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Nesting of the Magpie Tanager.



July 28. “ Flank feathers appearing.


Aug. 1. “ Rufous on back; completed moult except spots on


wings.


,, 10. “ Quite in full colour.”


It is curious that Mr. Hatnlyn had several individuals in

immature plumage which seemed to change quite slowly, but I

take it that in their case the moult had been arrested by the

change of climate.


Unfortunately I have not at the moment completed my

notes on the change of colour. The fact is I have had several

species nesting this season which have occupied every moment

of my spare time and I have not been able to give the less

interesting species the attention they deserve. All that I can

definitely say is that the feathers of the head and throat are com¬

pletely shed and replaced, and that the flank feathers can be seen

coming down. I have now brought a later brood into the house

to see how the change of colour of the back, abdomen, aud es¬

pecially of the primaries is accomplished. When the adults go

out of colour I have noticed that the white tips of the flank

feathers are broken or worn off, so that the sides of the breast

are at this period completely black.


Altogether this little species is quite an interesting one,

and its changes of plumage are well worthy of careful study.



NESTING OF THE MAGPIE TANAGER.


Cissopis leveriana.


By Hubert D. Astlry, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.


Certainly there are grievous disappointments in aviculture,

and they have to be borne philosophically, otherwise one would

be a burden to oneself and to others!


In the early days of July, in spite of the wretchedly cold

and wet weather, my pair 6f Magpie Tanagers commenced to

build a nest in the small aviary where they are. On the exposed

summit of a box bush it was placed, and was composed of heather-

twigs as a foundation, with an addition of dead leaves and fresh

bamboo leaves, and finally lined with hay. On the 14th and the

16th of July respectively, two eggs were laid. These eggs were



