154



which I could attribute to violence, excepting when I first turned

the Cockatiels in. No sooner had the larger Finches got over

the scare caused by the introduction of large birds into their

midst, than they set to work to mob them ; and a Saffron Finch

and a Greenfinch were mortally wounded in the scrimmage. The

next day there was a declaration of peace, which has not been

broken since, though four years have run their course.


Favourites.—Well, I suppose we ought not to have any as

aviculturists ; however this may be, there are some that by their

artless and confiding ways insinuate themselves into a first place

in our affections. At the head of these, with me stand the

beautiful little Zebra Waxbills with their taking ways, funny

little love dance, fearless, happy and confiding demeanour under

all circumstances ; these, coupled with their extreme hardiness

and longevity, give them the first place.


Silverbills.—These are very entertaining birds, of quiet,

dainty appearance, having a soft, sweet running sort of song ;

the quaint, ridiculous (from our standpoint) courting of the male,

coupled with their trustful and confiding demeanour, cause them,

I think, to win their way with all.


I have been surprised to find these described as exclusive

seed eaters, and as never, or scarcely ever, touching green food.

Mine certainly eat mealworms, gentles, and ants’ cocoons, and

also visit the soft food saucer, picking up some dainty tit-bits.

They also regularly eat a little green food, and eagerly search it

over for aphides, of which they appear to be very fond. This

causes me to infer that, in common with all other Finches, they

largely rear their young on insect food ; they have never,

however, bred in my aviary (too much company). While

speaking in general : Waxbills, for obvious reasons, most readily

win their way with us. I must confess to a strong liking (some

will perhaps think it depraved) for Mannikins. In a fair sized

aviary I find them active, entertaining and full of interest with

their quaint ways. The impudent, cheeky, self-assertive little

Zebra Finch, so active in blowing his own little trumpet, is a

favourite everywhere.


There are many birds which, while lacking the seductive

traits of those particularized above, command a place in our

collections by reason of their rarity and little known habits,

striking and handsome plumage, or diversity between winter

and summer dress. I will name a few, not going over a long

list, but keeping in mind the aforesaid outdoor aviary mixed

series.



