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British Cage Birds. 



continuing its cry of wailing, it is a sign that its nest is not 

 far distant ; and, the nearer it is approached, the more loud 

 and pitiful will become the agonizing entreaties of the bird. 



Methods of Capture. — Ring Ouzels may be captured, after 

 the close of the breeding season, by placing nooses and springs, 

 baited with mealworms, or limed twigs, about their usual haunts. 



Food and Treatment. — These birds, in a wild state, feed 

 on insects, snails, and berries of various sorts, such as those 

 of the ivy, juniper, Butcher's Broom (gorse), and hawthorn. 

 In confinement, they should be treated in all respects the 

 same as their congener, the Blackbird. 



Rearing the Young. — Follow in every particular the 

 directions given for rearing young Blackbirds. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — In the female, 

 the crescent on the breast is russet greyish brown, and is 

 not so full and perfect as in the male. The body colour of 

 the hen, as is the case with the female Blackbird, is of a 

 dingy brownish black. Young hens are sometimes destitute 

 of the breast marking. Young unmoulted males resemble 

 adult females in colour, but may be distinguished from them 

 by the breast marking, which is, with them, more distinct, 

 and broader. 



Song. — The song of the Ring Ouzel is short, but exceedingly 

 sweet and pleasing, and very clear, distinct and melodious, 

 especially during the breeding season. It consists of few 

 notes, but these are full of harmony, and some of them are 

 equal to those of the finest songsters, not excepting the 

 Nightingale and Blackcap. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — These birds are of 

 such a timid and untractable nature, that it would be difficult 

 to sufficiently domesticate a caught bird to allow of its ex- 

 hibition ; those that are hand-reared and house-moulted are 

 alone suitable. Choose a large, well-formed bird, fine in 

 plumage, rich in colour, with a well-defined gorget, the purer 

 and whiter in colour the better. The tail and wing feathers 

 should be perfect, and tightly braced together. The bird 

 should be scrupulously clean, in sound health and prime con- 

 dition, and should have been accustomed to be handled, 

 so that it will not exhibit fear and alarm at the presence 

 of strangers, or when being minutely examined by a judge. 



General Remarks.' — Ring Ouzels are unquestionably deserv- 



