A. Sherriff—In a Hampstead Garden



235



There seems no reason why they should not have the same homing

instincts as their larger brothers.


Probably the Sibias will be left out during the winter ; the young,

of course, will be caught up. We did this successfully before, and as

they are so hardy no ill came of it. They invariably roosted in the

aviary.


A pair of East African Manikins (we are not sure which species)

built a nest in a privet hedge. Unfortunately the hen died suddenly

before any eggs were laid and the post-mortem examination showed

the oviduct full of eggs but certified the cause of death as anaemia.

A pair of the larger White-cheeked Bulbuls made some attempt to

build but have now given up all ideas of breeding. The Black-chinned

Yuhinas have now an aviary to themselves, but it is probably too late

to hope for success this year. The one young one hatched last year had

to be destroyed after three weeks, as the brain was damaged. With

reference to other birds, two Backet-tailed Drongos are in marvellous

condition. They are great friends, though as there is no outward sex

difference it is impossible to tell whether they are a pair. The most

perfect mimics, they welcome anyone to the aviary with the most

astonishing noises, anything from the “ meow ” of a cat to the song

of the Blackbird. Not long ago, the gardener took the trouble to get

a ladder to investigate the pitiful cries of a puppy which had fallen

in between the aviary and a wall. Needless to say, it was only Drongo !


They make the most charming aviary birds and are quite safe,

even with birds as small as the Yuhinas. They do well on the ordinary

insectivorous mixture, but anything from a small mouse to a grape is

appreciated. Heat is necessary in the winter and at that time of the

year a little chopped raw meat is good for them. Meal-worms are caught

in the most amazing manner and should be given in moderation.


We hope to record the successful breeding of Shamas at liberty

in the next Magazine.



