MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS. 193 
may in some cases be allowed complete liberty when able 
to look after themselves. This of course is the very best 
way of keeping tame birds, though not often possible. 
BREEDING. 
All that can be done for breeding birds is to get true 
pairs and put them into roomy quarters with suitable 
nesting accommodation, and to supply food as natural as 
possible. Then if the species is naturally a free breeder, 
success will follow. Asa general rule, more than one 
pair of the same species should not be put up for breed- 
ing in the same aviary, and their companions should not 
be birds of nearly related species. 
When the sexes are alike in plumage, it is very difficult 
to pick out a true pair; but as a general rule males 
have larger and particularly longer heads and bills than 
females ; and this slight difference of feature is all one 
has to go by. 
Insectivorous birds and many Finches will often only 
feed their young on live food ; and most Finches eat and 
require soft food when rearing young. It need scarcely 
be added that breeding birds should not be disturbed 
or looked at. 
TAMING WILD-CAUGHT Birps. 
A newly-caught bird should be placed in a cage 
covered all over, but not soas to darkenit. Various 
kinds of seed and fruit should be strewn on the floor if it 
is a seed-eater, and decapitated insects if it is insecti- 
vorous. It will soon begin to feed if let alone fora day, 
F, GAB 13 
