36



Lastly, there is a Dove largely imported from Africa, and

sold under many names. In plumage it is almost identical with

the Barbary Turtle, though the neck-ring is rather thicker at the

back and does not come quite so far forwards. In size it is

slightly less; but the real distinction is in the eye, which is

large and entirely dark, instead of having the brilliant red iris of

the Barbary Turtle. This Dove I have always believed to be the

Half-Collared Turtle (Turtur semitorquatics) ; the other names

under which I have known them sold are absurd and entirely

made up for sale. However, not long ago a distinguished

aviculturist, who presumably should know, assured me that

some far larger Doves which he had (Cambayau I fancy) were

“ half-collared.” Am I right or wrong in the name which, in

all good faith, I have assigned to this Turtle?



RARE FOREIGN BIRDS.


(SECOND SERIES)


II.—THE GREEN MALABAR HONEYSUCKER.


Phyllornis aurifrons.


By C. S. Simpson.


Of the somewhat large number of foreign birds which

have at various times lived in my collection, not one was more

beloved nor is more regretted than a beautiful specimen of the

Green Malabar Honeysucker which I obtained in the summer of

1893, and which came to an untimely end in one of my aviaries

a short time ago.


There is indeed no cage bird which combines more charm¬

ing and attractive traits than this species, which is usually

(though wrongly) known in this country as the Green Bulbul.


The Malabar Honeysucker is a native of India; the

specimens which reach England are few and far between, and

are readily purchased at high prices by amateurs on their

arrival : it is therefore very seldom that one is to be seen for

sale.


This bird is singularly beautiful in colour, and, unlike

many birds of gorgeous plumage, has a very pleasing song ; it

readily becomes tame and familiar, and with reasonable care will

preserve its health and beauty for years in captivity ; it is by no

means difficult to cater for, and is not very susceptible to changes

of temperature. And, since there is no undesirable quality as a

set-off to these amiable traits the subjeCt of my article deservedly



