22,2 The P.)idurancc of Birds. 
is so similar to acnticaiida I will refrain from further details. 
It also, is a native of Australia. 
Saffron Fixch (Sycalis favcoJa). A beautiful but 
pugnacious species which however. I have succeeded in keeping 
in roomy aviaries without mishap, though it is a confirmed 
bully, and leading any bird of similar colouration to itself, that 
is weaker or less courageous, a sad life, if it does not slaughter 
it- My pairs, except one male, have proved the exception to 
the rule, and have lived in fairish amity with the other occupants 
so long as its preserves were not intruded upon. The male 
referred to above took exception to a cock Green Singingfincli 
which also is notoriously pugnacious; for two or three years 
a state of active warfare went on, during which Mr. Saffron got 
several severe thrashings and looked very sorry for himself for 
some time afterwards; he. however, was the stronger bird, and 
eventually I picked up the body of the (Ireen Singingfincli sadly 
disfigured. 
There is no doubt about its beauty, but " handsome is as 
.handsome does." and the Saffron Finch sliould only be intro- 
duced with caution. In some aviaries this species has " gone 
for " any of the birds not too large for it. whatever their colour, 
and were simply brutes and murderers. 
However, in aviaries where there is plenty of space and 
cover it may be included, and some pairs at any rate will " live 
and let live." Of course observation must be kept, and if they 
begin any attacking had best be removed at once and placed 
cither in the large birds" enclosure or with such birds as 
Budgerigars. It is a fairly free breeder, but must have alnmd- 
ance of live-food when rearing" young. 
It is a native of South America. 
Pklzelx's S\ffron Finch (S. pclcchii). This is a 
smaller species than flai'cola and not so brightly coloured. It 
is a free breeder and of an amiable disposition. I need not j^o 
into details, as e.xcept for the stated qualifications, these are 
same as apply to fa7'C(>Ia\ this remark also applies to the follow- 
ing species. 
'S'Kij.owrsii Fixcii f'.S". ari'ciisis). A somewhat som- 
brely coloured l)ird of the Limiet type but larger. Though 
