

Vol. VII., No. 7.

:$-^^,

fx-^

'■^A

f^.

ss^t;

'C.

Sl>i^

'iTi^v"

«s

«f^i

,/l

Wl.

\\\\

All Ri^KT^s Reserved.

Price I^. Ai\T\azJ Sahscn'ph'o^
' h> A0A-/x\e/r\6ers, /5^'

BIRD
NOTES

TAe o/oapixiJ ^o/<*

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T.Pz^^e, F.Z.S.ek,

Pa£k

ASHBOURNE
Printed and Publltted by j. h. HENSTOCK. Avian vt—%

CONTENTS.

<jrebes ' f By VVm. Shore Bajly.

Bird Catching in India Bv Douglas Dewar, F.Z.S., I.C.S.

Visits to Members' Aviaries Bv Wesley T. Page, F.Z^., tTC.

Some Colony Birds By Rev. Chas. R. Dawson, S.J., M.A. (Oxon)

Early Notes of the Season Bv E. H. Bright.

Editorial.

CoFREsroKi>r.NCE :— Breeding Red-collared Lorikeets ; Producing a Blue
Budgerigar ; Nesting of Yellow-winged Sugarbirds, etfs., Wholesale Fly-
catching.

URiTifU Bird Calendar.

Post Mortem Reports,

The conditions upon which theM will be made bj Mr. HT.
a}RAY, MJa.C.V.S., 28, Upper Fhillimore PUee, Keneington, London,
W., are aa follows: —

(1) The birds must be sent immediattly after death.

(2) They mutt be packed in a box.

(8) Th* Letter aoeompanying them tmut xot b$ plactd im tk9
hoa along with the bird.

(N.6. — ^Unless the abore conditions are eomplied with tXe paek*
4ges will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail a$ far at pottible all particulars
•« to—

(a) Date of death.
{b) Length of illness,
(o) Symptoms of illness.
(ji) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and
(s) Especially as to whether egg food or inga seed has bee*
giTen.
(6) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report pub-
dshed in Bird Notes, but under no ciroumttanca whatevtr Mfill a rtport
bt $ent by pott unlet$ a /es of 2s. 6d. aoeompaniu th$ Utttr omI
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Gray to make this an inTariable
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether they are personally as-
^uaiatad with him er not.

New Series.

AUGUST, 1916.

Vol. VU.. M«. e.

'^^i

a\\-

^^_

^?^

'xr

JTi

.i!>\

-m^-'^-^

:^<

All RitfKT's Reservfed.

Price l'^. AnnaeJ Sahscr7ph'o7\,

v.Hj

•''■'/{{'A'

i;i

^ir

BIRD
NOTES

the:foreign bird club

Wesley T. Pz^^e, RZ.S.ac

(ft

'Ml.

ASHBODRMK
Priatcd aatf PabU«fe«] by J. H. HKM8T0CK, Arlui rr«M

OONTENTa.

Breeditig of Red^ollared Loriktttg ..Bv Miss E. G. B. Pbddib Waddbix.

Pkeatant Rearing Under Broodut By Geralt) E. Rattigaii.

Visits to Members' Aviarits By WisLxr T. Paoi, F.Z.S., ttc.

The Ihlieate Life^read of the Young Grey Parrvt By M. D. (U.S.A.)

Daum A mitn§$t the Bird* in OM EfVpUan Garden Bt M.P.

The Hittory of the Budgerigar By B. HoPKlMfON, D.S.O., M.D., Etc.

ExUTOBt*!.. V

CSaBXESPONDBNCK. Rearing of a Rouftneh and Greenfinch Hybrid; Sweeeetf^
Breeding ofJach»on*e Whydah and a Hybrid Sparrow; Nesting of
Loriheett ; B. H. Conuret and Yellow Groibtake ; Neeting Mateu ^
the Seatvn.

Stme Colony Birde Bepkimtid rROW Timbbkl*'

Post Mortem Reports.

ThM MBditiaas ttfoa whUk Umw will W »•<• \j Mr. HT.
ORAY, MJt.C.V.S.. aa, Upptt FhiUiaM* FlMi, KraiiBgt«B» UmAmt
W.» BN M foUowi:—

(1) Hm Urda «B«t W ant immeiimU^ eJLUg 4Mtk.

(2) TImj mu$i he patkad im a box.

(I) The Letter •mow^femgmf them wmat not he ptm^i im the
io« •lo»t 9tith the bird,

(K.B.—UBlaaa Iha aUf* «0BaiU«aa af« aanfUal vilk «M f/tk-
Bgaa will ba daairojad wilhonl a»BmiBBtia»).

(4) Tba lattar sibbI datail ae fmr ms p$mkle all fariiaBlan

«B W-"

(b) Date of daath.

(ft) LaBgtk of Ulaaaa.

(«) SyaiptoBia of Uhnaa.

(4) LodfBiaBt and faadiag of birda, aad

(•) Eapacially aa to vbatiur «gf food or iaga aaad kaB ba«B
givMi.
(6) Tha work will ba doao gratuitoualy, a&d b rapori pBb>
Atkad in Bird Notes, hut under uo eireiumetamtee wkateter wilt m tfft
he eent by poet unlete a fe» of Si. 6d. oaoouqMNiM the Utttf B«dl
hird. Fnetnx* of work eompala Mr. Oray lo akaka Ikia as iBTBriaMa
rBla, and it appU«a to all klaaban, wkatkar tkaj bib paraBBally oo^
^BBlBlad witk kill or bbI,

Vol. VII., M*. 9,

^!^

"*L.

'«'..

^^.

u^:

All R JUKI'S ReseTved.

Price 1^,

AnT\aiJ Suhscriph

70J\

/54

BIRD

,;W,;rvi

,K| 1'' .»

,'v\\

NOTES

THEITOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Paxge, F.ZLS.ek,

Pa6)isie^ oAhJ'Mb IS^^e&cAmonJX,

m\\

ih\

^'it^.f?

ASHROURMK

Prinleil ard Publithcd by J. H. i:^

CONTENTS.

Tht Breeding of Jackson s Whjfdah$ By W. Shokk Batlt.

Breeding uf lied-tiaped Lorikeets By E. J. Bkook.

Breeding Blue Bwhrigart Bv J W. Maksubn

The Endurance cf Birds By VVksley T. Paoi, F.Z.S., Etc.

Pheasant Rearing Under Broodies By GbralD E. Raitigaii.

My Aviary Experiences By H. Carr Walker.

Death of a Veteran Lemon-cretted Cockatoo.

Some British Birds in my Aviaries By W. Shore Bau.y.

Some Colony Birds Reprinted from "Timehki."

dORRKSPONDENCE. Trying for Blue Budgerigars ; Breeding Many-colour and
and Stanley Parrakeets. *

Post Mortem Reports.

The conditioiu upoa which theM will b« mad« by Mr. HY.
.JRAY. M.R.C.V.S., 23, Upper Fhillimore Place, Eeneington. Loader
W., are u follows: —

(1) Th« birda must be sent immediately after death.

(2) Tiicy must be packed in a box.

(8) The Letter accompanying them muat VOT he pkned in the
^oa along with the bird,

(N.B. — Unless the abore conditione are eomplied with the paek-
agee will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail a$ far a$ po$»ible all particmiart
•» to —

(o) Date of death.
(&) Length of illness.
(o) Symptoms of illness.
(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and
(•) Especially as to whether egg food or inga seed has beoa
given.
(6) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report pnb-
ilshed in Bird Notes, but under no eireumttancet tfhattver will m refort
fr« eent by post unle$$ a /s< of 2s. 6d. aooompmtw th* httet am4
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Gray to make this an inrartable
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether thej are persoaaily; •••
%uaiated with hia or boI(

MEMORANDA FOR MSMfilRS.

▲bbqaI Snbttription to M«inb«n lOi., do* on th« l«l efl Jab«mp

A N«w VoIqb* lommasflM •rtrj Januarj.

Alt Subaoriptiont ihould b« Mnt to ik« Hen. TreMurar, BIDNSl
WILLIAMS, F.Z.8., O&kleigh. 110, BiTerway, Palmen Oram, Lm-
doa, K,

All dead bird« for po$t mortem •zamiBations ahould ba itAt to
H. OBAY, MJl.O.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Flaoa, London, W.

All MSS. for publieation in Bird Nottt, and Booka for B«Tia«|
PropoaaU for New Members, Adrertiaemanta for " Tha Bird Markal,**
and olaimji for Breeding Medali, should be aant to tba Hon. Eiditor, IV,
Tr PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., "' Langstone," Lingfield ; Surrey.

All enquiries as to the treatment of Birds shonld b* lani It
«ha following gentlemen: Parrots and Parrakeets, H. T. Oamps, K.Z.B4
Linden House, Haddenham, Isle of Sly ; InseotiTorons, Frugirorons, uA
Small Seed-eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Glcnfield, Graham AvanM»
Miteham, Surrey.

*** All Letters referring to the above idtntifieatum of hirtk
wtmet contain a penny $tamp for reply.

All applicationa for Show Medals and enquiries ra Shows shonU
ba sent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSBND, 8, Swift Street, Fulham, Londoa^
8.W.

All other Correspondence, Ohangea of Addreas, etc., should In
sent to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.S.,
Oakleigh, 110 Biverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and published by J. H. HBNSTOOl^
" Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshira, to whom all ordara
for back numbers and bound volumes (with remittance), should ba aani^

All correspondence, MSS., etc. (also remittanoes) relating U
TBADE ADVEBTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCK, who will quote rates and transact all business eon*
aaotad therewith. Also all complaints re non-delivery of the Maganna.

An niustration Fund is kept open for the purpose of inoreaa-
lag tha nnmber of plates, other than the regular income of the Olnk
provides for. Tha^ smallest donation will be thankfully received far
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by tfca
Both of each month should at onoe write the Publisher, oomplainiag
«f the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. Tlie Pub-
lither will bind the Volume complete for 3/3 post free.

The Publisher undertakes the Binding of Volumes in tha OUttb
Oaae ar any other style of Binding as may be deairad.

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTES.'

V«laia« I. ifl out of print. ■. 4.

Volume II. »nd III., ther« remaini onlj • few «opiM, to

Memben and Anociate* («*ch) 81 0'

VolnnxM IV. and V. toith Hand-coloured PlatM:—

To Memb«ra and AasociaiM (each) 10 t

To Othera 16 »

V«lamM VI.. Vn.. and VIII. tcUh Hand-eolourtd Plaits :—

To Member* and Ajiooiatea (each) 16 0

To Othera SO 0

MSW 8£RI£S. Volume I. out of print

▼•lomM IL, III., IV. and V.— To Membera'(aach) 17 t

To Othara 8» 0

Oaaa* for Binding Vola. 1. S, S, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 maj bo had priaa

la. 8d. po*t free.
Cases fo- Bindinf Vols i, s, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series, to be obtained

fiom the Publisher, la. 8d. post free.
Pabliahar, J. H. Hanstock, " Arian Prosa," Ashbonrna. will ba

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Corer antf

return peerage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES ti? Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

T H. Hknstock "Tuk Avian Press," Ashbourne.

MEMORANDA FOR MIMBIRS.

Aaiaftl SnbicripUeB to MamUri lOi., d«« «b Ih* l«t •! J»biM||

▲ N«v VoIqbm •omavBtM •vary Jtavtrj.

All Snbiiriptio&t ihould h% MBt lo lki« H«b. Tr«»iar«r, BXONH
JWILLIAliS, F.Z.S., Oakkifh, 110, RiTtrwaj, Palmtn Onwif Lmi*
im, V.

AM d««d birds for poat moritm oxamuiatioBi ihoiild b* mbI ••
a. OKAY, M.B.O.V.8., 28, Upjwr PbilliaoM PUm, Loadoa. W.

All MS8. for pnblicfttioB is Bird Hotu, tni Booki for lUritVi
PtopoMla for Now Mozabon, AdrortiMmoto for " Tho Bird Markoti*^
tttd oUiJBu for BroadiBf Modtls, ibould U mbI to tbo Hon. Editor, W%
Tr PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langttone," Lingfield; Surrey.

All oaiqBinM »i to tho troataoBl of Birda alioBld bo mbI It
4ko folloviag f«Btlem«B : Parrots aad Parrakooti, H. T. Oampa, KiS.t^
LSadift Boiiao, Baddtakam, Iilt of Xly ; Inaootivorew, FragiTorooo, ui
flMoU 8«od*«atbc Birds. W. T. Pafo, F.Z.8., Oloaflold, OraUm Atobi^
Mitabaai, Smrroj.

•** Ail L$ttw rtfarrim to tht 0ho9t iimi%tict4i«m o/ Mrli
mmt sMiaw • pM*y timrnf for r«f)y.

All appIioatioBs for Sbow Uodalt aad taqoirisa ra Show* shavSl
^ smt to Mr. 8. M. TOWNSBND, t, Bvift Sitmt, Fulbam, Loada^
t.W.

All othar OorMopomdaaao, Chaafos of Addiaos, at«., ahonld li
aoBt U tho Hob. Busiaoos Sooratary, 8IDNBY WILLIAM8, f.ZJ«
Oakloifh. 110 RiTorway, Palaan Oxaaa, Loadoa, K.

This IfafaaiBO ia priatsd aad publithod by J. H. HBN8T001I^
** Aviaa Pross," Markat Plaoo, Ashbourao, Dorbyshiro, to whom all ordsn
Iv bati maabsra and bouad TolaiaaB (with rtmittaaoo) should bo asala

All oorrMpoadtnoo, USS., ats. (also rsmittaaaat) salatiaf la
VBADX ADVEBTISEMSMTS should ba stal to Iha pablishsr, J.
B. BBN8T00K, vho will quoto rataa aad traasast all busiaasa aaa«i
—slid tharawith. Also all aomplaiats ra BOB>daliTary of tha Maganaa.

As Illustratioa Fuad is kapt opaa for tha purpooa of iaoraaa-
iag tha Buaabar of platas, othar thaa tha ragular iaeomo of tha Olak
fvovidao far. Tha amallast doaatioa will ba thaakfully raaairad lav
UJa abjaat by Iha Hoa. Tra«iarar. .

All BMabars aot raeairiaf thair eopiaa of Bird Not$» by Iha
lOlh of oaah aoath should at oasa arriU tha Publishar, aoaplaiaiaf
«l Iha OBuaaioB.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pnl>-
liaher will bind the Volume compkte for 3/3 post free.

Tho Publishar nndertakas tha Biadiof of Voluaas ia tha OI«k
Oaia* tr aay othar sty la of Biadiag aa kiay ba dasirad.

BOUND VOLUMES Of ''BIRD NOTES/

Vtlame I. Im oat of print. •. 4«^

Volum* II. and III., there remainji only a few eopiee, to

Memben and A«gociates (each) 81 0

Volnmee IV. and Y. with Hand-coloured Platu: —

Te Members and Associate* (each) , 10 6

To Others i... 16 0

Volomes VI.. VU., and VIII, with Hand-ocloured Platti:—

<To Members and Associates (each) , 16 0

To Others SO 0

raw: 8EBIE3. Volume I. out of print

f«Iimes II., ni., IV. and V.— To Members (eaci) IT t

To Others II 0^

Omsi tax Binding Vols. 1, 8, 8, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 may ba had prist

IS. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding; Vols t, a, 5, 4, 5, Vnd 6 (New Serieil, to b* obtained

ftom the Publisher, is. 8d. post fr*«.
Bka Pnblishar, J. H. Henstock, "Ariaa Press," Ashbonrns, will b«

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Corer aotf

return postage. ^ r
r.r; ' ■ ' ■ » , . , ■ ■ , ■ ■

JUST PUBLISHED,

SPECIES tl? Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS g Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,
Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. Hbnstock "Thb Avian Press," Abhboukmb.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Aannal Subitription to Memb«rt lOt., du« on th« 1»\ ot J»nui|{

A Ntw Volume eommenoM •rtxj January.

All Subaoriptiost should be aent to tits Hon. Treasurar, BIDKflX
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Biverway, Palmera Oraaa, Lm-
don. N.

All dead birda for poat mortem ezaminationa ahould be lant !•
H^ GRAY, M.K.C.V.S., 23, Upper Pbillimore Place, London, W.

All MSS. for publication in Bird Notes, and Booka for RariaVi
Propoaala for New Members, Adrertiaementa for " The Bird Market,"
And olaima for Breeding Medals, should be aent to the Hon. Editor, 191,
TrPAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ; Surrey,

All enquiriea as to th^ treatment of Birds ahould be sent !•
the following gentlemen: li^arrota and Parrakeeta, H. T. Camps, F.Z.B.,
Linden House, Haddenham, lale of JSly ; Inseotivoroua, Frugivorous, uul
Small Seed -eating Birda, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Olenfleld, Graham Avena(^
Kiteham, Surrey.

*** All Letters referring to ths above identification of hirtt
9m$t contain a penny stamp for reply.

All applicationa for Show Medala and enquiriea re Shows ahouM
be aent to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 3, Swift Street, Fulbam, London^
8.W.

All other Correapondenoe, Changea of Addreaa, ate., ahould b«
Mtnt to the Hon. Buaineaa Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.a.,
Oakleigh, 110 Biverway, Palmers Oreen, London, N.

Thia Magazine ia printed and published by J. H. HBNSTOOB^
" Anan Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all ordari
for back numbera and bound Tolumes (with remittance) ahould be aenl*

All correspondence, MSS., ate. (also remittanoea) relating t«
TBADE ADV£BTIS£MENTS ahould be sent to the publisher, J,
H. HENSTOCE, who will quote ratea and transact all busineaa eoa*
■•oted therewith. Alao all complainta re non-delivery of the Magaiine.

An Illustration Fund ia kept epen for the purpoaa of inoreaa*
Ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olnb
provides for. The amallest donation will be thankfully reoeived far
ihia object by the Hon. Treaaurer. •

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by the
20th of each month ahould at ones write the Publisher, complaining
ef the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Binding Case in Art Linen, of Handsome
Design, is now ready. Cases 1/9 post free. The Pub-
Usher will bind the Volume complete for 3/3 post free.

The Publisher undertakea the Binding of Volumea in tho Olnb
Oafle er any other style of Binding aa tnay be deaired.

BOUND VOLUMES OJT " BIRD • NOTIS/

Volume I. u out of print. t. 4«

Veloma II. and III., there remains only a few eopiea, to

Members and AsBOciates (each) 31 (^

Volamea IV. and V. with Hand-coloured Plate*: —

To Members and Aasociatea (each) 10 #

To Others 16 a

Volumes VI., VII., and VIII, taiih Hand -coloured Plata :—

To Members and Associates (each) 16 0

To Others SO 0

HUW SERIES, Volume I. out of print

Volomeo II., III.. IV. and V.— To Members (each) IT #

To Others Sa 0

Omoi for Binding Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may be had prlw

IS. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Vols i, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Seriesl, to be obtained

fioni the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
Bm Pnbliaher, J. H. Henstock, "Avian Press," Ashbourne, will bo

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover ani^

return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES g Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tlf Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. Hbnstock "The Avian Press," Ashbournb.

■ew Scries. OCTOBER, 1918.

Vol. VII., N«. 10,

^^Ih

All Rig K>s Reserved.

rRicE I'fe, AnnaiJ Sahscrfphor^.

BIRD
NOTE3

THELTOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T. Pex^c, F.Z.S.ek

'$3C5LJCaCE==='"

^•'^^:'?

ASHBOURKI
Printed aod PabUthcd by J. H. H£NSTOCK. Avian Pre««

CONTENTS.

7T(« Brfiding of a f{r/brid Crimiion-''rnir,iP/! Wfaver X Hed^oHnr^y] Wh/fJnh
Bt W. Shork Baily.

Bakloh A%nary Notes, 1916 By Major Pbrreau, F.Z.'S.

Breeding Rf.nul($ ht Mt/ Aviaries ... By Ladrence Pum M' I' ^ S.

Viail* to Af embers' Aviaries and Birdrooms By Weslky T. Paub,

■CoRREsJPONDKNCE; — A Reputed Hybrid Rose/inch x Greenfinch ; Breedingi of
Blue-breasted Waxbills, etc. ; Nesting Notes, 1916 ; Dandelion Leaves
for Soft hills.

Post Mortem Reports.

The conditioiui upon which theM will be made by Mr. HY.
ORAY, MJR.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore PUee, Kenaington, London^
W ^ are m fol'ow* : —

(1) The bird* mutt be tent immediatelff mtitf death.

(2) They miui be packed in a box.

(8). Th« Ltiter eusaompanying thtm mutt vot h$ placed to tk*
horn along with th* bird.

(N.B.— Unleee the abore oonditiona are eoanplied with tlw pack-
ages will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter moat detail as far a$ poMihlt all partioalarg
«• to—

(a) Date of death.

(6) Length ot illneaa.

(e) Symptoms of illness.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and

(•) Especially as to whether egg food «r inga'seed has been
giTan.
(6) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report pub*
Ashed in Bird Note$, but under no eiroutHstantss *chat«v4r wW a rtpoft
ht sent by post unless a fts of 2s. 6d. aeeompaniu ths Utttr tmS
hird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Oray to make this an inrariabla
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether they are personally m«
Attainted with him ar neti

New Series.

NOVEMBER, 1016.

Vol. Vn., ll». II.

i.3.

^•s,

:>/'
f

i\y

m-s

■^^i

^^t <■ ^y

^®

^^:.^-.

> -^

'fe

^•^

fi^

.^:

t:«

s^st

^IL RitfKT's Rese-pved.

Price I'fe. Ai\T\aeJ Sahscriph'or^

x}\J

*',\\V.

,/',S'x I V

/.uy

'.'\V.»'j7''/

BIRD
MOTES

THE2F0RJEIGN BIRD CXUB

,£dr}-ed oSy"
WesleyTVPa^e, f.ZS.^

ASHBOURNE
Frinted and PobUihed by 4, h. BENSTOCK. ATlaa Preta

CONTENTS.

The Nesting of the Black-tailed llawjinch and The Red -shouldered Whydah...
Bv W. Shore Baii.v. i

Stray Notes ... ... ,.„ ... Jiy Lt. U. Hamilton Siott, R.F A

An Unique Hybrid Hv 'Fl.-Lt. R. dc Q. Quincey, R.N.A.S.

Dakloh Aviary Notes, 1916 — Part II. ... By"E. G. M. Perreav and MrVior.

r, A. Pl l;::rM =

My Aviary and Birds ...

Correspondence : — History of the Budgerigar — Corrigenda ; The Season,
1916: Occurrence of the Red-throated Pipit in Devon.

Post Mortem Reports.

The condltioDB upon which tLeK will b« made \>j Mr. li 1
GRAY, Mil.C.V.8., 23, Upper Phillimore Plaw, Kensington, LoodoTi.
W., are aa follows: —

(1) The birds muit be eent immediately after death.

(2) The J must be packed in a box.

(8), The Letter accompanying them mutt not he pbnotd ■'* t\ •
boa along with th* bird.

(N.B.— Unlets the abore conditions are eonplied with tKe pa*;^
ages will be destroyed without examiiislion).

(4) The letter must detail at far at po$*ihl» a^l particular*
*« to— ■'

(a) Date of death.

(b) Length of illness.
(0) Symptoms of illness.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birds, and

(e) Especially as to whether egg food or inga seed has be«a

girsn.
(6) The work will be done gratuitously, and a raport puk-
Ashed in Bird Notft, hut under no cirewnstanaeM vohatevtr will u rtport
bt tent by post unlets a /«s of 2s. 6d. accomponitt tht ittttr amd
bird. Pressure of work compels Mr. Gray to make Chis an iarariabU
rule, and it applies tu all Msmbers, whether they are persoftft'ly as-
fuftklii wilk hia m b«Ij

New Series.

DECEMBER, 1916. vol. VII., M*. 12.

!^^^<

'^%^

b^^

i^^

>.•-:

IV^^

•Z^A

s%^

.x^:

^fi!

^t^^

^^>^

>^vi

^ij:s

All RiJ KT-s Reserved.

Price 1%. J^nnaa/ SaLscriph ^. ,

70A.

BIRD

Mft'r*

I V

i'C.\

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB
Wesley T.Pz^ge, FZS.eKv

i^%

^"i^;

ASHBOURKI
rrlnted ud FirbUBliwI by J. H. HIMSTOCK. Aviaa j>>rM»

CONTENTS,

The Crimson-Ringed Whydah By Wm. Shore Baily.

Bakioh Aviary Nolcs — Part III. ... By E. G. M. Perriau and Major
G. A. Perreau.

Mesopotamian Birds Reprinted from "The Times."

Thf Endurance of Birds By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S. Etc.

Editorial. i

Post Mortem Reports. ,' i

Becutiful Birds ...;... By C. W. Thompson.

Indices to Volume

V .. . ' ■ ' ■ . : , -»

Post Mortem Reports.

t'-JI.-i >■ "3 -i '■ I

Th* conditiona upon which thatt will b« Bad* bj Mr. HT,
GRAY, M.B.C.V.S., 28, Upper Fhilliiaor* FUee, Eenaington, LoadM*
W., ar* M follows : — •

(1) The bird* mutt b« Mnk Hmmtdittidy titer death.

(2) They mu9t be packed in a box.

(8} Th* Letter accompanying them mutt yoT be pJmm) im tkt
horn along with th« bird.

(N.B. — Unlees the abore conditione are eomplied with the paek>
agee will be deetroyed without examination).

(4) The letter moat detail at far at fottiblt all partienlan

(a) Date of death.

(b) Length of illneee.

(d) Lodgment and feeding of birde, aai

(<) Especially ai to whether egg food or inga aeed hae bees
giren.
(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report pub-
^hed in Bird Notei, but under no eireuntttancet tchattvtr will a rtport
bt tent by post unlets a ft* of 2». 6d. aocompanitt th* htter mmd
bird Preaiure of work compel* Mr. Oray to make thia an inTariakla
rule, and it applies to all Members, whether they are personally a«*
^uai«>'id with hijM er eot.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

■■"■' ♦ ■ —

Abbu»1 SubtniptioD to Mamben lOt., da* on tho l<t ol JaBUig

A Now Volnmo tommonoea evory Januorj.

All SolMoriptioni •hould bo oent io iho Hon. Treoiartr, BIDNBT
79FILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleifh, 110, Biverway, Palmers Oroon, Lo«>
doB, N.

All dood bird* for post mortem oxaminationo obonld bo aant Io
H« OBAY, M.B.O.V.8., 23, Upper Phillimoro Plaoo, London, W.

All MSS. for publieation io Bird Ifotet, and Books for RorioVi
Ptopoaab for New Members, Adrortisements for " Th* Bird Market,**
tad olaims for Breeding Medals, should be sent to tbo Hon. Elditor, Wi,
1*. 1»ACE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ;

All enqniries as to tho treatment of Birds should b* sent !•
Ilio following gentlemen: Parrots and Parrakeets, H. T. Cam^, F.Z.B^
Linden Houso, Haddenham, Isle of Ely ; Insectivorous, FrugiTorous, aa4
Small Seed-eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Olenfleld, Oraham ATenaa,
Miteham, Surrey .

*** All Letttr» referring to tht ahov* identifieation of biri^
mtut oontam a penny etamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows should
bo sent to Mr. 8. M. TOWNSEND, 8, Swift Stroet, Fulham, London.
B.W..

All other Correspondence, Changes of Address, eto., should ba
smt to tho Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.S..
Oakleigh, 110 Biverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and pubriihed by J. H. HENSTOCK,
** Avian Press," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all orders
for baok numbers and bound volumes (with remittance) should be sent.

All correspondence, MSS., eto. (also remittances) relating t«
TBADE ADVEBTISEMENTS should be sent to the publiiher, J.
H. HENSTOCE, who will quote rates and transact all business eoa-
Booted therewith. Also all complaints re non-delivery of the Magasioe.

An Illustration Fund is kept epen for the purpose of inor«as-
Ing th* number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olab
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received fot
this object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Notes by the
SOth of each month should at once writ* the Publisher, oomplainiag
«l th* omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A New Biii'liiiir C'-tsi; ii, Ari T.iiien.oj' Haiulxmif design, is now ready
Cases 1/9 poet II biAd.th' v:ottiplete for 3/3

post free.

Th* Publisher undertakes th* Binding of Volumes io the 01 af

*r any otlMr style of Binding as may be desired

BOUND VOLUMES OF ** BIRD NOTIS."

y«liimft I. ia out of .print. •• 4.-

?«lame II. and III!., there rem»ina only a tew eopiea, to

Members and Auociatee (each) tl 0

Yglomea IV. and V. with .Ha»d-coloured Plafes:—

To Members and Aaiociatea (each) 10 %■

DTo Othera 16 0

fslumea VI., VII., and VIII, with Hand-eolourtd Flatu:—

To Members s,nd AsBociates (each) c 16 0

To Others tf) 0

KBW SJBRIES. Volume I. out of print

fUoBM II., III.. IV. and V.— To Members («ack) IT 9-

To Others 83 0

Omss for Binding Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 may be had prlas

IS. 8d. pott free.
Dises fo- Binding Vols r, a, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Series), to ba obtained

ftom tb« Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
Publisher, J . H . Henstock, " Avian Press," Ashbourne, will bfr

ple««ed to Bind Members* Copies at 3s. 3d., including Corer ani

return postage.

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tif Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,

Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d.. Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. Hbnstock Thk Avian Press," Ashbourne

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Aaou*! Subccription to M«mbart lOt., due on tb» l«i «f Jt&tuur|r
m akfik ymx.

A N«w Volume eommeneM •T«rj Januarj.

All Sulwu-iptioDf thould be sent to th« Hon. TreMurer, BIDNKY
WILLIAMS, P.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Eiverway, Palmert Orwrn, L««-
doa. N.

All de»d bird* for po$l mortem •xam.inationa ahould b« ■•nt (•
H. GRAY, M.R.C.y.S., 23, Upper Phillimore PUoe, London, W.

All MSS. for publieation Id Bird Nottt, and Booka for RaviaTf,
Propoaala for New Memberi, Adrertiaementa for "The Bird Marktl.'*
<tud eUim.« for Breeding Medala, ahould be sent to tka Hon. Bditor, W.
T. PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ;

AI' enquiries as to the treatment of Birda ahould b« leni t«
tae following gentlemen: Parrot* and Parrakeeta, H. T. Campa, F.Z.S ,
Liadea Hoiise, Haddenham, Tele of Ely ; luaectivoroua, FruglToroua, aa-l
.'<mttll Seed -eating Birda. W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Glenfleld, Graham Avaaua.
Mitrhain, Surrey.

*** All Letterf referring to the abov9 identification of hiri*
<ut*fi contain a penny etamp for reply.

Alt apjilicationa for Show Med»la and enquiriea ra Showa ahoul4
■:., ^i,t to M, v; M TOWNSEKD, 3, Swift Street, Pulham, London,
s W

\! ijiuf'.r i^orreapondonce, Changea of Addreea, eto., ahould W
.0 th* Hon. Bu«ino« Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS. F.Z S.,
Oakleigh, 1 10 Riverway, Palmere Green, London, N.

ThU Magazine it printed and pubriehed by J. H. HENSTOCK.
■ Ariaa Preaa," Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom all order*
tor back numbers and bound rolumei (with remittance) ahould ba aaat .

AH corroapoodcnce. MSS., etc. (also remittanoes) relating t«
IHAUi: ADVERTISEMENTS ahould be aeut to the publisher. J.
H. HENSTOCK, who will quote ratea and transact all buaineas coa-
-.lActed therewith. Also all coroplaints ra non-delivery of the Magaaiae.

An IliuHtration Fund ia kept apen for the purpose of inoreaa-
ing the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olab
proTidrs for. The smallest donation will be thankfully reoeired fo*
Uiu object by the Hon. Treasurer.

All members not receiving their copies of Bird Note* by th*
?Oth of each month should at once write tbs Publisher, complaiuiog
nf th« oniiaiion .

BINDING COVERS

;iow ready

' use-- I;",' I i'- - ■<r,

post free.

Th* i'ublutiuji undertakes the Binding of Volumes in the Ca's
Oaae tt any athar itjrU of Binding as may ba daairad.

BOUND VOLUMES OF **BIRD NOTES/*

» ■■■! I ■

ftlum* I. u oak of prink. Vi 4.

V«laine II. and III., there rcmaini onlj K INw: eopiM, iM

Members and Auociatea (each) . . . . . .% .. . .«ir..>.>it».i.>»>» j 11 ft

V«lume« IV. and V. with Hand-coloured P[a(«»:—

To Member* and Aiiociatea (eaeh) ..,:., .i..,iit7isii:^,j,if..ii 10, §

To Others >........; ...>..>^.xi..-<..i»>>i>*4 15 0

Volnmea VI.. VII.. and VIU. ioith Hand-eolourta Pto<M.*-^ ;

.To Members and Asioeiaks (each) ....j.......]Tr.>v.:«uti..a 16 ft

To Others ....i..,».>.jai.A...i...>..>«it,.>.-.«n tO 0

HBW; SERIES, Volume I. out of print;

r«luD«s II., UI.. IV. and V.—To Members (aaoK) ....Trnwr.T^iut?! XT ft

To Others >...;...:.... ..:...........".>..>..i.»i..va:..>.iit..a.4 M ft

OtMS for Binding Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5. 6, 7, Md 9 mtjr ba hftd prit«

I*. 8d. post free.
Case* fo- Binding Vols i, 3, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New. Serici^ to ba obtainsd

ftom the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
aSka Publisher. J. H. Henstock, " Anan Preaa/* Ashbonraa. will U»

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at js. 3d., includinf Corer *n4

return ^ostage^ 1 X } i ! i < - ' ''' i ' ' ^! iH' >

r. , • '■' ■ ' ' ■ ■ —

JUST PUBLISHED,

SPECIES tl? Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S.,
Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

— i ♦

ILLUSTRATED'. INTERLEAVED.

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8to.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

J. H. Hbnstock "The Avian Pbbss," Asubooxkb

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

Aaanal SnlMtriptioa to Members lOi^ dot on Iho lal •! JaBonn
ia MMk yoftr.

A Now Volnmo tomzaeneeo oTory Jknuary.

All Subeeriptioni thould be eent to the Hon. Treftiarer, SIDNBX
WILLIAMS, F.Z.S., Oakleigh, 110, Biverwaj, Palmen Oreoa, Lm-
doa, K.

All dead bird« for po$t mortem extminttiooe ahonld be leat %»
H. GRAY, M.a.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Pl»oo, JLiondon, W.

AH MSB. for publication io Bird Haiti, and Book* for RerieVi
Ptopoaal* for New Memben, AdrertiMments for " The Bird Market,**
and elaimjk for Breeding Medals, should be sent to the Hon. Ekiltor, ^,
Tr'PAGE, F.Z.S., etc., " Langstone," Lingfield ;

All enquiries as to the treatment of Birds should be sent I4
the following gentlemen: Parrots and Parrakeets, H. T. Oamps, F.Z.8.«
Lindea House, Haddenham, Isle of Ely ; Insectivorous, FrugiTorous, mmA
Small Seed-eating Birds, W. T. Page, F.Z.S., Olenfleld, Graham ATenoit
Mitehmm, Surrey .

***■ All Letters referring to the above identifieation of Mrit
■NMf contain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals and enquiries re Shows shouM
k« seat to Mr. S. M. TOWNSEND, 8, Swift Street. Fulham, Londoiii
8.W.

All other Correspondence, Changes of Address, eto., should %•
Mat to the Hon. Business Secretary, SIDNEY WILLIAMS, F.Z.8.<
0*kleigh, 110 Riverway, Palmers Green, London, N.

This Magazine is printed and pubrfshed by J. H. HENSTOOK^
** ATian Press," M».rket PUoe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to whom mil ordert
lor back numbers and bound Tolumes (with remittance) should be seal^

All correspondence, MSS., eto. (also remittanoes) relating !•
TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the publisher, J,
B. HENSTOCfil, who will quot* rates and transact all business eoa*
AMted therewith. Also all complaints re non-delirery of the Magann*.

Aa Illustration Fund is kept open for the purpose of inoreas-
lag the number of plates, other than the regular income of the Olalf
provides for. The smallest donation will be thankfully received fe«
this objeet by the Hoa. Treasurer.

All members not reoeiving their copies of Bird Notes by tka
lOth of each month should at onee write the Publisher, eomplainiag
«< the omission.

BINDING COVERS.

A Now Binding Cose in Art Linen, of Handsoine Design, is now ready

CtweH l/'.i M'V r- • ' ' •...■>.. " • oompJete for 3/3

post fret

The I'ublisber uuderUkM the Binding of Volumes in the Olab
Ceaa er any oth«r atyU of Binding as tnay be desired.

BOUND VOLUMES OF * BIRD NOTES."

▼•lame I. ia oni of print. •. 4»

F«lume II. And III., then remain* onlj a few eopiei, to

Members and Asiociate* (each) 81 0"

Volwnea IV. and V. toith Hand-coloured Plate$: —

To Member* and Aiaociatea (each) 10 i'

To Othera 16 0

Volomea VI., VII., and VIII. with Uand-colourtd Plaits:—

To Members and Ajsociatea (each) 16 0'

To Othera 10 0

HIW SERIES. Volnme I. out of print

ffMoBMa II., m.. IV. and V.~To Members (each) IT f

To Othera 89 0

Ommi for Binding Voli. 1, 2, 8, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 may bo had prio*

II. 8d. post free.
Cases fo- Binding Volt i. a. 3, 4, 5, and 6 (New Serieil, to ba obtained

ftom the Publisher, is. 8d. post free.
CBm FoblUher, J. H. Henstock, "Avian Press," Ashbourne, will In

pleased to Bind Members' Copies at 3s. 3d., including Cover an^

return poftage. '

r • ■ - . . , „

JUST PUBLISHED.

SPECIES tlf Reared Young

and

HYBRIDS tit Been Bred

in Captivity in Great Britain.

WESLEY T. PAGE. F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S..
Systematically arranged according to Dr. Gadow's

Classification slightly revised.

ILLUSTRATED. INTERLEAVED. /

IN CLOTH. MEDIUM 8vo.

2s. 6d., Net. By Post 2s. 9d.

-T. n. Henstock "The Avian Pkess," Ashboukne

AMNH LIBRARY

100101805

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