The Wryneck. 



403 



natural food is difficult to obtain, and at the period of the 

 moult. During the latter period, ants and their eggs, and a 

 few small caterpillars, are absolutely necessary to their well 

 being, as the complaint from which they suffer most is 

 decline or consumption, brought about by neglect, or the 

 want of a constant change of diet. If they have been reared 

 by hand, they will eat the Compounds recommended for soft- 

 billed birds {vide pp. 189 and 190), but animal food is an 

 indispensable requisite to keep them in a good state of 

 health. They should be placed in a bright sunlight, but 

 shaded from the direct rays of the sun, in a situation free 

 from draughts of cold air, say for two or three hours together 

 during the afternoon. 



