<Chap. XI Y/ 
TASTE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL. 
Ill 
out of jealousy, and sometimes as a sign of kinship. 
Thus he turned a reed-bunting {Emberim schoeniculus), 
which had acquired its black head, into his aviary, 
and the new-comer was not noticed by any bird, except 
by a bullfinch, which is likewise black-headed. This 
bullfinch was a very quiet bird, and had never before 
quarrelled with any of its comrades, including another 
reed-bunting, which had not as yet become black- 
headed : but the reed-bunting with a black head was 
so unmercifully treated, that it had to be removed. 
Mr. Weir was also obliged to turn out a robin, as it 
fiercely attacked all birds with any red in their plu- 
mage, but no other kinds; it actually killed a red- 
breasted crossbill, and nearly killed a goldfinch. On 
the other hand, he has observed that some birds, when 
first introduced into his aviary, fly towards the species 
which resemble them most in colour, and settle by 
their sides. 
As male birds display with so much care their fine 
plumage and other ornaments in the presence of the 
females, it is obviously probable that these appreciate 
the beauty of their suitors. It is, however, difficult to 
obtain direct evidence of their capacity to appreciate 
beauty. When birds gaze at themselves in a looking- 
glass (of which many instances have been recorded) we 
cannot feel sure that it is not from jealousy at a sup- 
posed rival, though this is not the conclusion of some 
observers. In other cases it is difficult to distinguish 
between mere curiosity and admiration. It is perhaps 
the former feeling which, as stated by Lord Lilford,^^ 
attracts the Euff strongly towards any bright object, 
so that, in the Ionian Islands, it will dart down to a 
‘^^bright-coloured handkerchief, regardless of repeated 
14 i yo]^ I 860 , p. 344. 
