6o



should eventually be rewarded for my trouble by succeeding in

rearing some young Parrot-finches ; but, alas, these hopes were

never realized, for a horrible stove, which was used for heating the

aviary, went wrong one night, and my fine pair of Parrot-

finches, besides a large number of other birds, succumbed to the

fumes.


The sexes of this species are alike in plumage, and it is no

easy matter for a novice to select a true pair. A practised eye

can, however, usually succeed in doing so, as the cocks generally

have a rather more masculine appearance, and are, if anything,

a shade brighter in colour than their mates. It has also been

stated that the colour of the legs differs in the sexes; but I doubt

if this is always the case. I noticed no difference in this respect

in my pair.


White millet and canary-seed form the staple food of the

Parrot-finch in captivity, but it is decidedly fond of insects of

various kinds, and insect food should be frequently given in

some form. Green food, such as flowering grass and chick-

weed, should be freely supplied in the summer, but the latter

must be given with extreme caution during the winter months.


The subject of this paper is one of the nicest finches that

one can wish to possess, that is providing a s 0 ;^-bird is not

required, as its vocal powers are very limited. It is almost

unsurpassed for beauty of plumage, never seems to mope or be

unhappy, but is always cheerful and happy and becomes very

tame. One that I had took mealworms from my hand without the

least fear.


This species is a native of the island of New Caledonia.



SOUTH AFRICAN CAGE-BIRDS.


By A. G. Butler, Ph.D.


(Continued from fi. 45.)


I now pass on to the more easily imported and more

generally known seed-eating birds, commencing with the typical

Weavers.


As one would expect, from the resemblance which exists

between the young, females, and winter plumage of the males, to

that of the Sedge Warblers ( Acrocephalus ) most of these birds

frequent reeds and rushes ; but that this rule is not invariable

will be evident from the fact that the Olive and Yellow Weaver



