FINCHES. 103 



the tail a bright red. The maie has an agreeable 

 song. The amandava finch is a native of India. 

 They are somewhat smaller than the St. Helena 

 waxbill. As they vary somewhat in color, and as it 

 is not until they are two or three years old that 

 they come to their perfect plumage, it is somewhat 

 difficult to describe their appearance so that it would 

 be of use to those in search of this charming little 

 warbler. As a rule, the best birds have the head 

 and under part of the body a bright red, with an 

 occasional black feather ; the back a light brown, 

 and the tail black. The fire finch bears a strong 

 resemblance to the avadavats, at certain seasons of 

 the year. It is somewhat larger, but has little or 

 no song. They are kept particularly for their beauty 

 and cheerful disposition. The saffron finch is in 

 many respects similar to the canary, though not 

 quite as large. In point of color, however, the finch 

 is more desirable, as the shades are of brighter 

 tints. These birds come from Brazil, and are 

 greatly sought after for the aviary, as they are of the 

 most sociable disposition, and live in the utmost 

 agreement with their comrades. The Cuba and 

 negro finch have recently been introduced into 

 this market, and with a good degree of success ; 

 also the Queenisland or Rockhampton finches, 

 which are brought from Australia. The banded finch 

 is another choice bird, and one which will speedily 

 become a favorite. The whole body is of a rich chest- 

 nut-brown, both above and below; the upper and under 

 tail coverts white, and the tail black. The dia- 



