Mainiikiiis. 5 



lethargic in its demeanour tli;in a (irasstinch; in fact, not so 

 much so as the popular (jouldian Finch. It did not prove a 

 ready breeder in captivity, and but few aviculturists have suc- 

 ceeded in breeding it. 



Its nidification and other general habits are similar to 

 those of the Chestnut-breasted Fincn. 



Pec'I'oral Finch : Another uncommon and beautiTul 

 Australian Mannikin, which we seldom see on the market now-a • 

 days, quite as desirable as either of the above species, and 

 only a few aviculturists have successfully bred it. 



It constructs a domed nest in some thick bush or faggot 

 of branches, of rough and untidy exterior, but well lined and 

 finished internally. It. however, has a decided predilection 

 for an artificial nest site under cover, usually a fairly roomy 

 box, which it completely tills from bottom to top with material 

 save for the well finished central nest-chamber, leaving only a, 

 small hole for entrance, which is usually below the level of the 

 nest-chamber floor, so that, save for sounds and the birds' 

 demeanour, it is difficult to follov,- progress from the egg to 

 exit of the young. 



The above three species are. perhaps, the most attractive 

 of this group, though this is, of course, a matter of individual 

 opinion, yet among the remaining" species there are many with 

 contrasty and handsome plumage, and some of tliem form fairlv 

 conspicuous objects in the aviary. 



Rufous-backed Manniktn. — This is another species of 

 irregular appearance on the market, though quite a number were 

 on offer last year, and one aviculturist at any rate, Capt. G. E. 

 Rattigan, bred them quite freely. 



Its nidification and general habits are so similar to those 

 we have already given that we need not refer to them further, 

 save to remark that when feeding young they are very keen 

 on live insects, and supplying a few at intervals during the day. 

 certainly enhances the prospect of the young being success- 

 fully reared, though young are reared without any live-food 

 supply save what the parent birds capture in the aviary. 



They are very desirable and not costly birds for the aviar". 



Broxze-wtnt, ATaxxikixs. — This perky, handsome little 

 fellow is, perhaps, the plebeian of the Mannikin family; he 

 certainly is the cheapest and most common, being, in fact. 



