CHAPTER XV 



CAGE BIRDS 



Most of the families of the order of perching or passerine 

 birds (Passeriformes) include some species which are 

 suitable for cage or aviary, and it is here that the majority 

 of the desirable ones are found. The great majority belong 

 to the Finches, Weavers and Waxbills, Thrushes, Tanagers, 

 Mynas or Jays, but there are few groups which are not 

 represented. The families mentioned combine propinquity 

 and hardiness, these two factors easily accounting for their 

 popularity. Numerous others would rank with them if 

 the habitats of their members were more accessible, for 

 many birds which live well in captivity are very difficult to 

 obtain. A notable example is that of the Larks. The Sky- 

 lark and the Wood-lark are the only species common in 

 captivity in this country, although there are a great many 

 species which, if they could be obtained, no doubt would be 

 equally long-lived. The progress of avicultural methods 

 is rapidly developing methods of treatment which permit 

 the keeping of many birds formerly considered impossible, 

 and new species are being introduced yearly. 



In the following pages space will permit the considera- 

 tion of the most usual cage birds only. If others should, 

 by chance, come into the hands of the amateur, their care 

 usually may be deduced from that recommended for similar 

 species. 



tBulbuls 

 Bulbuls (Pycnontid^) are active, noisy birds, with 

 Dwers of song. There are nearly three hundred 

 m 



