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R. S. de Q. Quincey—Hardiness of a Humming-bird



as another odd cock came over for me in July, which I gave to a friend,

and which lived in a very exposed, and quite unheated, aviary on cold,

clay in Surrey up to the end of November, when it was killed by a rat.

It was in perfect health up to the day of its death.


A lovely pair of “ Lavendeiras ”, the Brazilian Water Tyrants ( Tqsni-

optera velata) have been out all this winter. They built a nest in

October, domed and covered with white feathers, but that had to be

discouraged. They are exquisite little birds, in coloration not unlike

our Wheatear, but with movements of a Wagtail and at times of a

Flycatcher. They and the Hummer account for most of the small

flies that get inside the aviary. They have a delicious watery chuckle,

and the cock a habit of putting his head down, drooping his wings,

and spreading his fan-shaped tail as he utters this call on some bough

or rock.


I understand that in Brazil they walk a lot on the water-lily leaves.

I wonder if those in this country would support them ? They love

skimming over water, and drink often ; they are birds I never want to

be without. I believe they are starting to build again.


In an aviary the Hooded Tanager ( Nemosia pileata atricapilla) is

a charming small Babbler-like bird, not at all tame and hating close

quarters, but beautiful in the sunlight; the cock with his inky brown

and snowy breast and his back that looks slaty-blue grey until the

sun comes out, when it seems to have shining aquamarine and pale

pink lights. The hen is very slim and neat in grey and pinkish buff.

They have rather baleful pale yellow eyes and say distinctly, “ We

prefer not to be too friendly.”


Two of the most friendly and most confiding birds here are a pair

of Olive Kernel-eaters (Pitylus viridis), stoutly built birds that look

half-way between a Grosbeak and a Saltator. The beauty of their

greenish yellow silky plumage against the dark green of a yew tree

is a sight to be remembered. They have striking blue-black beaks and

black masks, and are very amusing in their ways, but are destructive

to buds and leaves. I brought over two pairs last spring, one of which

went to Mr. Ezra. I think this was the first time they came to England.

I hope that his are as well as mine appear to be. I was told that they

are not at all easy to accustom to artificial food : they certainly would



