R. James—Breeding British Birds



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mistakes for facts. I would be the first to admit that the author of

Breeding Records cannot afford to be incautious, and do not know of

a more cautious and capable man in that particular direction. Even

so, I venture to suggest, a more malicious pretender or wiseacre might

well have been given as an example rather than the man who will

offer aviary-bred birds for sale at 9s. per dozen.


I have not been so fortunate as to meet a fancier who claims to

have bred Nightingales, but have been fortunate enough to meet such

a one capable of doing so.


I have, however, investigated more absurd claims, and am willing to

admit having enjoyed such experiences, and regard such experiences

as part of my incomplete education. The ideal record suggested by

Dr. Hopkinson should be possible with a little well-deserved co-operation

from other fanciers.


Most of our popular Finches have been bred and, in many instances,

have been bred from captive-bred birds. One must hesitate to offer

details for an ideal record unless other breeders involved will give

an authenticated report of their co-operation. At the moment I may,

however, state Chaffinches have been bred in my aviary into the third

generation, but have never succeeded in rearing a full brood. A pair

of Goldfinches bred by myself in 1937 went to nest in the aviary of

Mr. A. E. P. Conant in 1938. The young in this instance were not

reared because the aviary was too crowded.


This seems a fitting opportunity to remark that breeding results

must be poor if Zebra Finches are kept with other breeding pairs.

With regard to the four questions, which if answered would help

towards an ideal record, we must bear in mind that no claim could be

of any real value or help unless duly authenticated and particulars

given. Therefore I must be content to state : “ I have bred dozens of

Goldfinches, and many of these birds are still living in the aviaries of

other fanciers, and if they have not reared young themselves, then

their present owners are more likely to be at fault than are the birds.”


Goldfinches invariably rear full broods and the chicks uniform as

to size. Details with regard to the breeding of Buntings, Warblers,

Flycatchers, and Waders would seem to be most unsatisfactory, and

therefore there is scope for the maker of history. My own activities



