332 



British Ca^e Birds. 



likewise eat hard-boiled egg, chopped fine, and mixed with 

 white breadcrumbs. 



Rearing the Young. — The young birds should be treated 

 in all respects the same as the young of the Pied Wagtail. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 destitute of the black throat present in the male bird, and may 

 easily be distinguished. As is the case with females of most 

 varieties of birds, she is paler in colour than the cock. The 

 throat of the hen is a sort of tawny or reddish yellow colour. 



Song. — The song of the Grey Wagtail is very circumscribed ; 

 it consists of very few notes, and has little variety. The voice 

 is clear, and its tone not at all displeasing. 



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

 is probably the most perfect in markings and richest in colour, 

 and, consequently, best adapted for the show bench. Choose a 

 bird with a good bluish grey back and a jet black throat. 

 Birds of one and two years old frequently have white spots mixed 

 with the black which forms the gorget ; this is objectionable. 

 The white face markings should be distinct, the wings and tail 

 intense in hue, and the rump, breast, and belly, of a beautiful 

 vivid yellow ; all the feathers ought to be smooth and compact, 

 and tight-fitting to the body, the tail and wing feathers being 

 closely braced together. The exhibit must be perfectly clean, 

 in good condition, plump, and lively, and the picture of health. 

 It is useless to exhibit a bird with broken or damaged plumage, 

 or one out of condition. 



General Remarks. — The Grey Wagtail is greatly and justly 

 admired. It is peaceful, and unpretentious in its habits and 

 bearing. When hand-reared, it becomes tame and tractable, 

 but is never so confiding or daring in its disposition and 

 demeanour as the Pied variety. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The same careful atten- 

 tion and treatment should be given to this as to the Pied 

 variety, as it is subject to the same ailments. 



