i8 5



out of the way of no other bird, even though it be the largest

and most powerful inhabitant of the bird-room, moreover I have

noticed that even the much larger Cassiques or Starling-like

birds and Military-Starlings avoid quarrelling with it. Indeed

they by no means attacked it, but invariably got out of its way.

All other birds, equally large or small it drove from its vicinity

or chased them away. It was only malicious to its red-cheeked

relatives.”


Dr. Russ’ pair went to nest in 1893, but the first nest was

destroyed through the interference of a Porto Rico Pigeon

(Columba squamosa ) ; indeed he says he lost two broods from

this cause. Eventually the hen Pigeon died and he took the

cock out, so now he says he hopes to have satisfactory results.


It appears that Mr. Eangheinz owned a remarkably tame

specimen of this Bulbul, which would alight on the food-basin

whilst still in his hand and would not even leave the banquet

when he touched it with his finger and strove to push it away.

“ Whoever then can give the time to it will soon be able to make

this Bulbul finger-tame.”


My own experience of the Chinese Bulbul is—-that it is

the most nervous and least confiding species that I have hitherto

owned ; which clearly proves that it is quite impossible to decide

as to the temperament of a species from the study of one

individual: however, since my example was purchased it has

become a little quieter, and does not invariably rattle all over

the cage when I give it fresh food.


The song is short, rapid, but rather brilliant, with a

distindt sound of high piano-notes in it ; the length and

character of it may perhaps be expressed by the following—

Tiddle tend, tiddle tiddle terut, uttered as quickly as possible :

it seldom varies much.



THE BLUE-FRONTED AMAZON.


By Reginald Phieeipps.


The best talking Parrot that I ever myself came across

was a Blue-fronted Amazon, in one of Mr. J. Abrahams’ private

rooms. All its natural notes had been obliterated, or at any

rate suppressed ; and the bird kept up a constant flow of plainly-

spoken sentences and well-sung songs. At a meeting of the old

Cage Bird Club, I referred to this Parrot ; and another member

present stated that the best talker he had ever met with likewise

was a Blue-fronted Amazon.



