322 



British Cage Birds. 



likewise be given them. They are particularly fond of small 

 beetles, earwigs, butterflies, and insects of most kinds, and, if these 

 are freely supplied, will become cheerful and contented, and sing 

 with more freedom. Mealworms are, likewise, a favourite diet. 

 Many people take a great interest in these birds, as they be- 

 come very docile and tractable when well cared for ; they are 

 rather quaint-looking, as the eye markings give them a sort of 

 froggy appearance about the head. Male birds may be pur- 

 chased of professional birdcatchers for about Is. 6d. each. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Whinchats are subject to 

 cramp and diarrhoea, and, if not kept well supplied with small 

 gravel and insect food, die of atrophy. For treatment in case 

 of illness, see Chapter V., on " Diseases." 



