2



D. Seth-Smith—The Crimson Finch



This was in the “ Summer ” aviary, a large open aviary thickly planted

with shrubs and grass which was allowed to grow to its full perfection

and to flower and form seed, and no doubt there was ample insect life

amongst the vegetation. The “ Summer ” aviary has, alas! disappeared,

and there is no aviary now at the Zoo where success in breeding these

birds could be expected. My idea of a suitable aviary for these and many

other species of birds consists of a good-sized covered portion, well

lighted and heated in winter, communicating with a comparatively

small, open, wired enclosure which, in its turn, communicates with a

much larger wired enclosure which can be well planted and laid down

with grass. I suggested this type to our President when he was about

to build his aviary and he adopted niv plan, and most of us know how

successful the Foxwarren aviaries have been.


The old Summer ” aviary was excellent in its way, and we bred

many birds in it, but it was only suitable for summer use and there was

always a risk when birds were first put out, whereas if such an enclosure

communicates with a smaller enclosure and then a warm house, the

birds .can always return to warmer conditions should the weather

become cold in spring and early summer.


But to return to the Crimson Finch, which, by the way, is some¬

times known by the less attractive, though equally descriptive, name

of “ Blood Finch while in Australia it is sometimes given the name

of “ Pheasant Finch ” on account of its possession of a comparatively

long pointed tail. The nest is the usual domed structure common

to most of the Grass Finch tribe, built of hay, leaves, and so forth, and

lined with feathers and vegetable down. It may be built in a low

bush, or in a covered box or basket, and providing the weather is

favourable and plenty of insect food is available there should be no

great difficulty in rearing the young in an outdoor aviary. This is one

of the gems of the so-called Ornamental Finches, always keeping in

tight ” plumage and always active and engaging, and is well worth

securing when obtainable, but at the same time the fact that it can be

quarrelsome and even dangerous towards the more feeble folk must not

be lost sight of.



D. S-S.



