Chap. XIV. TASTE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL. Ill 



out of jealousy, and sometimes as a sign of kinship. 

 Thus he turned a reed-bunting (Emheriza sehoeniculus), 

 which had acquired its black head, into his aviary, 

 and the new-comer was not noticed by any bird, except 

 by a bulllinch, which is likewise black-headed. This 

 bullfinch was a very quiet bird, and had never before 

 quarrelled with any of its comrades, including another 

 reed-bunting, which had not as yet become black- 

 headed : but the reed-bnnting with a black head was 

 so unmercifullv treated, that it had to be removed. 

 Mr. Weir was also obliged to turn out a robin, as it 

 fiercely attacked all birds with any red in their plu- 

 mage, but no other kinds ; it actually killed a red- 

 breasted crossbill, and nearly killed a goldfinch. On 

 the other hand, he has observed that some birds, when 

 first introduced into his aviary, fly towards the species 

 which resemble them most in colour, and settle by 

 their sides. 



As male birds display with so mucli care their fine 

 plumage and other ornaments in the presence of the 

 females, it is obviously probable that these appreciate 

 the beauty of their suitors. It is, however, difficult to 

 obtain direct evidence of their capacity to appreciate 

 beauty. When birds gaze at themselves in a looking- 

 glass (of which many instances have been recorded) we 

 cannot feel sure that it is not from jealousy at a sup- 

 posed rival, though this is not the conclusion of some 

 observers. In other cases it is difficult to distinguish 

 between mere curiosity and admiration. It is perhaps 

 the former feeling which, as stated by Lord Lilford,^^ 

 attracts the Kuff strongly towards any bright object, 

 so that, in the Ionian Islands, it " will dart down to a 

 " bright-coloured handkerchief, regardless of repeated 



u 



The ' Ibis,' vol. ii. 1860, p. 344. 



