CHAPTER XII. 



Cardinal. 



I HIS is the smallest of the birds upon which has been 

 conferred the title of a Dignitary of the Roman 

 Church, and as it is least in size, so has it the most 

 insignificant appearance among its compeers. In bulk 

 it about equals a common Sparrow, but is of rather 

 slimmer build, and the red or crimson of its head is 

 shaded and to a great extent masked with brown, which 

 makes it much less conspicuous than its larger relatives, 

 to which it otherwise bears a general resemblance. 



It is destitute of a crest, and, as its English name 

 indicates, the bill in its case has a yellowish tinge, but 

 is darker, almost black, at the tip. 



The male is a fairly good songster, and can only 

 be distinguished from his mate by his ability in this 

 respect, for as regards size and appearance the sexes 

 are quite indistinguishable. 



My experience with them is that they are perfectly 

 harmless in a mixed aviary even when in company 



