34-1- Canaries and Cage-Birds. 



The Red-backed Shrike is otherwise known as the Butcher Bird, which name is derived 

 from its fierce disposition, and from a peculiar habit it has of impaling upon the thorns of a 

 bush the remains of the victims of its repast, which principally consists of beetles, bees, 

 wasps, and such-like insects, and sometimes even small birds and frogs. It possesses a most 

 voracious appetite considering its size, and is very serviceable in destroying so many garden 

 pests. It is a handsome bird, and possessed of some song, which is pleasant and uninterniittent, 

 though occasionally mixed with some harsh notes. If taken young it may be easily reared, 

 becoming very tame and attached to its feeder. The way in which it seizes its prey is very 

 much after the manner of the Hawk. From the fierceness of its nature it is obvious that 

 it should never be placed with other birds, even if of larger size, but be confined in a 

 separate cage, feeding upon pieces of raw beef, soaked bread, and hemp seed, adding a little 

 German paste, beetles, mealworms, or any insects whenever obtainable. A small bird or 

 mouse may be given occasionally. 



The Great Grey Shrike is rather an uncommon bird, visiting these islands during 

 the winter ; being a handsome bird, it is a great favourite of some. Its plumage is a pretty 

 ashen grey on the whole of the upper part, shading to white on the shoulders and under part, 

 which is also striped with wavy lines of dark brown ; the greater wing-coverts are black 

 the lesser ashen grey, the tail wedge-shaped, the outer feathers white^ the inner black ; from 

 the beak across the face runs a broad black stripe, and there are two white spots on each 

 wing. In the manner of taking its food it resembles the preceding bird, feeding upon the same 

 food, and in confinement should be treated similarly. 



The Golden Plover is a handsome bird, and may be kept in confinement in a large 

 aviary, where it must be given plenty of water, and fed on pieces of raw meat and soaked 

 bread ; or it may be allowed the run of the garden, where it would be of great service in 

 ridding the place of insects, especially worms and slugs. 



The Redshank is a wading bird that will become very tame in confinement. We 

 had one that was taken when adult, but became very tame, agreeing well with the other 

 birds in the aviary. It was fed upon raw beef, sopped bread, and garden worms. This bird 

 must always have a good supply of water. There are several other birds of this class that 

 become tame, and would be very attractive in a large aviary, especially if a good supply of 

 water is obtainable. 



The Stone Curlew had, perhaps, better be turned out in the garden, as it will soon 

 clear, and keep clear, the plants of their insect pests. However, if confined in the aviary 

 feed as the Redshank. 



The Land-Rail is notorious from the habit it has of uttering its harsh "crake-crake" 

 in the meadows during the summer evenings, from which is derived its name of Corn-crake. 

 It will become tame, and should be fed as the Redshank. 



The Water-Rail is a handsome bird of dark greenish-brown plumage, shading into 

 grey upon the neck and head ; the beak is long and of a reddish flesh-colour, and the eye 

 bright red orange. It should also be fed as the Redshank. 



