CAGE BIRDS i8i 



into several subspecies. The White-backed Piping Crow is 

 about the size of the American Crow. It is chiefly black, 

 with the nape, back, wing coverts and base of the tail white. 

 The bill is long, pointed and bluish-gray in color. The 

 Black-backed is somewhat smaller, and differs in having the 

 back black instead of white. These birds are charming 

 whistlers, their notes having a curious, instrumental quality. 

 Besides the natural song, they easily learn to imitate other 

 musical sounds, and may be taught to whistle tunes. Some 

 individuals learn to repeat simple words. Both species are 

 perfectly hardy and require no artificial heat in winter, 

 so long as they are properly sheltered. While some speci- 

 mens will tolerate other birds in their cage, most are less 

 liberal, and promptly attack any bird which may be intro- 

 duced. Soft food, chopped meat, insects, mice and spar- 

 rows make a suitable diet for these birds. 



Larks 



Although the Larks (Alaudid^) include more than two 

 hundred species, only two may be considered common in 

 captivity in this country. The Skylark {Alauda arvensis) 

 is the best known. It is one of the commonest cage birds 

 and needs no description, its mottled sandy-brown plumage 

 and long-clawed hind toe making it easily recognized. The 

 Skylark sings freely when caged, but it must be said that 

 its notes are not particularly pleasing under such condi- 

 tions, the more natural surroundings of distance and blue 

 sky being accountable for much of the bird^s charm. Sky- 

 larks do not perch, so such furnishings are not needed in 

 the cage. This should be of the box type with a canvas top, 

 to prevent injury to the lark's head in case it leaps upward. 

 Lark cages usually are made with a semicircular projection 

 at the front, to be floored with a piece of green sod, which 



