FOR CAGES AND AVIARIES. 83 



The Red-breasted Flycatcher. 



This visits us occasionally and might easily be mistaken 

 for a small Robin, except that it has no red on the head 

 and some white on the tail. 



The Spotted Flycatcher. 



This is not unlike a miniature Thrush in shape and 

 colouring, but it has not the manners of the latter bird, 

 or its song. 



THE GADWALL. See under Ducks. 



THE GANNET. 



A handsome bird of the size of a small Goose, which 

 some observant writer has declared wears a perpetual 

 smile; it is the head of the Cormorant family, and lives, 

 practically, on a diet composed exclusively of fish, for 

 which no adequate substitute can be provided in captivity. 

 For this reason the fancier who wishes to keep either 

 the Gannet or Common Cormorant should reside within 

 a convenient distance from the sea, or have a tolerably 

 long purse at his disposal : granted, however, one or 

 both of these conditions, he will find a pair of Gannets 

 (pinioned when young) a pleasing and interesting object 

 of study. 



When mature the birds are white with a buff tinge on 

 the head, crown and upper part of the neck : the chin 

 and the primaries are dusky black, and the skin round 

 the eyes is bare and of a blue shade ; the bill is pale blue, 

 whiter towards the tip. The female does not differ from 

 the male in appearance, but the young are much darker 

 than their parents. 



The full adult plumage is not acquired until the fourth 

 year. Morris says one egg only is laid, but as a rule 



