Major M. S. Aldham—Breeding of Cinnamon-breasted Rock Buntings 311


to do so. This time six eggs were laid, five of which were hatched and

reared. Again all perfect specimens, and we thus finished the breeding

season with thirteen young from two pairs ! It might be mentioned

that No. 2 cock was never observed to feed the young, although he fed

his mate.


It is interesting to note that in the case of both pairs, the cocks were

allowed to remain in the breeding cage during the entire period of

incubation and the rearing of the young which only goes to show that

in aviculture, as with so many other things, one cannot lay down hard

and fast rules. A friend who has been less fortunate with his cock

Alexandras, recently told the writer “ to wait and see ”, so it will be

interesting to await events this season (they have just started to lay)

and see whether any of our cocks which were so well-behaved last year,

turn murderers this year.


Our Queen Alexandra’s Parrakeets are given the following grain

mixture : 3 parts canary seed, 1J parts sunflower, 1 part white millet,

and half parts each of hulled oats and of hemp. Apple is always

provided, and green food as well in the shape of lettuce, thistle tops,

seeding grasses, and silver beet : in the latter only the stem is

consumed.



THE BREEDING OF CINNAMON-BREASTED

ROCK BUNTINGS


(Fringillaria tahapisi)


By Major M. S. Aldham


This pair, described as Nyasaland Rock Buntings, was given to me

late in the season of 1936, having been privately imported from Nyasa¬

land. Before I go any further, I should like to say how indebted I am

to Dr. Hopkinson for his assistance in identifying the species. Eventu¬

ally the adult pair was sent to him, and he pronounced them definitely

F. tahapisi.


According to Shelley ( The Birds of Africa , vol. iii), F. striolata is

similar, but differs in having a white chin and crop. F. septemstriata

is also similar, but distinguished by having a uniform patch of cinanmon



