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Mr. Graham Renshaw,



exposing the interior to view. The Hangnest will occasionally

pipe in confinement. Several of these birds kept together in a

very large cage make a fine show, and will agree together, owing

to mutual respect (inspired by each others beaks and claws) or,

perhaps on the principle of “ honour among thieves.” Other

birds must be introduced with caution, since even so bulky a

species as the Scarlet Tanager (.Pyranga rubra) is by no means

safe from attack. Brazilian Hangnests vary in the intensity of

their yellow colouring: in some individuals this part of the

plumage tends to a citron hue, in others it approaches orange.


Molothrus bonariensis (Silky Cowbird).


This South American species is annually imported into

England in considerable numbers, and, unlike many exotic

birds, can be usually purchased at a very low figure : a handsome

male which I now possess was bought in Liverpool for under four

shillings. Young birds and females are more or less brownish :

but the adult cock is of a magnificent violet, and is frequently

sold as a “ Glossy Starling.” Unlike those fowls, however, the

Silky Cowbird sings very melodiously : he is not at all dangerous

to small birds ; he requires but the simplest diet, such as millet

or other bird seed; and he is not given to violently jumping

upon any weaker comrade who may have caused his displeasure.

In addition to these virtues the Cowbird’s character exhibits a

very pleasing trait—a kindly disposition to companions in mis¬

fortune. I remember how, when one of my Glossy Starlings

was afflicted with what proved to be its last illness, a Cowbird

would come and stand by the sufferer in silence, its whole bear¬

ing eloquent of sympathetic interest. My present birds are

males, and show great preference for each other’s company : and

although at night these bachelors will bicker for roosting places

their quarrels are conducted in a series of melodious twitterings,

and they threaten each other rather than fight. The Silky

Cowbird is quite hardy, and requires but little protection even in

mid-winter.*



* Unfortunately it is exceptional for these Cowbirds to sing in captivity: X have

had two which lived long but never sang a note.—A. G. 13 .



