98



Finch hybrids.



the spring, there would have been a better chance for them to have

become acclimatised. The change from a warm living-room to a

cold conservatory is necessarily very trying to delicate African

Waxbills ; and African Fire-Finches are of all the most delicate—

indeed, I was never able to keep them at all. Common and

St. Helena Waxbills were not as a rule long-lived birds with me,

and freshly imported Cordon Bleus were extremely delicate, though

when once acclimatised they lived to a good age. I should certainly

advise you to give the birds the benefit of the electric radiator,

at any rate for this winter. If gradually accustomed to a low

temperature, it is wonderful what even delicate Waxbills will stand,

but sudden changes are frequently fatal. I have known the Orange¬

breasted Waxbill to live in an unheated outdoor aviary from one

year’s end to another, but doubtless it was first turned out at

the end of the spring or in early summer. Your feeding is quite

correct.”]



FINCH HYBRIDS.


By Allen Silver.


I am at present investigating cases of hybrids between Twite

and Redpoll, Goldfinch and Twite, and Chaffinch and Canary. We

have heard of many of the latter, but there has always been a

mistake. I am going to see owner, who seems extra sure, but expect

it is another case of a mixed collection.


I report having here a Twite and Goldfinch hybrid. Twite

predominates extraordinarily. Bill much like that of Citril Finch,

i. e. Goldfinch-like; hardly any green, except on rump; probably a

hen; tarsi black as in Twite. I saw later the Twite-Goldies

moulted. No blaze; wings buttoned as in Goldfinch, and white

webs of Twite wing-feathers suffused with pale yellow. Both crosses

are perfectly genuine. Green is evidently subservient to brown in

hybrid admixture. The lineal markings which are absent in one

parent are well developed in both crosses. The Twite seems to

minimise the shape and size of the hill immensely.



