My Indian Aviary.



127



(. P. obsolete!) hatched, hut the young died in about a week. A

cock Desert Finch and a hen Himalayan Linnet did likewise.

Himalayan Greenfinches, Pink-browed Rose-finches (and Jerdon’s

Accentor) had no chance, but were pairing in March, 1908.

Himalayan Goldfinches did nothing beyond feeding each other.

Other finches and buntings had no chance.


White Java Sparrows reared a fair number from spring to

autumn, the young becoming more splashed as the season went

on. The Grey only thought of nesting when I was leaving,

though I had them three years. I believe they nested almost at

once in a friend’s aviary after my departure. Pekin Robins got

as far as carrying grass when they were banished for egg-

stealing. I think that those who depreciate the song of this bird

cannot have heard a good one ; I have not since my arrival in

England. Baya Weavers have had little chance at even nest¬

building beyond giving the Parrakeets amusement in cutting off

their beginnings.


With my favourite “ Ornamental Finches ” I have had a

very good proportion of successes. Zebras have bred ad lib. at

all seasons. Bengalese not far behind. Sharp-tailed have bred

freely in the comparatively short time I had them, both amongst

themselves and with Bengalese. Striated after longdelay reared two

small broods towards the end of 1907. Long-tailed Grassfinches

have reared a good number during the last two years at irregular

seasons ; I have found the Yellow-billed the freer breeders.

Parsons and Cordon Bleus I have not had over long, they each

reared one small brood of three after repeated failures. Cherry

Finches reared one bird during the short time I had them.

Gouldians have reared a fair number each year between August

and March, the best pair raised fourteen in one season, in broods

of six, three, and five. I have had six or seven pairs going

the last two seasons in the same aviary and, according to my

experience, sexual selection had nothing to do with the colour of

the head. Spice-birds and Red Avadavats reared some small

broods in spring and autumn. My solitary Bronze-wing had two

young by a Striated hen.


Diamond Sparrows I have found delicate at first and liable

to ulcers on the beak, and it was only last year that I got a hen



