222 Breedi7ig of Ruficaudas, Tainted Finches, etc. 



method gives them exercise in picking- out their food and helps 

 to keep tliem in condition. Tliat the foregoing treatment is 

 about right is amply demonstrated by the fact that, after a 

 year in captivity they were sufficiently fit and vigorous to at- 

 tempt to reproduce their kind, with at any rate partial success, 

 and with every indication at the present that the young Avill 

 he fullv reared.* 



The Breeding of Ruficaudas, Painted and Olive 

 Finches, etc. 



By Hayward W. Mathias. 

 Continued from page 108. 



As to the other occupants of tiiis aviary, the Parrot 

 Finches still present the ])uzzle they have been to me for the 

 past three seasons. I have consulted Mr. W. R. Temple who 

 has kept and succeeded with the species, and he supposes 

 they must be two hens, and yet the bird I Inioiv to be a hen, 

 for she has laid, l)ehaves in all ways as a cock. They have 

 now taken a fancy to a coco -nut husk, but unless an actual 

 nest is made and a normal number of eggs laid, I shall con- 

 sider I have two hens and accept Mr. Temple's kind offer 

 of two cocks, and see what that brings forth. 



The Pileated Tinches have not been long in my pos- 

 session. I am disposed to think these birds have lined a coco- 

 nut husk, and I am hoping for good results. 



The Cuban Tinches have made no less than three nests. 

 The first was a large one in a Cupressus tree in the ilight. 

 They then proceeded to pull this to pieces and built on top 

 of a deserted nest in the inner compartment. Not content 

 with these pranks, they proceeded once again to pull this nest 

 about, and they have now taken up their quarters in a medium 

 size travelling cage. Since the birds are continually going in 

 and out of this nest, I rather hope there may l)e a brood 

 in it, but as I never under any circumstances disturb the 

 nests, I do not know what the actual condition of affairs 

 may be. The Black-headed Gouldians do nothing but look 

 lovely. They are sluggish and uninteresting birds in an 

 aviary, but I live in hopes that they will nest. They play 



* Just on going to press we learn all the young are fully reared, further details iii next issue, 



