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IDENTIFICATION OF BIRD.


Sir, —On passing a bird-shop in Glasgow, a short time ago, a bird in

the window drew my attention. It was about the size of a Linnet, and

resembled a Siskin in colour and marking, but neither of them was so

decided as in that bird. The cap was not so black, the colour of the body

was more smoky, and a distinct fawn-coloured bar crossed the wing. I

entered the shop with the intention of purchasing it, but was informed by

the dealer that it was not for sale. He explained that it had been deposited

by a young man who had brought two of them from Cuba, but the other

one had died. He said they were Cuba Linnets.


I neglected to ask if he considered it a cock or if it had any song.

It was very tame, and although not very bright in colouring still a desirable

bird.


As I had not seen a similar bird before, can auv of our members give

any information about it ? also say if this is its proper name.


Gavin Alston.



CUBAN LINNET.— (Reply to Mr. Alston).


If the bird resembles our Siskin it should belong to the genus

Chrysomitris which certainly is prevalent in the New World ; but I cannot

discover that ail)' of the species is known to inhabit Cuba ; nor can I find

any Siskin with a fawn-coloured band on the wing : indeed I am unable to

discover any American finch which fits your description. A coloured

sketch of the bird might help me to name it for you. Could it be Spizu

atnericana ? (e). A. G. BUTLER.



EAGLE OWLS.


Sir, — I have had now two Eagle Owls for five years in a large aviary.

They have never shown any signs of wishing to nest, and it is impossible to

tell one from the other, so I think they must be of the same sex.


I shall be glad if you can tell me if there is any way of distinguishing

the sexes other than by the size, and how long they usually are before

breeding. Henry Boughton Leigh.



The following reply was sent to Mr. Leigh :


I know of no way by which to distinguish the sexes of Eagle Owls

except by size, the female being much the larger.


A pair in my possession were taken from the nest in 1896, and made

no attempt at breeding until last year, when eggs were laid, but they were

unfertile. They are at present busy preparing to nest, and I am hoping for

eggs in a short time.


When nesting they become'very pugnacious, and attack anyone enter¬

ing their aviary. The signs of nesting are a great deal of hooting at night,

and scrapes made in various parts of their aviary. J. L. Bonhote.


(e) “ The American Bunting ” is said to have a chestnut belt across the lesser and

median coverts ; but it is six inches in length : more than half-an-inch longer than a

Linnet.—A. G. B.



