THK GREEN AMADUVADK. 99 



bickering and petty disputes, than a large handful of various grasses 

 in seed, unripe for preference. 



In captivity Waxbills should have canary-seed, white millet, millet 

 in the ear, and lawn-grass seed. In the summer they should always 

 have fresh turf to peck over, small spiders, or small insects when 

 obtainable, green caterpillars or living ant-cocoons (wrongly called 

 "ants' eggs,") when breeding. 



If possible, the African species, which are thinly clothed, should 

 be wintered at a temperature of sixty degrees Fahr. ; but, where that 

 amount of warmth cannot be maintained, several should be kept 

 together in a cage open only in front and having a warmly lined 

 nest-box, or basket-nest at the back ; they will then be able to pass 

 the winter without harm, even should the thermometer register a 

 temperature of between forty and fifty degrees : indeed, a tolerably 

 sharp frost, once in a way, will not necessarily kill them; although 

 this should be carefully avoided. 



I do not, however, doubt, for a moment, that by carefully select- 

 ing strong pairs, and breeding from them in a moderate temperature, 

 it would be possible to acclimatize the most delicate Waxbills. Indeed, 

 it has recently been proved that, in the clear pure air of the country, 

 they can be wintered in large garden aviaries where they can have 

 plenty of exercise and thick natural cover in which to roost at night. 



THE GREEN AMADUVADE. 



Stictospiza formosa, L,ATH. 



T ATHAM calls this the "Lovely Finch," but Jerdon speaks of it 



J - as the " Green Waxbill " : the first name is applicable, but too 



vague ; the second is far more appropriate, but must, I fear, give way 



to the better known dealers' name. The Green Amaduvade inhabits 



Central India. 



The male bird above is olive green ; the flight feathers, excepting 



