Notes on Aviculture in Georgetown , Demerera. 67


which is brought down to the coast from the borders of the

Brazils and known as the “Troupial.” The Yellow - crowned

Troupial or “ Cadoorie ” (/. chrysocephalus') is a great favourite,

being prized for its song. When travelling in the interior, up the

river Demerara, I learnt from the aborigines that they rear the

“ Cadoorie ” and other insectivorous birds upon river-fish. It is

first roasted and then chewed before being given to the young

birds. Unfortunately, when the birds are taken down to the

coast and pass into other hands, they are soon killed through

being improperly fed. I have often seen slices of raw meat an

inch long in their cages, with which to supplement their ordinary

diet of sour bread-and-milk.


The last of the Icteridine family to be noticed is the Black

Troupial (Qniscalus lugjibiis'), or colonial “Blackbird.” Itappears

to be an almost omnivorous feeder; in Barbados, where I spent

three days on the voyage home, I saw it turning over horse-dung

in the streets, searching for grain. It is protected by law in that

island, and is the commonest town bird there.


The only species of the beautiful family Cotingidce which I

saw in captivity during the three years I was in Demerera, was a

single specimen of the lovely Cock-of-the-Rock (. Rupicola crocea )

—a young hand-reared bird in black baby plumage. The chief

adornment of the adult, the cinnamon crest, was little more than

a slight ridge of dark feathers 011 the crown of the young bird.

Its mode of progression was by hopping, not walking, I was

informed that about twenty years ago two or three dozens of

these handsome birds were on the market at one time; but since

then only two or three specimeus had been seen in town.


I tried hard to induce the dealers and aborigines to procure

for me some of the other beautiful Con tin gas — the Purple¬

breasted, Purple-throated, Crimson, Crimson-breasted, Crimson-

throated, Pompadour, etc., which are all found in the interior—

but without success. I only hope that some or all of these beau¬

tiful species may eventually find their way to English aviaries.


For the correct identification of the only Thrush ( Turdus

murinus) I saw caged, I am indebted to our esteemed member,

Mr. H. D. Astley.


Doves are not held in much esteem in Demerara. The



