Mannikins. 3 



White-headed Mannikin (Mitnia iiiaja). 

 Tri-coloured Mannikin (M. malacca). 

 Java Sparrow (.1/. orysivora). 

 Spice Finch {M. pnnctulata). 

 Bhck-headed Mannikin {M. atricapilla). 

 Chestnut-breasted Finch (M. castaneitJiorax). 

 Yellow-rumped Finch {M. flaTiprynvia). 

 Bengalese Finch (.If. domestica). 

 Pectoral Finch (M. pectoralis). 



The above is not a complete list of the group, l)ut it will 

 answer its purpose, and includes some of the species I have kept. 



Diet : This can be given for the whole group. It is 

 very simple. The main dietary is canary, white and IncHan 

 millet seeds, and millet sprays. When rearing; young" some 

 species — Bronze, and Magpie Mannikins, etc.. are very eager for 

 mealworms and other insects : and they also take a little insectile 

 mixture, and eat greenfood greedily. However. I have had 

 young' of all the species reared on seed and greenfood alone, 

 save for such insects as they captured in the aviary. 



It is not my purpose to refer to all the species given in 

 my list, but merely to give a few notes on several of the species — 

 the same treatment is applicable to all, nor do they vary greatly 

 in characteristics and general habits. 



Chestnut-breasted Finch : There are many really 

 pretty and pleasing Mannikins, but this is certainly one of the 

 most handsome. Its garment is a beautiful harmony, of white, 

 buf¥, fawn, browns and black, not much of the latter; visitors 

 have seen it perched on a twig of laurel or cypress, and some 

 such expression as " What a beautiful 1 ird " a very frequent 

 one, is heard, and I cordially agree. 



Their courting movements, and the mannerisms of the 

 mated pair are very quaint and interesting — how much there is 

 to observe in a year's life of any species ! Their flignc is not 

 an elegant one; it is jerky, as if they made a brief pause every 

 few beats of the wing, and a real good flight round and round the 

 aviary is not frequent, though occasionally indulged in. 



Nidification : This in all birds never lacks interest. We 

 note the difference in their demeanour; life seems to have 

 assumed a more serious aspect ; and as soon as the brief courting 

 days are passed, they soon settle down to construct a house for 



