84 
Ficehi Imported SIprcies. 
Freely Imported Species. 
THE SILVEEBILL. 
By H. Meakin. 
The Silverbill i'? one of the most freely imported species 
of foreign birds, yet it is one of the brightest and most in- 
teresting, one of the easiest to keep and acclimatise, but at 
the same time one which has been written about probably 
less than any other. There are two species, the African 
{Aidemosyne canimis) and the Indian {A. malabaricn). Both 
are very much alike in colouring, and probably exactly so 
in habits, disposition, etc. For some occult reason, however, 
the Indian species is much le^s frequently imported than its 
African cousin, and commands a correspondingly higher price. 
In spite of this, both species are grouped together at shows 
under the heading of "Common Seedeaters," with the result 
that seldom either is exhibited. Last year a pair of A. 
maiaharica was shown by Mr. Watts, and not only captured 
the first prize, but also the hearts of all who had the good 
fortune to see them. 
Descrijyiinn : The Silverbill may be briefly described 
as a small bird, slightly longer and slimmer than the Aus- 
tralian Zebra Finch; its beak, which appears almost too big 
for the body, is of a dull grey (leaden-silver) colour; above, 
its body is tawny -grey in colour, but below it is cream — al- 
most white. The male has a sweet little song which it keeps 
up all day long, especially in the house, flapping or rather 
distending its tail with a fan -like motion all the time. The 
hen has no song, and her beak is said to be a shade narrower 
than that of her mate, but it requires a good eye and per- 
haps a "sympathetic imagination" to notice the difTerence; 
song i3 the best test of sex. The Indian species differs in 
being darker and having less markings on its back, whiter 
cheeks, and also the rump and upper tail -coverts are white. 
Neio arrivals. Newly imported specimens do not give 
anything like the trouble that Firefinches or Cordon Bleus do. 
They are generally in good condition and the males commence 
singing within an hour of being taken from their travelling 
box. This, however, is no reason why proper precautions 
should not be taken. All new arrivals should he put in cages 
away from other birds until a fortnight or three weeks has 
elapsed, when, if looking " fit " they may be allowed to mix 
