MINO BIRD. 125 



There was also one of these birds in New York 

 recently, which was celebrated for uttering sen- 

 tences distinctly. I kept one myself about a year 

 ago, for a short time ; while with me he would 

 whistle and imitate other sounds, but did not pro- 

 nounce words ; since that time, I understand he 

 has got the gift of speech also like the others. 



FOOD. These birds are great eaters ; I fed 

 mine on meal and milk, as a staple dish. If I 

 approached the cage with anything in my hand 

 that he could eat, (he was not particular) meat, 

 cooked or raw, bread or potatoes, he would be 

 down at the cage door putting his head through 

 the wires, and uttering a whining cry ; and would 

 always get some of it out of my hand, before I could 

 open his cage door, or put it into the cage. They 

 require plenty of gravel, and water to wash often. 

 It may be worthy of remark here, that I have 

 always found those birds, which eat a good deal 

 of food, all fond of bathing, and wash every day 

 at least, if they have an opportunity. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEXES. This bird re- 

 sembles the Crow Blackbird in size and plumage, 

 and is remarkable for a broad band of yellow 

 skin, which begins on the side of the head, and 



