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two of these ; one died soon after arrival, but the other lived outdoors all

the summer, but was taken in at the beginning of November.


C. P. Arthur.


[The above description evidently refers to the Sydney Waxbill

(AZgintha temporalis), but to describe the rump and tail as red is not quite

correct, as this colour is confined (in this region) to the upper tail

coverts.—E d.]



NOTES ON SHAMAS.


Sir, — Many of our members will, no doubt, be able to confirm my

opinion that the Sliama is the songster par excellence amongst foreign birds.

Those who have heard one can imagine the grand variety concert, given by

an assembly of some twenty of these birds at the same time, each singing as

only a Sliama, in A. i form can. It has been my good fortune lately to hear

such a concourse.


The tame and docile manner of these birds, when once accustomed

to their owners, makes them loveable pets, but at the same time they have

plenty of spirit and are well able to hold their own if put on their dignity.


A Sliama can give expression to it’s movements by it’s tail, as no other

bird can. He is always on the alert for a mealworm, and will fly out of

his cage for one instantly the door is opened. As these birds are so tame,

they require little teaching before they may be allowed to fly loose, and

they will very soon go in and out at will.


Being so bold it is no wonder that the}’ should be used for fighting by

the Indians ; and they are pitted against one another in large cages, where

they fight until one is killed ; as in the old cock fights indulged in by our

forefathers. So pugnacious are the cocks that they will not allow a hen of

their own species to be caged with them, and I would never advise anyone

to put two Shauias together in a limited space.


The hens are much more sombre in colour than their mates and the}'

sing a little, but the song is more disjointed than, and not so free and

voluminous, as that of the cock.


When Shauias are young it is difficult to distinguish ’between the

sexes, but after the moult the difference is very evident.


It is very amusing to see two or three Shauias on the aviary floor,

while the cages are being cleaned out, having a go at one another, with tails

erect and singing at full concert pitch. I have spent many a pleasant hour

lately listening to my Shamas singing. I have heard them at three o’clock

in the morning, and at midnight, or until the light has been put out.


Shamas are very little trouble to feed ; they like a bath very much,

and keep themselves beautifully clean. W. Osbaudeston.



