The Whinchat. 



321 



upper parts of their bodies, the feathers being edged with 

 white ; on the under part of the body they are like matured 

 females. When they moult, they may be known by the dark 

 markings on the cheeks and back. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cook and Hen. — The hen is 

 much paler in colour than the cock, and her wing markings are 

 less conspicuous. The white markings over the eyes are not 

 nearly so distinct nor so white in the female as in the male, 

 and the black markings, so noticeable on the face of the latter, 

 are altogether wanting in the hen. 



Song. — The natural song of this bird is not very impressive, 

 being rather weak ; but it is susceptible of great improvement if 

 the bird be hand-reared, and trained under good song birds. 

 The Whinchat will imitate the notes of the Goldfinch, Robin, 

 and Whitethroat. and soon picks up those of the Titlark ; if 

 kept in the company of other birds, it will imitate the notes of 

 most of them, and ultimately produce a sort of medley not at 

 all unpleasant to listen to. It sings freely during the day, in 

 the early morning, in the twilight, and also by artificial light 

 at night-time. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — A three-year-old bird 

 is the best for show purposes, as then it is in full colour, 

 and looks attractive. Select a bird rich in hue, with the 

 bordering of the feathers clear and distinct, and plainly showing 

 a striped appearance. The white markings over the eyes are a 

 distinguishing feature ; they should be well defined, and pure 

 white. The cheeks should be intensely black, and the throat 

 and breast deep and pure in tone, and rich and varied in colour. 

 The markings on the wings ought to be clear and well defined. 

 The body feathers should be close and compact, and the wings 

 and tail well and closely braced together. The bird must be 

 entirely free from the least tinge of dirt, steady on the perch, 

 and tractable. 



General Remarks, — Whinchats thrive better in cages than 

 in aviaries. They require cages similar to those recommended 

 for Nightingales. During the winter they must be kept in a 

 room warmed by means of a fire, and on frosty nights the 

 cages must be covered. These birds require insect food fre- 

 quently to keep them in good order and song, as they are rather 

 delicate. When first caught, they should be fed on crushed hemp 

 seed and bread, and a little raw, lean beef, finely shredded, should. 



Y 



