The Pied Fly-catcher. 



341 



loosely made of small roots, husks, grass, moss, and hair, or 

 similar materials. The hen lays from four to seven eggs, of a 

 uniform pale greyish blue colour, and incubates fourteen days. 

 The young are fed at very short intervals by their parents, 

 who display great assiduity in attending to their wants. 



Methods of Capture. — The same as adopted for the Spotted 

 Fly-catcher {vide, Chapter LV.). 



Food and Treatment. — Feed and treat these birds in the 

 manner recommended for the Spotted Fly-catcher. 



Bearing the Young. — Treat in all respects the same as for 

 the young of the Spotted Fly-catcher {vide Chapter LV.). 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 brown in colour where the male is black, and is entirely 

 destitute of the white spot which adorns the forehead of the 

 latter ; the white on the wings, also, is duller and greyer, and 

 the under parts are dusky white. 



Song. — These birds make a pleasant, twittering noise, but 

 it can hardly be designated a song. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Pied Fly-catchers are 

 scarcely adapted by Nature for exhibition, as they require 

 more attention, with regard to diet, than they would be likely 

 to get at a show. When used for this purpose, however, the 

 points most desirable are good shape, close, compact feathering, 

 rich clear colours, a well-formed white spot on the forehead, 

 and distinct and even markings. The wings, tail, feet, and 

 claws, must be in good order. Condition and cleanliness are 

 highly essential points. 



General Remarks. — Pied Fly-catchers make pretty and 

 attractive aviary birds, but are not suitable for cages. They are 

 delicate, and require a considerable amount of attention to keep 

 in good condition and health; an abundance of insect food 

 should be supplied daily. The lively and graceful motions of 

 these birds are very much admired. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — These birds are very 

 difficult to moult, and require special attention at this period of 

 their existence. They must be supplied with insect food in 

 variety, ants' eggs, and hard-boiled fowls' egg, chopped fine or 

 grated. They are subject to consumption, and almost invari- 

 ably die from this complaint. For treatment of other ailments, 

 see Chapter V., on ''Diseases." 



