The Tree Sparrow. 



after they have emerged from the parental roof. The young 

 birds generally return, evidently at the instigation of their 

 parents, to roost at nights in the tree wherein they were 

 born. The Tree Sparrow has two broods in the year. 



Methods of Captuee. — In the autumn, these birds may be 

 taken with limed sticks ; clear a piece of ground, and bait 

 with wheat or groats. They can likewise be taken in the day 

 net, in winter time, or with the sieve, in the neighbourhood 

 of farm buildings, where they congregate, during boisterous 

 and cold weather, for food and shelter. 



Food and Teeatment. — In the wild state, these birds feed 

 chiefly on insects and wild seeds of various kinds, grains, 

 fruit, and berries. In confinement, they will eat almost any- 

 thing, for they are exceedingly hardy, in this respect resembling 

 the House Sparrow. 



Reaeing the Young. — The young of this variety may be 

 reared and treated in all respects the same as their congener, 

 the House Sparrow. 



Distinguishing Maeks of Cock and Hen. — The hen is 

 altogether paler in colour than the cock, and does not 

 possess the black throat and spots on the face or ears, which 

 are so conspicuous and pleasing a feature in the male. 



Song. — The song of the Tree Sparrow consists of a some- 

 what monotonous chirrup, intermixed with a few shrill, harsh 

 notes, repeated in a low, unmusical voice, not very dis- 

 similar in some respects to the excruciating chirp and yap 

 of the House Sparrow. The song is continued for two or 

 three minutes together; there are a few — perhaps four or 

 five — not unpleasant notes in an overture, otherwise it would 

 be execrable. 



Points to be Obseeved in Judging. — The Tree Sparrow 

 is scarcely handsome enough for a show bird. Select a well- 

 formed male, close and compact in feather ; the head rich 

 and bright in colour, the throat and ear markings very 

 black ; the face, ring round neck, and breast, silvery greyish 

 white ; the body feathers clear and brilliant in hue ; tail and 

 wings well formed, and tight to the body ; no broken or 

 twisted feathers. Condition and cleanliness highly essential. 



Geneeal Remaeks. — These birds are not valuable, 

 although rare. They do well to give variety in an aviary 

 of mixed birds. They will breed, under ordinary conditions, 



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