CAGE BIRDS 177 



course, at least as to the relationships of the bird, as it is 

 not a thrush or nightingale. It inhabits the Himalayas, ex- 

 tending into southwest China. It is a small bird, not much 

 larger than an English Sparrow, but gorgeously colored. 

 It may be roughly described as olive green above, with yel- 

 lowish forehead. The secondaries are bluish-black, with 

 a yellow patch at the base. There is a yellow circle around 

 the eye, running into gray on the ear coverts. The throat 

 is rich yellow, which gradually grows fainter, the abdomen 

 being whitish. The bill is red, sometimes with a blackish 

 base. Males generally are brighter than females, particu- 

 larly on the crown ; however, this is not a constant character. 

 A better one is the notes. These are a mere series of 

 monotonous calls in the female, easily distinguished from 

 the warbling song of the male, which ranks among the 

 very best of songsters, the voice being loud, clear and 

 varied. This species is very hardy in captivity, thus com- 

 bining three attributes of the ideal cage bird — beauty, 

 hardiness and a sweet song. It should be given soft food, 

 fruit and insects, and if it is a mixed company it will often 

 treat itself to a few seeds. It should not be associated in 

 an aviary with breeding birds, as it has a bad reputation 

 for interfering. The Hill-tit frequently builds its cup- 

 shaped nests in captivity, but it is not often that young are 

 reared. 



Thrushes 



The Thrushes (Turdid^) include not only the typical 

 birds of this name, but a number of other forms closely 

 allied to them. Many of our finest songsters are found 

 here, and as most of the species thrive in captivity, it is not 

 .^ surprising that they are popular as cage birds. Of the more 

 I^P than seven hundred and fifty species, it is not possible to 

 mention here more than a few of the best known. 



