The Aviaries and Birds at Benha.m Valence. 
129 
done so on several occasions at tlie London Zoo and successfully 
reared the young. 
Its habits and general demeanour, when taking exercise or 
foraging for food, are very similar to those of our indigenous 
Blackbird. 
Mr. Astley's birds were fine and well marked specimens in 
exquisite plumage, with not a feather out of place. 
Blue Birds {Sialia sinlis) -. How a sight of these lovely 
birds brings back to one's memory the times when they were com- 
paratively common and to be cheaply obtained, while now, alas, if a 
few do happen to leak through, almost any price can be obtained 
for them by their fortunate possessor. They are equally appreci- 
ated in their native country. Mr. C. W. Beebe has written more 
than once : 
" That to write of these birds is like attempting to describe the face of 
" a dear friend, and that in the latitude of New York they are to be met 
" with every month in the year — that their call note has been well named 
"the " Violet of Sound." 
Several of our members have bred this species, though I never got 
farther than newly-hatched fledgelings, but it is twelve or more 
years since this species adorned my aviary. They specially appeal 
to the aviculturist, for they have great beauty (bright lazuline 
blue above and reddish chocolate below), are good songsters, 
ready to nest and readily adapt themselves to the conditions of 
aviary life. Mr. Astley's two pairs were in exquisite condition — 
a sight to feast the eyes upon. 
Orange-headed Thrush (Geoeichhi citr/ntfx) Another 
uncommon but well-known si)ecies, of great beauty and in pos- 
session of all those traits which go to make the ideal avi;iry bii'd. 
Mr. Astley's two true pairs and an odd male were fit and in beauti- 
ful feather. This species has proved long lived at the London Zoo, 
where specimens are usually to be seen in the Western Aviary. 
They are grand songsters, very tame and confiding and not diffi- 
cult to cater for — they recjuire some good insectile mixture, live 
insects and ripe fruit. 
The body plumage is orange with the wings and tail dull 
blue. 
The time should not be distant when this fine si^ecies 
should be bred in captivity, and, should consider Mr. Astley very 
likely to achieve this distinction during the jiresent season. 
Blub Cuban Mocking Thrush: Thrushes are favour- 
