60 



THE RED BIRD. 



OR, VIRGINIA NIGHTINGALE. 

 Guarica Cardinalis. 



This bird is a native of the Southern States, and one 

 of the handsomest birds of the New World. Its color 

 is of a brilliant red, with the exception of the throat, 

 and the part round the beak, which is black. The head 

 is ornamented with a tuft; this he is capable of raising, 

 which gives him a very commanding appearance. Its 

 length is eight inches. 



Together with its beautiful plumage, this bird is gifted 

 with a very sweet, pleasing song, though of rather a low 

 tone. 



Being a very hardy bird, and easily taken care of, 

 he is much kept in cages in this country, as well as in 

 Europe, where we have frequently seen him in aviaries, 

 as well as cages. He commands a high price there, for 

 his great beauty. He should be kept in a good-sized 

 cage, and fed with a mixture of canary and hemp seed, 

 and rough (unhusked) rice, to which may be added, a 

 little fresh green food, or a piece of apple, occasionally. 

 When properly treated, this bird often attains the age of 

 fifteen years. 



