MENTAL POWERS OF BIRDS. 
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super-excellent individuals being generally the largest and 
most richly attired males. 
Curious instances of what might be called instinctive bene- 
volence are displayed by the young of many sorts of birds. I 
have frequently noticed, when rearing individuals of the 
Migratory Thrush of North America, that when it so happened 
an unfledged bird was placed along with another just taught to 
feed itself, there was always a strong disposition on the part of 
the latter to become the foster parent ; and so assiduous was it 
in feeding its younger relative, that I had to separate them, when 
the elder became quite disconsolate, and would hop from perch to 
perch for hours with a worm in its bill, its plumage ruffled, 
and evincing by plaintive calls that the separation was painful. 
Every “ bird-nester ” knows the parental affection of the chaf- 
finch, and the desperate attempts of many birds to distract his 
attention when in the immediate proximity of the nest. The 
little ruby-throated humming-bird of Canada affords a good 
example of simulation. When captured, it feigns death by 
shutting its eyes and remaining quite motionless, then suddenly 
it will make a vigorous attempt to escape. 
Social instincts are very strong in many sorts of birds, and 
there is much variety, some evincing remarkable affection for 
each other. There are several species of Bee-eaters — the little 
love-birds, and others — so fondly attached, that they huddle 
together on the same branch, and are utterly disconsolate when 
separated. Many birds, such as bullfinches and parrots, display 
in captitity remarkable sociability by demonstrations of satis- 
faction when a person enters the room, and cries of regret when 
left alone. Certain species of eagles and smaller birds pair for 
years in succession. Timidity among birds has nothing to do 
with size. Many of the largest show little courage, perhaps 
for the reason that they are rarely called on to exercise it. The 
rivalry of males at the breeding season, no doubt, develops 
bravery, which becomes established in the individual who 
proves himself the victor in battle, whilst even the vanquished 
learn to estimate its value. Among small birds few display 
greater courage when attacked than the Blue Titmouse, whilst 
warblers are generally very timid. Many gallinaceous birds are 
very combative, whilst water birds, except the Kuff and a few 
more, are, as a rule, rather pusillanimous. 
The mental qualities of birds are progressive, as shown by 
the small amount of intelligence of the young bird. They soon, 
however, learn to avoid danger. Bird-catchers and Canadian 
trappers have informed me, that a bird which has escaped a 
lime twig, and the mink and sables who have chanced to 
get out of the trap, manage by certain means to make their 
misadventures known to others of their own species. This is 
