CHAPTER XIV. 



THE SPARROW FAMILY 



(Passerzt&z). 



The Saffron Sparrow The Red-throated Sparrow 

 The Java Sparrow The Diamond Sparrow The 

 Parson "Finch" The Zebra or Chestnut-eared 

 "Finch" The Double-banded, Gould's, and the 

 Painted "Finches." 



JPARROWS, as a rule, are grouped with 

 the Finches, from which they differ in 

 many material points ; they are a 

 numerous family, and I can only make a 

 selection from among them. 



THE SAFFRON SPARROW, commonly called SAFFRON 

 FlNCH, Sycalis flaveola, is a well-known species, and 

 a favourite with amateurs, in consequence of its breed- 

 ing freely in confinement. The male is a bright, 

 greenish-yellow, except on the head, which is deep 

 saffron colour; the female is much greyer, and can 

 be readily distinguished when the sexes are seen 

 together. The young all resemble her, and the 

 males cannot be told with certainty until they moult. 

 Millet and canary-seed form the diet of these birds, 



