FOREIGN FINCHES 



IN CAPTIVITY. 



THE TANAGERS. 

 TANAGRIDJE. 



OF these most, gorgeous birds, which link the Finches to the 

 Warblers, no less than three hundred and seventy-four species 

 are recognised by scientific workers. Of this enormous series of 

 beautiful creatures, perhaps twenty or so have, from time to time, been 

 brought alive to Europe, but only three are imported with comparative 

 frequency : nevertheless, these are among the most exquisitely coloured 

 of the family.* 



The principal reason why so few Tanagers cross the seas is, without 

 doubt, to be found in the fact that only those who have had experience 

 in keeping them as cage-birds know how to feed them properly. In 

 their own country, where ripe oranges and other fruits are plentiful, 

 and where the air is warm and pervaded by sunlight, there is no 

 difficulty in providing for their needs ; but on board ship, in an all-wire 

 cage, and with nothing but sour oranges and an occasional half-ripe 

 banana, the unhappy Tanager soon gets out of sorts, so that as it passes 

 into more northern latitudes, it has no strength to resist the cold, and 

 therefore dies. 



All birds should be imported in wooden cages, open only in front ; 



* Since this was written a good many examples of the Black Taiiager have been imported, 

 but they are but little more attractive than a Silk}' Cowbird, and far more expensive to feed, 

 therefore they are hardly likely to become popular. 



C 



