289



They are not quite so timid as their elder brother (I believe the

first is a male). They are evidently a true pair, as one, presum¬

ably the male, is decidedly darker in colour than the other,

which is more or less brownish. The supposed male also has a

decidedly lighter cap.


The White-crowned Pigeon is a very handsome bird,

about fourteen inches in total length. The male is dark slate-

blue, or plumbeous ; the top of the head, and a line below the

eye, spotless white; the nape dark maroon, and below this “ a

cape extending upon the sides of the neck of bronzy-green, each

feather distinctly bordered with velvety-black” {Cat. Brit. Musi)

The legs and feet are bright red; the bill carmine-red at the

base, and greenish-white at the tip ; iris pale yellowish-brown.


The female is slightly smaller than the male and much

duller grey ; top of the head dirty white.


I can only recommend the White-crowned Pigeon to those

who have large aviaries. It is undeniably handsome, and breeds

freely if quite undisturbed.



THE AUSTRALIAN WAXBILL.


sEgintha te?nporalis.


By Reginald Phillipps.


This is a very common species in Eastern Australia; and

the name of “ Sydney ” Waxbill, the one invariably given to the

species in this country, is about as appropriate and sensible as

that of “ Bohemian” Waxwing, which was customarily applied in

my younger days to the widely distributed Ampelis garrulus.

The name of Australian Waxbill, which is the one given by our

Zoological Society, is consequently preferable in every respect.

It is sometimes called the Australian Grey Waxbill; in Australia

it is commonly referred to as The Waxbill ; and, in Nests and

Egg s of Australian Birds , Mr. Campbell calls it the Red-browed

Finch.


Although found in Queensland*, New South Wales,

Victoria, and South Australia, the species is not commonly

imported into this country, which is unfortunate, for it is a quiet



The smaller northern bird is possibly a distinct variety or species. — K.P.



