MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS. 193 



may in some cases be allowed complete liberty when able 

 to look after themselves. This of course is the very best 

 way of keeping tame birds, though not often possible. 



BREEDING. 



All that can be done for breeding birds is to get true 

 pairs and put them into roomy quarters with suitable 

 nesting accommodation, and to supply food as natural as 

 possible. Then if the species is naturally a free breeder, 

 success will follow. As a general rule, more than one 

 pair of the same species should not be put up for breed- 

 ing in the same aviary, and their companions should not 

 be birds of nearly related species. 



When the sexes are alike in plumage, it is very difficult 

 to pick out a true pair ; but as a general rule males 

 have larger and particularly longer heads and bills than 

 females ; and this slight difference of feature is all one 

 has to go by. 



Insectivorous birds and many Finches will often only 

 feed their young on live food ; and most Finches eat and 

 require soft food when rearing young. It need scarcely 

 be added that breeding birds should not be disturbed 

 or looked at. 



TAMING WILD-CAUGHT BIRDS. 



A newly-caught bird should be placed in a cage 

 covered all over, but not so as to darken it. Various 

 kinds of seed and fruit should be strewn on the floor if it 

 is a seed-eater, and decapitated insects if it is insecti- 

 vorous. It will soon begin to feed if let alone for a day, 

 F, GAB 13 



