on Aviculture in Georgetown , Demerara. 37


absence of Crows and Kites, which make such a proceeding

impossible in the Eastern tropics. Though somewhat of a

digression, it may be mentioned that there are no Sparrows in

the Colony. After not having seen them for over three years,

they now appear larger to me than formerly—certainly their

impudence has not decreased. Bird-lime—the milky exudation

from a tree—and trap cages are the means of capture principally

adopted. This local bird-lime has the disadvantage that, unless

it is removed at once with oil, the birds’ feet are liable to suffer

on account of its irritating properties.


The seed-eater most commonly kept is the Field Saffron

Finch (Sycalis arvensis), with its rasping song, like the running

down of a watch-spring. This bird is known locally as the

“colony canary” and “bastard canary.” The mortality amongst

freshly-caught seed-eaters is considerable, owing to their being

fed immediately after capture upon hard seed, instead of first

softening it by soaking in water. Another fatal practice is that

of overcrowding the cages so that the drinking water becomes

fouled.


Undoubtedly the best songster in the colony is the Thick¬

billed Seed Finch (Orizoborus crassirostris) or “ twa-twa ” ; and a

good performer fetches a high price. Although this species

prefers paddy-rice to canary seed it is thoughtlessly fed upon the

latter : in spite of the fact that the former, being grown upon the

spot, is only about a fourth the price. Old male “ twa-twas” are

black with light-coloured beaks ; old females are brown, also

with light beaks. The young of both sexes are brown with black

beaks. The colour-change in the males takes place apparently

at the age of about a year, or perhaps a few mouths less ; the

black appearing gradually in a patchy manner. Almost like an

undersized “ twa-twa ” in build, but with a chestnut-breast and

abdomen, is the “towa-towa” or Tropical Seed Finch (< 9 . torridus).

Like the young “ twa-twa” the immature “towa-towa” is brown,

and the song of the latter, though not equalling that of its larger

relation, is still very sweet.


The genus Spermophila contains some interesting and

favourite species: the White-throated Finch or “ring-neck” (►S'.

albigularis ); the Lavender-backed Finch or “blue-back” (S.



