402 



British Cage Birds. 



in the cage, or some hard-boiled egg, chopped fine, and made 

 into a moist paste with breadcrumbs. Keep the birds in a 

 large box cage, arranged for their especial use, in a dry, 

 warm room, but not too hot, until they are fully fledged. As 

 soon as they are capable of providing for themselves, they 

 may be treated as adult birds. It is better to keep them in 

 cages than in aviaries. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cook and Hen. — The female is 

 a trifle smaller than the male, and paler in the hues of her 

 plumage, especially on the under parts of the body ; her 

 markings, also, are not so clearly defined, or exquisite in 

 appearance. 



Song. — The Wryneck is destitute of a song, but makes a 

 loud, chirping noise. Its call notes are " Gui, gui" and 

 Peup, peup." 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Select a fine, healthy 

 specimen, bright and clear in colour, close and compact in 

 its feathers, with well-defined markings and perfectly-formed 

 wings and tail. The bird must be in prime condition, free 

 from dirt, and tame. 



General Remarks. — The greatest attraction about the Wry- 

 neck is its beautiful plumage ; its singular behaviour is an 

 additional charm to many of its admirers. If two or three 

 are kept together, they will be found to prosper best in an 

 outdoor aviary, and to thrive well when kept apart from birds 

 of different species. These birds are lively, and at times 

 mirthful, and if a moderate-sized tree can conveniently be 

 introduced into the aviary, much amusement will be afforded 

 by the antics of the birds, as they frequently chase each 

 other in playfulness, leaping and bounding from branch to 

 hranch in a sportive manner. If a quantity of ants' eggs be 

 secreted in the interstices between the boards forming the 

 aviary, in a chink or cranny in the wall, or in any similar 

 place, it will afford pleasure to the birds and amusement to 

 those who watch their movements, for they display much 

 ingenuity and dexterity in finding and catching the insects. 

 Wrynecks in form and habit closely resemble Woodpeckers, 

 but never associate with these birds, and appear to form a 

 distinct genus. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Wrynecks are not deli- 

 cate birds ; they suffer most during the winter, when their 



