294 



British Cage Birds. 



lier plumage, this being more particularly observable about the 

 head. 



Song. — This bird sings rather like the Fauvette. The song 

 is scarcely so agreeable, though it improves with age, or if the 

 bird be hand reared, and trained under a Blackcap or 

 Nightingale. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — The Babillard is not 

 considered sufficiently attractive for the show bench, and would 

 have a very poor chance of obtaining a prize in a mixed 

 class of British birds. Shape, colour, compactness of feathering, 

 and well-defined markings, are among the chief points to be 

 looked for. 



Genebal Eemarks. — The Babillard is a pleasing and attractive 

 little bird, and makes a nice variety for an aviary, though, on 

 account of its delicacy, it never lives long when kept with other 

 birds. Its life may be considerably prolonged by keeping it in a 

 cage, and feeding and treating it in the same manner as the 

 Nightingale. 



Diseases and theie Treatment. — These birds, being of the 

 same species as the Fauvettes, are liable to the same ailments, 

 and require the same treatment in all respects. They generally 

 die, at the moulting time, of consumption. 



