Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke—The White-starred Bush Bohin. 105


manner with it. Once, when on my shoulder, he started to sing his

own song. I added a whistle, whereupon he flew straight back into his

cage and sulked. He is absolutely tame and fearless. If I brush my

finger across the bars of his cage he will dash after it as if he intended

to tear me to pieces, but only to give me a gentle nibble when he catches

my finger.


His natural song is not unpleasant, but he has picked up the song of

a Roller Canary, and, although I cannot claim that he can execute all

the special “ tours ”, his imitation of the roll would deceive most

people.


At present he is in a partitioned cage with a hen Bullfinch, and to

see him “ display” with his crest feathers erect, and his wings drooped

like a Starling, while he rolls out his Canary song, is most fascinating.


I have mentioned the partition in the cage, which is necessary, as

Mrs. Bully is liable to sudden fits of rage, and unless I can slide the

partition between them she will thrash him most unmercifully while

he, to his credit, behaves like a perfect gentleman.


In conclusion, if any of our members can obtain a nest of young

Hawfinches and rear them, I can assure- them that not only are the

birds worth keeping, but are the most delightful and engaging pets,

as tame as a Bullfinch and as amusing as a Jackdaw.



THE WHITE-STARRED BUSH ROBIN


By the Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke.


1 was fortunate enough to pay a visit to the Zoological department

of A. W. Gamage in June at the moment that a consignment of African

birds had arrived. The train, to use a metaphor, was coming in as I

stepped on to the platform. I was unable to examine the contents of

all the cages, owing to the latter being still covered with gauze wire,

but one bird especially attracted my attention, which I secured. It

is said to be Tarsiger stellatus, and is, I imagine, the first importation

of the species. It is allied to the Redstarts, Forest Chats, Robin Chats,

etc., and my bird superficially reminds me of a Niltava, but the legs

are longer than in the Flv-catchers.


Slightly larger than the Chestnut-breasted Blue Niltava, the



