The Endurance of Birds. 12)7 



Quick and inoffensive in a mixed series. 



Three-coloured or Tri-coloured Mannikin. — Larger 

 than any of the three foregoing species, but a very pleasing bird. 



It has not yet been bred in captivity, at least I know of 

 no published record. A few years ago a pair built a spherical 

 nest in a golden privet hedge at the London Zoo ; eggs were 

 laid but no young were fully reared. It is rather surprising that 

 this species has not been bred long ago, as in several instances 

 it has cross-mated with other species of mannikins, and young 

 have been successfully reared 



It is a reasonable deduction to assume, that if a true paii 

 were kept in every mixed series, the successful rearing of young 

 in a natural garden aviary is a mere matter of time. 



Hardy and enduring, but more susceptible to a we<' 

 season than the preceding species. 



Black-iieaded Mannikin. — Very common and cheap ir 

 normal times; it has been bred once only in captivity in this 

 country, and very little data was published concerning the event. 

 and further attempts should be made to complete our knowledge 

 of the details of their breeding economy. 



As all its characteristics, habits, etc., are similar to those 

 of the Tri-coloured form, details need not be repeated. 



I have found it hardy and enduring. 



Two-coloured Mannikin. — This species is so similai 

 at a first glance in size and plumage to the Bronze Mannikin, 

 that when it does come over it usually gets sold as that species 

 The only pair I ever possessed were sent to me as Bronze 

 Mannikins, and, unfortunately they were in such a debilitated 

 condition, though in good plumage, that I did not succeed in 

 saving them. 



It has not been bred in captivity in this country, though 

 it is possible it has been, as few recognise the two species apart. 



The plumage is black and white with steely reflections, 

 and the colour areas are similarly arranged to those of the 

 Bronze Mannikin. 



