250 



British Cage Birds. 



are richer in colour. In fact, the cocks may be described 

 as jonque, the hens as mealy, a distinction which all true bird 

 fanciers will understand. The bands on the wings, and the 

 white markings on the tail, are paler in the hen bird. The 

 sex of young nestlings is most diflScult to distinguish before 

 the moult ; the largest and boldest birds generally prove 

 males. But the song is the most certain test with these 

 birds. As is the case with most of our wild birds, Titlarks 

 do not attain their full adult plumage until they are two 

 years old. 



Song. — The Titlark only sings in the open air during four 

 or five months — from March to July. In confinement, it 

 sings a little longer. The song is rather short, but very 

 agreeable, and contains some of the notes of the Skylark, 

 Thrush, Linnet, and Nightingale. It repeats the notes 

 " Weet, weet, weet," Chew, chew, chew," and Feu-u, 

 feu-u," which are considered some of the choicest notes of 

 the Linnet. It also frequently repeats the Tzid, Tzid," of 

 the Thrush. It sings much after the manner of the Canary. 

 When singing, the tail is moved up and down like that of a 

 Wagtail. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — The male Titlark 

 is well adapted for show purposes, as he is a sleek, finely- 

 feathered bird, very cleanly in his habits, and perhaps the 

 handsomest representative of the Lark family. Choose a 

 frank, lively, well-shaped bird, one bright and clear in colours, 

 distinctly mottled, and with wings and tail perfect in feathers, 

 and well carried. A show specimen must have well-formed 

 feet and claws, and should be sent to the exhibition entirely 

 free from dirt. 



Geneeal Eemaeks. — Titlarks thrive well in an aviary, but, 

 when kept for song purposes, are best placed in cages. They 

 will learn the song of the Canary or Linnet if reared with, 

 and kept in the presence of, either of these birds. They are 

 very restless at the regular periods of migration, and fly 

 about the cage or aviary in an excited, almost frantic, manner, 

 repeating their call notes lustily, night and day, for ten or 

 twelve days. At this time, if possible, they should be trans- 

 ferred to an out-of-door aviary. Titlarks moult twice a year, 

 as most migratory birds do. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Titlark is not a 



