The Rosc-brcastcd Grosbeak. 93 



It was in 1898, I think, that I first possessed specimens — 

 two fine males, of this grand species, which w^ould be noticeable 

 in any collection of birds, however gorgeously apparelled. 

 They were in good form on arrival, and, after a day's rest, were 

 turned into the aviary, among a very mixed series of waxbills, 

 small finches, tanagers. thrushes, doves and pigeons, and they 

 settled down at once, being greatly admired by all visitors. 

 These two males proved hardy and quite amiable, but as I never 

 possessed the female I know nothing of their character as mated 

 pairs — very doubtful company, I should assume, for small birds. 



They were nearly always on view, and a beautiful sight they 

 were flitting about amid the bushes and shrubs. They had 

 many interesting mannerisms, looking especially fine when 

 perched on their toes, with bodies stretched upright (a favourite 

 pose of theirs) to their fullest extent, taking a general look 

 around. This was mostly the attitude they adopted for song; 

 there were no half measures about this, for they literally shouted 

 out their melody. T am inclined to think their power of song- 

 is somewhat exaggerated by Americans, that is according to 

 English standards. There is no doubt about his persistence 

 or power; he is most vociferous in the evening, when, on tip-toe, 

 he pours out a flood of thrush-like notes. His song reminds 

 one of the Virginian Cardinal, but is more powerful and varied, 

 also more hurried in utterance — the term " gushes forth " 

 appears appropriate. I have never heard them sing from the 

 centre of a bush, not even sotto voce, always from an elevated 

 twig- — the topmost twig of the tallest bush being a favourite 

 position. 



Food: My birds proved practically omnivorous. The 

 aviary " bill of fare " included milk-sop, soft-food, seed (canary, 

 millet, sunflower, safflower, wild seed mixture, and hemp), and 

 live insects, and they partook of all, but their bulk food was 

 canary seed and as many insects as they could get. Green-food 

 (.'needing- grass, dandelion and general garden weeds) they also 

 ate freely. They are inveterate bathers. 



As regards attractive qualities, either for cage or aviary, 

 they have many: e.g.. they soon steady down, are very hardy, 

 very intelligient, cheerful song, and striking and beautiful 

 plumage — what more can the aviculturist require? 



