334 Correspondence.


BREEDING OF GREY-WINGED OUZELS.


Sir, —At the third attempt I have succeeded in rearing two young

Grey-wings to maturity. The Zoo. have also succeeded in rearing two

young of this species at the second attempt, which however flew two days

later than my brood. It may be of interest if I note one or two details:

ist Attempt: A typical nest of mud and bents was constructed on a

shelf in the inner compartment of their aviary. This nest was fully

completed but not used ; a second nest was constructed, not anything

like so substantial as the first, in a parrakeet nest-box—three young

were hatched out, one was thrown out when three days old, the

second lived to age of ten days, the third died two days later.

Though they had access to soft food, milk sop, ripe fruit in variety

and adlib., and meat and preserved egg were also supplied, they would

take none. They only fed with live food—though eating heartily

of fruit and soft food, they refused to feed with same.


2nd Attempt : Similar to above, nest was constructed in a box hung up

for Cardinals, two young were hatched out, but were deserted at the

age of ten days. . . .


My business engagements were such at the time, that I could not be

at hand every hour to supply live food—had they got some live food every

hour they may very probably have supplemented this with artificial food

and success have been obtained. In an aviary containing a mixed series,

an unlimited supply of live food is a practical impossibility.


3rd Attempt : The nest used for the second attempt was repaired, a

clutch of three eggs laid, of which they hatched out two ; I made

provision for them to have a supply of live food every hour and there

was no check ; the young left the nest when seventeen days old and

are now independent. They were reared on earthworms, mealworms,

shelled snails, and any beetles, spiders, caterpillars, etc., that the

garden produced.


I have noted the following :


The young do not resemble the adult female.


The sexes can be distinguished in the nestling plumage.


This is the first time this species has been bred in this country.


Weseey T. Page.



BREEDING BLUE GROSBEAK, BLACKCAP, ETC.


Sir,—I should esteem it a great favour if any of our members who

may know of any previous instance of the breeding of the following species

would kindly let me have a post card to that effect, which course will save

me the trouble of writing accounts :—Blue Grosbeak, Blackcap, Sulphury

Seedeater, Grey-headed Sparrow (P. diffusus) and Red-wliiskered Bulbul.


Ringmore, Teignmouth. W. E. Teschemaker.



