216 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



the plumage albescent ashy, with conspicuous white cheek spots; a 

 white variety is also common. 



Hab. — Java, Sumatra, Malacca, Lombock, the Philippines, and 

 southern provinces of China. 



Length of life in captivity. 



About six years ; but it is difficult, where a number of small birds 

 of the same species, acquired at different times, are kept, to determine 

 individual identity. 



Treatment in health. 



With regard to housing and feeding, the Java sparrow may be 

 treated like the munia, but as it is a hardy bird, capable of holding its 

 own with others, it may also be kept in a large aviary. 



(73) THE BLACK-TAILED GEOSBEAK. 



(CKOCCOTHRAUSTES MELANUKUS— {Swinh.) ) 



Description, — The total length of the bird is about 9 inches, bill 

 stout, conical, and of a yellow colour with greenish apex ; head, neck, and 

 chin black ; the prevailing colour of the upper plumage greyish-brown ; 

 chest whitish-grey ; abdomen yellowish-brown ; wing black with white 

 tips ; tail black and forked. 



Hab. — Common in Central and Southern China. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 About three years and more. 



(74) THE EOSE-BEEASTED GEOSBEAK. 



(HEDYMELES LUDOVICIANUS— (Linn.) ) 



Prevailing colour of the plumage greyish-brown or black, head 

 and neck, black ; breast rose-coloured ; total length about 10 inches. 

 Hab. — North America. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 About thirteen months. 



(75) THE CAEDINAL GEOSBEAK. 

 (CARDINALIS YIRGINIANUS— (Ms.) ) 



Of a bright red colour, subcrested ; total length about 10 inches ; 

 a black band across the forehead and throat. 



Hab. — Extends from the Southern United States through Mexico 

 to Yactan and Belize. 



