125



Practical Bird-Keeping.



know exactly from what locality it came, and it will not exhibit

its specific characters until later. However, any species of

Cassowary is well worth having, and there is always the possi¬

bility of its proving to belong to a rare form.



THE SOCIETY’S MEDAL.



A medal has been awarded to Mr. Cosgrave for breeding

the Laughing Kingfisher (Dacelo gigas ), Ser. III., Vol. 3, p. 88.


Mr. W. T. Page is apparently entitled to a medal for

breeding the Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosa ), an account

of which appears in this number.


Will any Member, who knows of a previous instance of

this species having been bred, kindly communicate with the

Hon. Sec.?



PRACTICAL BIRD-KEEPING.



XII.—THE CROW TRIBE.


By E. G. B. Meade-Waldo.


Members of the Crow family have been for ages, and still

are, favourite pets in this country. Their vivacity, power of

mimicry, and the comparative ease with which they are kept,

recommending them to many who do not care for birds in

general. They have the reputation of being very long-lived,

and in many cases this is correct, but I do not consider that

they are suitable cage-birds as a rule. All are birds of high

intelligence, extremely active, and many of them are hardly

ever quiet. They are best suited to roomy aviaries or semi¬

liberty. Under these conditions they thrive for years, and do

not seem to mind confinement in the least, as they make friends

with man, and amuse themselves in a variety of ways. All seem

to pair for life, and are devoted couples.


The power of mimicry is by no means confined to tame

individuals; both wild Jays and Magpies may be heard amusing



