174 BIRDS 



species, widely distributed in Asia, the East Indies and 

 Africa. In captivity they are uncommonly hardy and long- 

 lived. If kept in individual cages these should be roomy 

 and must be cleaned frequently. As already stated, the box- 

 type cage is most suitable for the bulbuls, as well as for 

 other cage birds. These birds thrive best in an aviary of 

 good size, but are not to be trusted with smaller or weaker 

 species. Mated pairs are especially likely to be quarrelsome. 

 Bulbuls belong to the " soft-bill " group, and should be fed 

 on soft food and fruit, which must be supplied daily. Most 

 species are fond of live food and should have a few 'meal 

 worms or other insects daily. 



A comparatively small number of the known species are 

 common in captivity. The one most frequently seen is the 

 White-eared Bulbul {Otocompsa leucotis), of Persia 

 and India. It is earthy-brown above, with black head and 

 white cheeks and ears, the lower parts are whitish and the 

 under tail coverts yellow. This is said to be the bulbul 

 of poetry, and some individuals are excellent singers, 

 though many confine their vocal efforts to an oft-repeated 

 call-note. 



The Red-eared Bulbul (O. jocosd) ranges from north- 

 eastern India to China. It is somewhat similar to the pre- 

 ceding, but has a pronounced crest. The white ear-patches 

 are smaller and bordered above by a narrow tuft of red. 

 It is thus a considerably handsomer bird than the White- 

 eared, but its powers of song are not great. 



The Green Bulbuls (Chloropsis) differ greatly from the 

 more t3^pical species in both habits and appearance. From 

 their feeding methods, they are frequently known as fruit- 

 suckers. They are lovely birds, in every way suited for 

 cage life, being brightly colored, gracefully shaped and 

 gifted with some powers of song and vocal imitation. They 

 live well and quickly become very tame and confiding. Their 



