Further Notes o?i the Violet-eared Waxbill. 325


FURTHER NOTES

ON THE VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL,


Granatina granatina.

(Avic. Mag. N. S. IV., p. 295.)


By Reginald Phillipps.


From casual words that reach me from time to time, it

seems that the Violet-eared Waxbill is still a prime favourite

with British aviculturists. In August, 1906, I wrote my own

experiences up to date of the species, and since have been waiting

with expectancy, month after month, for some other member

to come forward and complete the story. But in vain have

I waited ; and another year has rolled round ; and it seems

after all to fall to my own lot to have to fill up the blanks which

want of knowledge caused me to leave in my former account.

Besides, I should like to modify some of my earlier statements,

in order to bring them into accord with more recent observa-

tions ; and at the same time I may take the opportunity of

placing on paper such further thoughts as my four little friends

may have suggested to me during these latter months.


For it is of the same four Violets which were in my hands

last year that I am now again about to write, a fact that seems to

point to a bird which may be called a good liver ; but, as I

intimated before, it is not especially hardy, and it needs thought-

ful care — but not coddling.


The more robust and vigorous my Violet-eared Waxbills

become, the more- 1 find that it is impracticable to keep two of

the same sex together within a reasonable space*. As soon as

new arrivals become accustomed to their surroundings, and gain

a sufficiency of health and spirit to assert their individuality,

then the absolute necessity of separation becomes urgent in the

same ratio as the strength of the birds increases. To this point

of vital importance I may add a few supplementary notes.


I do not find the species to be very courageous ; birds of

equal and often of less size and strength will bully and drive


* I do not refer to birds in little cages; of these I have not had any experience.

They seem to be without individuality, to feel that they are prisoners in a prison— and.

nothing- more : such examples are not living their natural life, but are simply vegelatirrgC

— R. P.



