THE AMANDAYA. 



Fringilla A7nandava. 



This beautiful little bird is brought from Bengal, 

 Java, Malacca, and other tropical countries of Asia. It 

 is one of the smallest birds that is caged, its length being 

 only from two and a half to three inches. The color of 

 the male, when two years old, is of a bright red, with 

 white spots ; when younger, its plumage is not so bright, 

 being more of a grayish color. The female is smaller, 

 and of the same color as the young males. Their song 

 is very low. In cages, they are best kept by the pair, 

 and not single ; as they are in the habit, when on their 

 perch, to keep very close together, for warmth. It is 

 quite amusing to see a number of these sweet little 

 creatures in a row, close to each other, while the outer 

 ones, after a short time, make their way into the middle 

 of the lot; and so each one must take its turn to sit 

 outside. The cage for these birds must be made ex- 

 pressly for them ; the wires requiring to be much closer 

 together than the Canary's cage. The best seed for 

 them is millet and canary; and a little lettuce and sweet 

 apple occasionally. They also like to bathe. By this 

 treatment, they thrive well in cages. They are exported 

 to this country and to Europe, even so far north as 

 Russia, where we ourselves have met with them. Their 

 diminutive size and great beauty renders these birds 

 general favorites with fanciers. 



