The Spotted Fly-catcher. 339 



shade smaller in size, less vivid in the colours of their plumage, 

 and more effeminate in appearance. 



Song. — These birds do not sing ; they simply twitter. 



Points to be Observed in JuDOiNa. — Spotted Fly-catchers 

 are not adapted by Nature for show birds, and never thrive 

 when confined in cages. 



General Remarks. — These birds are comely in appearance, 

 and of a lively disposition when once they become tame, but 

 are dijGEcult to keep in good health in a state of domestication. 

 Newly-caught birds of this species rarely live long, unless 

 taken when young. Those that are reared by hand thrive 

 much better than older birds that have been captured, as 

 they feel the change less. They are, however, rather difficult 

 both to rear and moult, and great care and attention is 

 necessary, in either case, to obtain successful results. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The moult is a precarious 

 period in the lives of these birds. At this time they require 

 special attention, and a plentiful suppl}'- of insect food. They are 

 most liable to consumption, the result of artificial feeding. 



