Some of my Sunbirds.



333



the green species. A fine Long-tailed Starling in the writer’s

possession was attacked soon after purchase by a cage-mate of

the same species. Blows were delivered on the back of the skull,

the beak of the aggressor being held closed and used like a pick¬

axe. The unfortunate bird was at once removed, but gradually

became more and more drowsy, and died in a few weeks. With

small birds the mode of attack is to jump bodily upon the victim, as

if to crush the life out of him. Long-tailed Starlings employ a loud

harsh screech as a warning-call, signalling the approach of a cat or

other enemy. The song is not altogether unpleasing, and is delivered

from a high perch or a lofty bough in the outdoor flight. These

birds are imitative : my last Green Starling learnt to call like a cat.


Besides the two species mentioned there are many other

“Green” and Long-tailed Glossy Starlings. All my own specimens

throve well on bananas, mealworms, and German paste.



SOME OF MY SUNBIRDS.


By Alfred Ezra.


( Continued).


THE HIMALAYAN BED YELLOW-BACK SUNBIRD.


(JEtliopyga seller ice).


This is a very beautiful bird, the general colour being' blood

red with a metallic green cap and metallic blue moustaches. Patch

of yellow on lower back ; wings dull dark brown ; abdomen olive.

It is about the size of the Amethyst-rumped Sunbird, but with a-

longer and pointed tail which is metallic bluish green. Has quite a

pretty song but is pugnacious like all other Sunbirds. Rather

delicate. * * *


AFRICAN.


THE BLACK OR GREATER AMETHYST SUNBIRD.


(Cinnyris amethystina).


This is a hardy and vigorous bird, the general colour being a

velvet black with metallic purple on shoulders, tail coverts and

throat. The crown a bright metallic emerald green. About the

size of a linnet; he is a very lively bird and easy to keep. Has

a very loud song. * * *



