164 Nesting Notes on the Yelloiv-billed Cardinal. 
Nesting Notes on the Yellow-billed Cardinal 
( Paroaria capitata) 
By Capt. G. E. Ratttgan, F.Z.S. 
As mentioned in the June issue of B.N. these birds came 
to me througli a lucky chance. They spent the first two months 
in one of the enclosures of what I have termed the " Barn 
Aviaries." These consist of large flights loft. x 5ft. x 7ft., 
planned and constructed like all save one of my othi'r aviaries, 
by our most versatile and industrious hon. editor. During 
their stay in this enclosure they took little, if any, notice of each 
other, and always went to roost in different extreme corners, 
so that, although I could detect some small difference between 
them, I began, nevertheless, to fear that they might prove co 
be of the same sex. However, on the 24th March I turned out 
what, as it transpired later, I rightly took to be the hen, into 
one of mv outside enclosures. For two days I allowed her 
to liave the run of the aviary all to herself, and then turned in 
the second bird. 1 had no sooner done this than to my intense 
relief and satisfaction all doubts as to their being a true pair 
were very quickly banished. The newcomer paired almost at 
once, and within a few hours both birds were very obviously 
ejigaged in seeking out a desirable site for their future nursery. 
They were allowed a three days' honeymoon all to themselves, 
and T then turned in a pair of Pope Cardinals. Unhappily the 
cock Pope began at once to make himself a thorough nuisance. 
Me deserted his own poor wife in the most flagrant manner, 
and proceeded to pester the hen Yellow-bill with his most 
unwelcome attentions. He followed her everywhere, and did 
hi-; utmost to murder her mate. Hoping to take some of the 
bounce and assurance out of this bird, on the following day I 
introduced a pair of Red-crested Cardinals. This move proved 
very successful for a time initil, in fact, the Red-crests were 
burdened with the cares of a family and could spare no time or 
interest for any outside matter. Meanwhile, however, this 
experiment proved a great success. The cock Red-crest quite 
aFSumed the role of protector towards the little Yellow-bills, 
and any attempt at interference or annoyance on the part of 
Mr. Pope was dealt with in an altogether satisfactory manner. 
Unfortunately it was just at the time when the Yellow-bills had 
commenced to incubate that the young Red-crests hatched out. 
