On the breeding of the Chinese greenfinch. 33


Undoubtedly the Zebra-finch is pretty and the crouching

attitude of the young, with the beak turned upwards, when they are

being fed by their parents, is interesting; but a species which in¬

creases so rapidly practically almost monopolizes an aviary, so that

other and more charming foreign finches cannot receive the undivided

attention which they deserve ; apart from the fact that they have

considerably less choice of breeding receptacles, and even when they

have selected a breeding-site stand a chance of being turned out of

it by the bolder and more impudent bird or of having their nesting-

materials stolen by it, whereas if they attempt reprisals they are

furiously attacked and driven away. The number of young Zebra-

finches reared in a brood usually averages from four to six, the

smaller number being most frequent.


I never succeeded in breeding hybrids with my Zebra-finches,

although I tried repeatedly both in cage and aviary; but, as we all

know, some very interesting hybrids have been bred ; one of the

most pleasing being that with the Bicheno-finch, which has been

produced more than once : I tried to obtain it for several years in

succession but failed utterly. I thought I stood a good chance with

a hen Rufous-tailed or Star-finch, but she managed to tear her

abdomen against a tiny projecting fragment of the wire-netting of

her flight-cage and speedily died in consequence.



THE BREEDING OF THE CHINESE

GREENFINCH.


Chloris sinica.


By W. Shore Baily.


In the spring of 1914, I bought from Mr. Frostick two cocks

and one hen Chinese greenfinches, and when they reached me I was

very pleased with their appearance. They are very pretty birds,

somewhat resembling our greenfinch, but much smaller. Their black

and yellow wing bars and yellow rumps make them look when flying

as bright coloured as goldfinches, and I understand that they have

been exhibited at some of our shows as hybrids between Fringillci

chloris and Fringilla carduelis.



