CAGE BIRDS 187 



ported from northern South America in some numbers. It 

 is very easily kept, and breeds readily in an aviary. It is not 

 a safe companion, however, for species smaller than itself. 



The Grassquits (Tiaris) are tiny birds, found chiefly, 

 though not exclusively, in the West Indies. The most fa- 

 miliar species is the Melodious Grassquit ( T. canora) , of 

 Cuba, known in England as the Cuban Finch, and among 

 American dealers by the native name Tomogina. The male 

 is green above, with the head, throat and chest black. A 

 broad crescent of bright yellow passes across the throat, 

 from eye to eye. The female has the black on the throat 

 replaced by chestnut, and the yellow collar is less distinct 

 and the breast is gray. 



The Yellow-faced Grassquit (T. olivacea olivacea), 

 also of Cuba, is similar to the preceding species, but lacks 

 the yellow crescent, this color being confined to a streak 

 through the eye and a patch on the throat. The Mexican 

 form (T. 0. pusilla) is distinguished by the extension of the 

 black from the chest over the abdomen. 



When first imported, the Grassquits are exceedingly deli- 

 cate, but once established are very hardy. They are harm- 

 less but active little birds, and the pleasant song of the 

 male is an added attraction. Grassquits breed freely in 

 avaries, building a domed nest after' the fashion of Wax- 

 bills, or taking advantage of an artificial receptacle. 



The Cardinals are large, vigorous birds, many of which 

 are brightly colored. The commonest species in captivity 

 with us is the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria cucullata), 

 of southern South America. This is dark gray above and 

 white below. The . strongly crested head, as well as the 

 cheeks and throat, are bright red. It makes an engaging 

 cage bird, as it lives well and becomes fairly tame. The 

 song is not especially pleasing, but at least is cheerful. It 

 has rather a bad i-eputation for spitefulness, and should 



