100 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



THE INDIGO-BIRD. 



THIS beautiful and favorite American songster is well known in all parts of the 

 United States. He is among the first to make his appearance in the spring-time, 

 and his merry warble in the fields and orchards is always a welcome sign. His 

 docility and beauty make him a universal favorite ; and whether in the aviary, 01 

 caged in single blessedness, he appears equally happy. His pure, handsome blue 

 color makes him a striking object when viewed in contrast with the various colors of 

 a well-stocked aviary ; and, as he is one of the most sociable of birds, he is always 

 sought after when a nice collection is desired. 



The Indigo-bird is about five inches and a half in length. The beak is a dark 

 lead color, and the feet are brown. In the spring-time, when in perfect plumage, 

 the entire color of the male is rich deep blue, being most brilliant on the top of the 

 head and neck, the wing and tail feathers being slightly tinged with brown. When 

 the bird assumes his winter coat, the blue on the body is tinged with brown, and 

 the breast is speckled with whitish spots. The female Indigo-bird is easily dis- 

 tinguished from the male ; the entire plumage being a dusky blue intermingled with 

 brown, which color she retains the entire year. 



The song of the Indigo-bird, although not so loud and varied as some, is very 

 agreeable, and, when caged alone, is constant, except through the moulting period. 

 He is a very apt scholar, and is one of the favorite trick-birds. He may be taught 

 as readily as the English Siskin or Goldfinch, and his efforts in firing off cannon 

 and drawing water make him a great favorite with those fond of this class of birds. 

 Like the Nonpareil, he is largely exported, and, being a Northern bird, is somewhat 

 better adapted to withstand the cold climates. 



His food should be the same as that of the Nonpareil. The same treatment 

 also applies to both. Cross-breeding has been attempted with the Canary, but with 

 poor success ; the colors being disappointing. 



The Indigo-bird lives usually in confinement, when carefully looked after, about 

 seven years. The regular Canary-cage is best adapted for him when it is desired 

 to keep him alone. When kept in an aviary he is apt to live longer, owing to the 

 freedom and greater variety of food which he obtains. 



