The Tiufoiis-bellird Xilitiva 
If suddenly i'rig-litened or excited, the cock utters a 
harsh, loud, grating cry, which is almost a cackle; the hen 
never did this. , 
They love bathing, and in summer time the cock often 
had as many as six dips a day. 
They are exquisite birds and the blue on the cock's 
head shines beautifully in the sun. I also noticed that 
he used to raise these feathers when excited, much after 
the style of a Mesia. The hen opens her tail like a fan and 
jerks it up and down much more than the cock; in fact this 
movement seems to correspond with the cock raising his crest 
and cackling when excited. 
I think they are very hardy, especially for Flycatchers, 
though they do not like damp and fog : but, what bird does ? 
To my great disappointment I lost the cock in 
December, but was fortunate enough to secure another 
from a member. Though the new one is in (iuite good 
condition and plumage, and was exhibited at the recent 
L.C.B.A. Show, yet he is not nearly so bold a bird as the one 
already described, and lets the hen drive him rouml the cage 
(G x 2 X 2ft.), which they have both occupied since Decem- 
ber 28th. Previous to this the hen was out m an aviary, 
and although she seemed perfectly well and in excellent con- 
dition, I did not cave to leave her out after losing the cock. 
The old cock died very suddenly, seeming per 
fectly well just before, and it was a discouraging loss, Init 
I think that the new one may do better, for the old one used 
to bully the hen at times. 
It is very noticeable how much tamer cocks become 
than hens, oi- at any rate than my hen. The cocks have always 
.come on my hand for a mealworm, while I have never suc- 
ceeded in getting the hen nearer than my feet. 
They adore mealworms, and would do almost anything 
to get one, but besides tliese I supply live ants' eggs, insectile 
mixture, fruit (chiefly orange), bread and milk (containing 
barley water), and boiled water. As our tap water is so 
chalky it is always boiled before being supplied to the birds. 
