C. N. Abrahams—Experiences and Incidents in South Africa 51


Towards the end of last year we were successful in breeding a cross

between a Pin-tailed Nonpareil and Indian Spice Bird. This bird

I sent to my friend, Mr. B. Cleugh, in Johannesburg, where it caused

much comment. I believe it was exhibited in Johannesburg and Durban

with distinction and acclaimed the only such bird bred in this country.

In shape it is exactly like a Pin-tailed Nonpareil, including the pin¬

tail, but it has the sombre brown colours of the Spice Bird, except for

a pink rump and no scales on the breast. I have not tried to claim

the Society’s medal, as I understand it only applies to members in

England. Other breeding successes include African Fire Finches,

Tangarine Waxbills, Zebra Finches, Tricolour Parrot Finches, African

and Indian Silverbills, White Zebra Finches, ordinary, Long-tailed

Grass Finches, Cuban Finches, Bufus-backed Weavers, Indian Spice

Birds, Strawberry Finches, Bengalese Finches (three colours), Blue¬

breasted Waxbills, and Bedfaced Waxbills.


Melbas have nested and brought young up to the feathered stage.

Then, suddenly, they mysteriously disappeared. Others that have,

behaved in like manner are : Peter’s Spotted Waxbills, Blue-breastedl

Waxbills, and Cordon Bleus.


At time of writing three young Tri-coloured Parrot Finches, young

Long-tailed Grass Finches, and three young Cuban Finches have taken

to the perches.


All seed is supplied by means of automatic feeders of the double¬

sided hopper type. These are refilled once weekly.


Water is laid on and supplied by means of a spray, shooting the

water into the air, which falls back into a rock fountain.


It is a great treat to see the birds, in their many gorgeous colours,

bathing under the spray in the sun of a hot summer’s day.


Unusual Incidents .—In a place called Bobertson, a friend has a

Galah Parrot at large. He has the whole of Bobertson to himself.

His home is a huge oak tree in the back yard. Here he sleeps at night

and spends most of the day. Everybody in Bobertson knows him.

Periodically he disappears for a week or so and returns when his

holiday is o’er, perhaps staying at home six months before going for

another. He has no wife or other (feathered) friends, but apparently

no enemies. He has lived in Bobertson some years.



