Zbc Sulphur Secc):^eatei\ 



( Seriiuis siclpJucratits J . 



By W. Geo. Creswet,!,, M.D., F.Z.vS., etc. 



!F the nineteen different species of Serin 

 sixteen belong to the Continent of 

 Africa, in the southern portion of which 

 tlie subject of our sketch is an exceed- 

 ingly common resident, and where it is 

 known by the trivial name of Zazel. One of my 

 correspondents, who tells me that he saw a great 

 number collected together in a drove, (though he 

 unfortunately omits to mention at what time of year 

 this occurred,) goes on to say that his attention was 

 specially attracted to them on account of their flight, 

 which was particularly laboured and heavy in its 

 character. This is only what one would naturally 

 expect from the appearance of the bird. It is large — 

 probably the largest of the famil}^ heavy in build, 

 somewhat awkward in carriage, and, compared with 

 its congeners, extremely apathetic in manner. Also it 

 has the true serin beak very much accentuated, which 

 considerably adds to its heaviness and what we may 

 call its loutishness. But in spite of all this I cannot 

 quite say it is an ugly bird. From this it is redeemed 

 by a suggestion of power and boldness, both apparent 

 and latent, that much commends it in my own 

 opinion. Still more to be commended is the manner 

 in which it controls this power : — so far from using its 

 formidable beak to nip off the heads of its wee 

 companions in the aviary it will allow such fragile 

 little creatures as Gold - breasted Waxbills to sit 



