350 



British Cage Birds. 



not so vivid and prominent as those of the mature male. 

 In the hen, the back is not of that beautiful Siskin green 

 colour present in the cock, but more of an ashen grey ; 

 the stripe of blue on the abdomen, also, is less distinct, 

 and in young birds scarcely perceptible. 



Song. — The song of the Blue Tit is meagre and insigni- 

 ficant, and by no means symphonious. 



Points to be Observed in JuDGiNa. — Select a strong, 

 lively bird, with close, tight-fitting plumage. It should be soft 

 and silky in appearance, brilliant in body colours, and have 

 distinct and well-defined face and throat markings, a rich, 

 clear blue cap, very white cheeks, and a vividly coloured 

 back, breast, wings, and tail. The toes and nails must be 

 perfect in form, and the exhibit tame and tractable, and free 

 from dirt and damaged feathers. 



General Remarks. — The Blue Tit should be shown in an 

 open wired cage, not too large, and closely wired with fine 

 wire. A two or three-year-old bird is best for exhibition, it 

 being then more resplendent and perfect in the various colours 

 of its plumage. A show bird should not be given too many 

 dainties ; make it tame and familiar by frequent handling, 

 and feeding at intervals. Do not leave a constant supply of 

 food and water in the cage until the bird becomes thoroughly 

 domesticated, and free with strangers. Wild birds, as a rule, 

 are not successful on the show bench. 



Blue Tits are best kept in a small aviary by themselves, 

 and supplied with an abundance of clean sand and fresh water. 

 They are mischievous and quarrelsome with birds alien in 

 species. They will breed in out-of-door aviaries, under favour- 

 able conditions. A few cocoanut shells, hollowed out, and 

 with a small round hole in the side, hung inside the aviary, 

 for the birds to roost in at night, is very commendable. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Blue Titmouse is 

 subject to the same complaints as the Great Titmouse, and the 

 treatment recommended for the latter bird must be observed 

 with regard to this one. 



