i6o 



^be 36ra3ilian Ibanonest. 



By M. E. Baker. 



THE Brazilian H^ngnest makes a charming and 

 interesting pet, either for cage or aviarj^ The 

 male is a lovely bird, bright gold and black in 

 colour, with a patch of white on each wing. 



My bird, which I have had about four years, is 

 very bright and lively, full of fun and mischief. When 

 first he came into my possession I kept him in a large 

 cage in the house, which I carried out into the sun- 

 shine on fine da57S. One morning I found him lying 

 helpless at the bottom of the cage. On examination I 

 «aw that one of his legs was very badly injured, being 

 broken near the thigh. 



I made a large soft nest of moss in the bird room, 

 and placed him in it, putting food and water near. He 

 remained undisturbed for three weeks, when he was as 

 well as ever. 



When he had quite recovered I let him live in the 

 bird room with the little Waxbills and small finches, 

 and although he is a large bird he never hurts a little 

 one. He now lives in an outdoor aviary, where he 

 delights every one with his sweet song and amusing 

 ways. He sings splendidly, very loud and clearly : 

 always before a storm the song is louder and more 

 continuous than on other days. 



I do not give an\'^ egg food, btit feed him on bread 

 and milk, sweetened with sugar. He also has insects 

 of all kinds, fruit and green food, such as lettuce, 

 groundsel, etc. His favourite fruit is orange, of which 

 he eats a good deal. He is also deliglited with an 

 earth worm, the larger the better, which he serves ver}' 

 badly before eating. Taking it up to the highest 

 l)Ough in the bird room he places one foot on it and 

 hammers it with his beak until it is quite soft, then 

 tearing it up he swallows it bit by bit. 



