THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A . K OFOID AND
M RS . PRUDEN CE W. K OFOID
B Y THE SAM E AUTHOR .
- r . s . 2 8 Crown 8 v0 , Pap er Co ve R .
HOW TO K NOW TH E I ND I A N DUC K S .
- C n P o r . R s . 3 8 . row 8 110 , ap er C ve
H OW TO K NOW TH E INDIAN WA DE RS .
- l P r Co ver . R e . 1 1 2 . I lu strated , Cro wn 8 v o , ap e
TH E BIR DS OF CA LCUTTA .
- P r r R . 1 6. I llustrated , 'uarto , ap e Cove . e
FANCY PHE AS AN TS THE IR A LLIE S .
- h . R s 2 1 . I llustra ted , 'uarto . Clo t 0
F A N C Y WA TE RFOWL .
I K TH ACK E R S P N CO . , ,
CAL CUT TA a SI M LA.
GARDEN AND AV IARY BIRDS
OF INDIA
R F ANK F I NN B . A . , ,
WITH S E V E N F ULL - PAG E ILL UST R ATIONS
S E C O N D E D IT IO N
CALC UT T A THA E C K R , SPINK AND CO CALC UTTA
PRI NTED BY T RAC KER , S PINK AND 00 O M Y FRI D T EN ,
R A T R B S A NYA L B H UR . . , A AD ,
S u erintende nt o the Calcutta Z oo p f ,
I DE DIC A TE TH IS BOOK .
M3 6 6 ’ 7 9 ‘ 1
R P EFACE .
AN GL o -INDIAN reade rs o f t h e pre sent Work w ill
e birds e e e - e notic that of pr y , wad rs , gam birds and wat r
e e e e e e e fowls hav b n omitt d th r from , although som spe cie s o f the se— such as t h e kit e — are among t h e very commone st birds of t h e East ; but this was done owing
e a e e e re e e to e xigenci s of sp c , which comp ll d g at r att n ” I tion to some of t h e small birds . n dealing with
e e e e e e e e a e th s , also , I hav nd avour d , wh r choic had to be e ea as a e e e mad , to d l with m ny diff r nt groups as possibl ,
“ r e r e a e e o ne ath r than to pa ticulariz m ny sp ci s in group , in t h e hope of making t h e book serviceable as an intro duction to t h e study of. t h e ornithology o f our East ern ir Emp e . Th e same considerations have guide d me in t h e
u a a o f th e ere a e e ea e avic ltur l p rt work , wh in I h v nd vour d to me et t h e re quire me nts of t h e b e ginne r in bird- kee ping by indicating those specie s which are most e asily obtain e d
Th e e o f e - and ke pt . nam s import d cage birds are dis t inguish e d by an aste risk in th e le tte r press and by Italics C in t h e List of ontents .
F. FINN.
D 1 91 5 LON ON, .
C NTE N O TS .
H T PAGE . C AP ER .
CLAS SI F I CATI ON AND Book s o r R EF ERENCE
PASSERI NE BI RDS— HE CR o w s BABBLERS AND T , , B ULBULS 8 - 30 Chara ct e ristics o f Passe rine Bird- Th e Cro ws Co mmo n Indian Magpie — Re d - bille d Blue
—~ - — Magpie Black he ade d Jay— Th e Tits Ye l — lo w -che cke d Tit — Indian Gre y Tit Th e — — Ba bble rs Sat - bhai Stre ake d L aughing — ~ Thrush White -cre ste d L aughing - Thrush Pe ko o r Chine se Mo cking Bird— Black -he ade d Sibia - L i o thrix o r Pe kin R o bin —BIue -Winge d — Siva- Io ra Ye llo w -e ye d B abble r - White — e ye o r Spe ctacle Bird— Th e B ulbuIs Re d fl ve nte d Bulbul R e d -w hiske re d Bulbul
— - Black -cre ste d Ye llo w Bulbul White che e ke d
— - Bulbul— White -e are d Bulbul GoId fro nte d
Gre e n B ulbul .
PAS S ERI NE BIRDS — SHR1 K E S M YN AHS , , ORI L E TC 3 1 55 O ES . ,
— - — - Th e Dro ngo s K ing Cro w Bh imraj Th e War — — - h le rs Tailo r - Bird Th e Shrike s Bro wn — Shrike Minive t -Pip lng C ro w -S hrike o r
— -‘ Australian M agp ie— Th e Ori o le s Black i he ade d Orio le — Indian Golde n Ori o le o r
- — Mang o Bird Th e Starlings o r Mynahs — Ho use Mynah Bank Mynah- Jungle Mynah - — — Pie d Mynah Brah miny Mynah Gre y he a e d M na — H na d y h ill My h . C O NTENTS .
C HA T F ER . PAGE .
PA I BI s co nt — - A H R SSER NE RD d . F L Y C T E S C ,
HR SHES ET . — T U , C 5 6 7 4
l - — - - Th e F y cat che rs Paradise F Iy cat che r Fantail — FIy -cat che r Ve rdite r Fly c atche r- Black — nape d Fly c atche r Th e Thrushe s— Himal ayan
- — Whistli ng Thrush Gre y - Winge d Blackbird Orange -he ade d Gro und - Thrush -Dh ayal o r
- — — Magpie R o bi n Shama Co mmo n Indian o n— n a e R bi Nighti g l .
PASSERINE B IR D s — TH E F I N HES C , s S BI T Sw AL L o w N RDS E . 7 5 1 22 , U , C — ~ Th e Finche s Indian We ave r Bird M adagas car Wea ver — Paradts e Whydah — J ava Sp arro w , — Nut me g Bird— S harp -ta ile d Munia Z ebra ' F lnc h— Avadavat — Tre e Sparro w -Canary Himal ayan Siskin— Gold F tnch— Red -c rested C ardinal— Th e S w allo w s— Ho use S wall o w — Wire - t aile d Sw allo w - St riat e d S wallo w Th e fi — Wag t ails L arge - pie d Wagtail Gre y Wagtail — Th e L arks - Cre ste d L ark— Th e Sun birds
— - Purple H o ne y -sucke r Ye ll o w bre aste d Ho ne y sucke r - Th e Fl o w e r -pe cke rs -Scarle t - backe d Fl o w e r -pe cke r— Th e Pitt as— Be ngal Pitta
V ARI OUS ON - PASSERI NE BI RDs - W n-PECK EE S N oo ,
- BARBETS C K OOS ET . 1 23 1 54 , UC , C Th e Wo o dpe cke rs— G o lde n - backe d Wo o dpe cke r — fi — Th e Barbe t s Co ppe rs mit h Blue -thro ate d B arbe t— Th e R o lle rs— Indi an R o lle r o r Blue — — Jay Burme se R o lle r— Th e Be e -e at e rs Gre e n
- — Be e e a e Th e K in fish e rs— h ite b re ast e d t r g W
K in fih r— - g s e Th e Ho o p o e s Euro pe an Ho o po e — Indian Ho o p o e — Th e Sw ifts— Ho use Swift — ~ Palm Sw ift Th e Nightj ars —Co mm o n Indian
— — - Nightjar— Th e Cucko o s K o e l Brai n fe ve r - o - e a an Bird Cr w Ph s t . C ONTENTS .
CHAPTER . PAGE
I H E P R T AN D E N — V I . T AR O S PI G O s 1 55 1 8 3 Th e Parro t Orde r Ge ne rally - Typical Parro ts Ring - ne cke d Parake e t — Plum -he ade d Para — — — ~ ~ ke e t Ros ella Budge rig ar Th e L o ries F or ’ s ten s L o rikeet— Harleq uin L orikeet— Th e ~ C o c katoo s Co ckatiel Th e Pige o n s —Tarne — — Ring - Do ve Wild R ing -Do ve R e d Do ve — — Spo t t e d Do ve L it t le Bro w n Do ve Bro nz e w ing Do ve —C re sted D ore— B arrial o r Gre e n e n Pig o .
‘ M ANAGEM ENT OF CAr TI VE BIR Ds 1 8 4
— Aviarie s -M o ve a ble Ve randa h Cage s Cage s fo r — — Single Bird s Pe rche s Ne sting Place s — Cle aning— F e e ding a nd Drinking - ve sse ls F o o d and Wa e — G t L e and Sa - R e a n t r ri , im lt ri g Yo ung Birds— Bre e ding— T a ming Wild c aught Birds —H an dling Birds — Dise ase s and — Accide nt s— Th e Be st Bird s t o K e e p Trans o o f p rt Birds .
N o te — Name o f no t o in w d in t h e Indi s birds ccurr g il an Empir e are gi e n abo e in i a i w h e in t h e e x he y are ma e wi h an a e v v t l cs , il t t t rk d t st risk .
GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS
O F I N D I A .
R C HA PTE I .
CLASSIFICATION AND BOOKS OF RE F ERENC E .
FOR t h e e o f t h e e e purpos s pr s nt work , I shall not usually
t h e e o f sh all e e discuss various ord rs birds , but confin mys lf
a e t h e o f e e are e w e ll e e to f mili s , as limits th s v ry d fin d
e e e e e and g n rally agr d upon by ornithologists , whil with
Th e re gard to t h e orde rs hardly any two books agre e . scie ntific name s e mplo y e d will be those o f t h e bird volume s of t h e Fauna of British I ndia for Indian Birds ; while for t h e fore ign sp e cie s which I shall have occasion t o de al with I shall use those of t h e British M useum Catalog ue o s f Bird . Name s of birds not occurring wild in t h e Indian
e are e Empir mark d with an aste risk . f fi And he re a e w words on t h e subj e ct of t h e c lassi c a tory t erms e mploye d by naturalists may not be out of
e e are e . plac , as th y not always unde rstood by b e ginn rs A spec ies is a coll e ction of indiv iduals which re produce
e f w e e e e e . e o oth rs lik th ms lv s Thus , ov r most India
F , GAB 1 I I 2 GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e e e P e find numb rs of gr n arrots with long , point d tails , and if w e watch t h e dom e stic affairs of the s e w e shall
e e un e e e ve t h e e discov r that th ir yo g , as a rul , pr s r sam
e . e e e e e w e e e typ All th s birds , th r for , group as a sp ci s ,
e t h e e - e e e t h e call d in English Ros ring d Parrak t , from
t h e e t h e e e w e pink ring on n ck of male s . In som plac s
e e e e t h e e e e shall com across a small r Parrak t , of sam g n ral
e t h e e e e shap , but with h ad of a strikingly diff r nt colour from t h e body— plum - colour in t h e male and dull purple
' e e w e in t h e f mal . If e att nd to the propagation of the se w e e e e e e e shall discov r that th ir young in turn r s mbl th m ,
t h e e e e e e e e although colour d h ad tak s som tim to d v lop .
e e e e e e e t h e - e e Th s , th n , form anoth r sp ci s , call d Plum h ad d
Parrake e t .
e e e et e re e Furth r r s arch will Show us y oth r kinds , all ag
e e e e ing in g n ral shap , but diff ring slightly in proportions ,
e e e e e e and mor in colour . W group all th s tog th r as a
enus e e are t h e e g in popular languag , th y all birds of sam st le e e e e y , though ach sp ci s , or coll ction of individuals , diffe rs in ce rtain de tails which are p e culiar to it .
w e e e t h e e e If xamin Parrak ts brought from Australia , w e shall obse rve that whil e the y can be divide d up into
n e e w groups of individuals , formi g sp ci s , hich groups diff e r in colour e ve n more strikingly than our Indian
e t e e e e e e birds , y many of th m agr clos ly in c rtain d tails
e Off e e . which mark th m as anoth r group or g nus Thus ,
e are e e are e though th ir tails long and point d , th y v ry much shorte r and broade r than those o f t h e Indian
e e e e are e w e e e e Parrak ts th ir l gs long r , and , if com to k p
e e e w e e e e are and obs rv th m , shall find th ir mov m nts I 3 C LASSIFI CAT ON .
S w e e are e rathe r diffe re nt . o say th y birds of anoth r
ge nus or style .
Ye t it is pe rfe ctly obvious that both of the se c o lle c — tions of spe cie s have much in common the re is a f ami
l e e e e e e e w e . e e t h e y r s mblanc b tw n th m , as say H nc ,
e e - e e e t h e Indian gr n long tail d Parrak ts , and Australian
- e - e e e are many colour d broad tail d Parrak ts , both said
cc to b e long to t h e family Psittacid . Th e classical name is us e d in orde r to make our books
e t h e m a inte lligible to naturalists all ov r world , who y
e w e use not know our particular languag . So , also ,
e e e e e t o a sp cial word , compound d from two Gr k on s e xpr e ss t h e long - tail e d gre e n Parrake ets of India
' ” P laeornis e t h e o f o ld e e a . This m ans bird , th s Parrots
e e t h t h e e e having b n e first known to anci nts , who call d
e t h e e Psittacus e Th e th m by nam , which m ans Parrot “ word Psittacidee m e ans t h e family o f Psittacus —t h e
e . Parrot clan , so to sp ak Th e Australian branch of t h e clan is also d e signat e d
e e e— Plat cercus e by a compound Gr k nam y , m aning ” - e o f o f broad taile d . This nam is cours e mode rn
e e . inv ntion , though on classical lin s
e e e t h e e e e e In ord r to d signat sp ci s , a sp cific nam ,
e e e t h e e o f t h e e g n rally Latin , is tack d on to nam g nus .
t h e e - e e e e Palre ornis Thus , Ros ring d Parrak t is call d “ ” tor uatus tor uatus e e T - . h e e q , q m aning ring d plum h ad e d e Palce ornis c anoce halus c anoce halus is call d y p , y p (which
e be e e e - happ ns to Gr k) m aning blu e he ade d .
t h e e e o f - e Similarly , most familiar sp ci s broad tail d
A e e t h e e ustralian Parrak t , known in English as Ros lla , 4 I GARDEN AND AVIARY B RDS .
e e e Plat cercus exini ius eximias is call d in sci ntific languag y , “ ” e e e e e b ing a Latin word m aning xc ll nt , on account
o f t h e e striking b auty of this showy bird .
e e e e indiv i In comm ncing this subj ct , I m ntion d that
o f e e usuall e duals a sp ci s y produce d young like the mselv s . But the y d o no t always do so ; t h e Ring - n e cke d Parra
e e e e e e e k t , for Instanc , not unfr qu ntly produc s a y llow
e fe e e e young bird , q uit dif r nt from its ordinary gr n off
a spring . Such n individual is said to b e long to a variety
t h e e e e e e e of sp ci s ; it cam from gr n par nts , and for all
we t h e e e e e know , may , if it has chanc , produc gr n young ” — “ 7 ee e . in its turn may throw back , as br d rs say
e e e e e e e e e If , how v r , common gr n Parrak ts n v r produc d
e e all t h e y llow young , and if in a c rtain district , Parra
e e e Palre ornis e e e e w e k ts of a c rtain typ w r y llow , should call this a sp e cie s ; it would probably be known as “ ”
Palse ornis luteus luteus be t h e e . , ing Latin for y llow We should pre sume that the s e birds we re t h e offspring of
e e e e e y llow par nts , and would in th ir turn produc y llow ” — e e e . young would br d tru , as is commonly said
e e e e e e e Ev ry vari ty , th r for , has a chanc of b coming
e e e e e e e e e e a sp ci s , and v ry sp ci s must hav onc b n a
e t h e e t h e e t o f e e vari ty , if th ory of volu ion sp ci s from
re - e t e e b e e e e p xis ing sp ci s admitt d , as it is g n rally
- - now a days . It wi ll thus be s e e n that t h e distinction b e twe en spe cie s
e e e o f e e and vari ty is a pi c zoological snobb ry , so to sp ak
’ if a bird s ant e ce de nts are all right and a like n e ss has
e e e b ee n hande d down from fath r to son ind finit ly , as far “ ” we s e e h e e d e e ' if as can , b longs to a goo sp ci s but FI TI N C LASSI CA O . h e is convicte d of having sprung from pare nts unlike
6 ” e h e e e arvenu e e hims lf , is a m r p , stigmatiz d as a vari ty , ” ”
e r . ab r ation , or sport
e e e e e e e e e e Of cours , such vari ti s hav oft n b n fix d by br d
e w e se e e t h e ing from th m in captivity , as shall lat r and work o f bird -fancie rs and stock - bre e de rs in th is dire ction has b ee n of an importanc e which has n e ve r y e t re ce ive d
due e e e e e e e its m d of prais and ncourag m nt , consid ring that by studying it Darwin was able to de monstrat e t h e o f t h e o ne e possibility production of form from anoth r , and thus to raise t h e study of zoology from a m e re pastime to a philosophy of life .
Th e e e e t h e s ecies nam d scriptiv of particular p is , it
be e en l e e Of t h e enus will s , p ac d und r that g , although t h e opposite obtains in English and Hindustani . This is simply b e caus e in Latin t h e adj e ctive always follows t h e e e u e and substantiv , as in so many oth r lang ag s ; all sci entific nome nclature follows th e rule s of Latin Gram
t h e are e e e mar , although words mor oft n than not adopt d t h e e e . e e e e from Gr k B sid s which , it is c rtainly a gr at
e e e e t h e e e r e as conv ni nc to hav g n ic nam first , j ust in
’ inde xing a numb e r of p e opl e s nam e s o ne re ve rs e s t h e usual orde r and puts t h e surnam e be fore t h e Christian
e nam .
w e e e w e If carry our inv stigations into Parrots furth r ,
S h all e e e e find a numb r of sp ci s , group d again into ge n e ra tions which diff e r ve ry much from t h e Indian long - tails
- - and Australian broad tails . The y have brush tipp e d
e e e re d e tongu s , run a gr at d al to in colour , hav a pe culiar
e e o n sm ll , a sharp cry , and liv on soft food , not grain . I 6 GARDEN AND AVIARY B RDS .
e are w e may e fe e e e Th y , say , quit a dif r nt family altog th r ,
w e e e ff e e e t h e e and giv th m a di r nt family nam , Lori s
L o re f L rius . riid . o u e e t h e ( ) This , co rs , m ans family of o t h e native name L ori turn e d into Latin as t h e Romans
e e e e e e r . would hav don it , if th y had ve r s n a Lo y
t h e e are o f But still Lori s Obviously Parrots a sort ,
w e r e t h e e o f and so g oup th ir family , and oth r family
Ps ittacidce e e t h e e e t h e , tog th r , and call whol coll ction o rd r Psittaci e of Parrots ( ) .
e o f e s ecies Thus , a coll ction similar individuals mak a p
e o f e e e e coll ctions sp ci s , having a gr at d al in common
ffe e a e enus e o f but di ring in d t ils , mak a g coll ctions ,
e e e e e e e e amil g n ra b aring a c rtain r s mblanc , mak a f y and colle ctions o f familie s also agre e ing in c ertain im
e o rder portant points , mak an . Th e various orde rs in conjunction with e ach othe r make
t h e c lass be e e e up of birds , which may at onc d fin d as
e e e e e e fe ath r d animals , no oth r cr atur living or xtinct
e posse ssing fe athe rs . A bony ske l e ton is shar d by birds
e e e e e e e with b asts , r ptil s , and fish s , and in th ir g n ral ana tomy the y approach re ptile s more c lose ly than any othe r class of backbon e d animals ; it will be re me mbe re d also
e e e e e . that r ptil s , on th ir part , lay ggs lik birds f I shall conclude this chapte r with a list of w orks o
t e re fe re nce for those who may wish to go furthe r into h
subj e ct than I am he re taking the m .
e For t h e gene ral subj ct of classification , anatomy , ’ Dictionar t h e are e . e t c . e e , b st books Prof ssor A N wton s y ’ B r s S tructure and Classi o Birds . . . e dda d f , and Mr F E
s fication of Bird .
C H APTE R I I .
P I I ASSER NE B RDS . C O B B . THE R WS , ABBLERS , AND ULBULS
MORE than half of t h e known sp e cie s of birds be long
t h e e e e e e t h e to gr at Pass rin ord r , so call d from Latin
e o f e e e Pass er t h e nam its most promin nt m mb r , , Spar
of e are t h e e row . Birds this ord r usually small , Rav n
e t h e e e e are t h e e o f b ing bigg st , whil som almost small st
Th e birds . e Sparrow and Mynah re pre se nt fair ave rag size s of Passe rine birds . Th e y can always be distinguishe d by the ir fe e t ; t h e
e foot of a Sparrow or Crow will se rve as a mod l for all .
Th e is e e e e e Shank slight , and cov r d b hind with long ntir
e e e e ro w e e plat s , and b for with a singl of larg broad scal s , or e ve n with o ne continuous horny plat e ; the re are thre e
e e e e e w e b e to s b for , unconn ct d by any or oth r junction
o ne e as and b hind , which , taking it with its claw , is big as or bigge r than any of t h e re st .
Th e be t h e shank may long or short , and foot as a
’ e e or as e t h e whol larg small compar d with bird s body , but t h e style of scaling and proportion of t h e toe s is always
e e . Th e e t h e unmistak abl shap , and wings , tail , and be ak varv a gre at de al in Passerine birds but th e y always have large h eads in proportion to th e ir size . 9 THE C ROWS .
are e e e The ir young always hatch d blind , h lpl ss , and nake d or ne arly so the ir ne sts are usually in a bush o r t h e e e e e e e e . e y tr , and th y liv in pairs in br ding s ason Th ar t h e e - e t h e e most skilful n st build rs of all birds , and
r only one s which a e commonly accounte d songste rs .
e e are e e e in They b ar captivity w ll , but not so asy to br d that stat e as som e groups of birds .
Th e e e y e are ord r is divid d into man famili s , which not
e u e e are e always asy to disting ish , as th r many conn cting links .
THE CR OWS .
o f t h e C are e e y Birds row family , usually of a fair siz th
u e e e t h e have sto t bills , garnish d with bristly f ath rs at
be e e e e t h e e root , as may asily s n in our old fri nd , Hous
e e are e t h e y Crow . Mail and f mal alik , and young onl diffe r in b e ing dull e r .
e - e e e t h e e - Co rvus That gr y h ad d scoundr l , Hous Crow ( “ ” s lendens t h e e p ) , and big black bounding b ggar , his jungle re lative (Corvus macro rhynchus ) n e e d m ention
’ only to be c oii de mne d . The y will insist on on e s studying
e e y the ir habits , on account of th ir appalling prop nsit f r e e e e t h o mischi f and for this r ason , and b caus of e fact that t h e v are de adly e n emie s to t h e e ggs and young of
e e e e e e all birds w ak r than th ms lv s , th y should be ban
’ ish e d by all possible me ans from e very bird - love r s
garde n .
Th e e e e are e e at T Magpi s , how v r , of a b tt r j . he y have
e l e t w short r wings , though ong r tails , han Cro s and are
a e e t h e e t h e sm ll r in siz ; so , with b st will in world to AND I Y IR GARDEN AV AR B DS .
e a e t t h e e commit it , th y c nnot g through sam amount of
e e e are e . mischi f , whil th y singularly ornam ntal THE COMMON INDIAN MAGPI E OR WANDERING TRE E PIE
Dendrocitta ru a e as Handichancha ( f ) , is w ll known or
K otr l ee to t h e native s of B e nga . This pre tty b ird is a
ard en -o r familiar g visit , and his short wings and long tail
e e fl mak him conspicuous in his asy dipping ight . His
e le e o r colour is also unmistak ab , b ing buff cinnamon with
e y - e H e . e a sooty h ad and gr , black tipp d wings and tail
e e e e e e d es is an omnivorous f d r , and has b n accus d of
t ruct iv e ne ss e e h e e to gard n produc , but as c rtainly
e e e e e d vours larg numb rs of ins cts , and also acts as a ch ck
t h e e e e h e e on undu incr as of small birds , probably do s
e . e are e e e mor good than harm His not s oft n v ry pr tty ,
e e h e be e — a and wh n tak n young , can taught to sp ak
t h e common accomplishm ent in Crow family .
e e w se e o n t h e r and e Hardly v r you ill him g ound , wh n
e e h e ho e t h e e e th r can only p, not walking lik pi d Magpi at home .
Th e e e e and e n st is built high up in a tr , is op n or cup ' e t h e e hi are shap d , as usual in this family ggs , w ch spot
t e d e e . , vary from pinkish to gr nish in ground colour
i o ne o f o ur e e e e Th s bird is common st Indian sp ci s , b ing
t h e found throughout India and Burma in plains , and
Th e asce nding t he hills up to f e e t . hill climate ap
e e e are t h e e e . p ars to agr with it , as hill birds larg st in siz
a Th e bird ordinarily me asure s about a foot and a h lf ,
of which a foot is taken up by t h e tail . THE RED - BILLED BLUE MAG PIE ( Urocissa o ccipitalis )
- - n is a sp lendid cre ature posse ssing a tail half a yard lo g , HE CR w 1 1 T O s .
h - III with a body about t e size of t h e Hous e Crows . colour t h e Blue Pie is a rich purple blue with t h e he ad and n e ck
e e e j et black and t h e bill and fe e t scarle t . Th r is a whit
t h e t h e e t h e patch at back of h ad , and wings and tail
are e e . h e e e tipp d with whit T b lly is also whit , but with
e e t h e e e y a strong ting of blu . On whol this is c rtainl t h e mo st be autiful m e mb er of t h e Crow family found in
e e n e e any country . I have n e v r s e this bird xc pt in
e e e e captivity , but v n so , its app aranc is SO striking that I can sympathize with t h e gr e at admiration e xpre sse d by those frie nds of mine who have see n it flying at large .
III t h fi e Indian hills it range s from v e thousand fe e t to a
e e e e e e e consid rably high r l vation , b ing common n ar som
o ur e e of stations ; but in Burma , wh r it is also found , it
t h e inhabits plains as we ll . It is constantly brought dow n to Calcutta in t h e winte r and do e s we ll in capti v ity the re . Sp e cime ns can be bought at t h e prop e r se ason fo r about t e n rupe e s o r le ss ; and a. few have re ache d
e w e e e Europ , h r th y would probably do we ll o ut doors in mild climate s . Th e bird is kn o wn as Nilkhant at Mussoorie and Diggdall
. e t h e e e at Simla It builds at varying h ights n st is op n , but t he e ggs are gre e nish with brown spots like t h e English ’ Magpie s .
Th e so - e e e e call d Australian Magpi is r ally a Shrik , and
be e e e e will d scrib d und r that h ading . It is commonly
- importe d . Th e bird usually call e d t h e Blue Jay in
y e e e e ' India , is also wrongl nam d , b ing r ally a Roll r
be e w e m a it will d alt ith in its turn . Me anwhil it y be me ntione d that t h e real Jays are well re pre sente d in 12 A N AND I A Y IR S G RDE AV R B D .
our hills . The y are birds with mode rate ly long tails
e e lik Crows , but short wings lik Magpie s . Like t h e
e e are e e e Magpi s also , th y v ry ornam ntal , and rath r use ful than harmful . Most of the m have a strong gene ral
e e e t h e E o ne r s mblanc to nglish Jay , but common sp e cie s
e is v ry distinct and striking .
B C - H JAY Garrulus lanceo latus THE LA K EADED ( ) , is
e Ban- sarrah t h e - m call d by Simla hill e n . I saw it com
a e . u t h e e o f I e o n mouly bout Mussoori It is abo t siz a p g ,
e e - e of a d licat pinkish drab , with black h ad , and wings
e e e and tail most b autifully barr d with black and blu , h w e e . s o v e and tipp d with whit It is a bird , xposing itse lf free ly and ofte n playing o n t h e wing above t he
t h y e e . e e tr s It is found all ov r Himala as , ranging to
e e e e f t in summ r , and coming as low down as D hra
e e e - in winter . It builds an op n n st in m dium size d tree s
- h and lays gre e nish w ite e ggs with brown spots . Some
are e e birds brought down aliv to Calcutta ve ry winte r . Magpie s and Jays make t h e be st of aviary birds a for
r e e b cage s t h e v a e too larg and dirty . Th y can e ke pt
e e e e e t o e e tog th r , and with oth r birds w ll abl tak car of
e e e t h e e e th ms lv s , such as larg r Mynahs and Babbl rs
e at e small birds the y would without compunction . Th y
e e e e should , ind d , always hav som raw animal food , as
o n note d in t h e final chapte r manageme nt . Fruit is also n e e dful ; but almost any cooke d food will do as t h e daily
e e e b e di t for th s omnivorous birds , and an aviary can
- - ke pt going on house scraps . Inch me sh wire ne tting will be e e e suitabl for birds of this siz , and any mic or sparrows that get through will stand an e xce lle nt chance of ne ver 1 3 THE TITS .
e be e e getting out again . Car should tak n that th y do not
' stow away e nough of th e ir fo o d t o le t it ge t offensive for the y are of provide nt habits and will hide away scraps as
e e are e e e re adily as a d o g . Worthl ss obj cts also s cr t d with care ; a pair of Blue Magpie s at t h e Calcutta Zoo some ye ars ago use d to amuse us much by their me thodical way of folding pie ce s of pap e r and putting the m away .
THE TIT S .
re - a- e e t h e Th e Tits a now days class d n ar Crows , and in
e ma ny of the ir habits may b e calle d Jays in miniatur .
e e e e e Th y r s mbl Jays in shap , though not so big as Spar
e e e are e t h e u rows ; mal and f mal alik , and yo ng only a little dull e r ; and t h e nostrils are cove re d at t h e root t e h e . are with bristl s , as in Crows Tits as omnivorous in
e are e t h e e th ir way as Crows , and hav sam tricks of hold
e e e e ing down th ir food with th ir f t , and of storing away
f e u e r e . e d e n s p luiti s But th y usually buil in hol s , u lik
t r most of t h e Crow trib e . Most of h e Tits in India a e
- be e e hill birds , and will r cogniz d as a group by many
t h e - l e e e e . p opl , family b ing so familiar at hom A most
t h e s ecies are e e e e e e e e all p diff r nt , how v r ; h r th r is only
room to allude to two . THE YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT (M achlo lophus aca ntho
- t fi en s se e v e e g y ) , is a thick littl bird about inch s long with
e e w e e a full cr st , black throat , and y llo fac and br ast , t h e latte r marke d with a black ce ntral stre ak ; t h e back
- t - is Olive gre e n and h e wings and tail slaty gre y . This bird is found throughout t h e Himalayas at
e e e e e e mod rat l vations and br ds in April and May , laying
- t fir e . s e four or v e e d spotte d white e ggs in a hol It i h 1 4 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e ee e e e e e e only Tit I hav s n in confin m nt h r , s v ral having
e e t o e e e b n brought down Calcutta of lat y ars . It do s
e as e and e e o e w ll a captiv , from its b auty and activ m v i t it me nts is a n ce pe . But Should not be truste d with
g e e h as e roc li birds no lar r than its lf , as it murd rous p y e e e e — e e iti s , lik Tits in g n ral anoth r proof of th ir
e t h e u fi c o n n r lationship to blackg ard Crow . Tits in e me nt Should have he mp - se e d and cracke d nuts In addition
t h e l e s to usual food of sma l ins ctivorou birds . Cocoanut
e be e e e e t wo sh lls should provid d for th m to sl p in , and , e e t h e e e e be e e v n of sam sp ci s , should not put tog th r without gre a t caution .
I I G Parus atrice s e Be n THE ND AN REY TIT ( p ) , call d in
Ram- an ra e e e e gali g g , is gr y abov and dirty whit b low . t h e e e e h ad and br ast , with a str ak running down from
t h e e e t h e e are e ce e e . latt r , black x pt for pur whit ch ks Young birds have a strong ye llow tinge throughout t h e
e e a e plumag . This bird is a littl sm ll r than a sparrow ;
t h e w e - e e it is most id ly spr ad of Indian Tits , b ing found
e e u e e n arly all ov r India and B rmah , and fr qu nting both
. e e e hills and plains It br ds from March to Jun , laying
- a- e e - w e re d about half doz n ggs , pinky hit with spots , in
e e e e e e e . any conv ni nt hol in a tr , wall , or v n bank It
e y e r e e e e d has a v r wid ang outsid our Empir , b ing foun t north to Turke stan and south to h e Malay Islands .
S THE BABBLER .
The se form t h e most nume rous group of Indian birds
are t h e m e t h e e e m and , of all s all r fry , most int r sting in y
e e e o r t h e i opinion wh th r at larg in av ary .
1 6 V I I GARDEN AND A ARY B RDS .
o e e e e e e at In c nfin m nt it is v ry asy to tam , will tabl e
e e scraps r adily , and is amusing for , a tim ; but nobody w ould want to ke e p such a frowsy unmusical cre ature for
e e undo ubt e dlv are long , int r sting as its habits . Birds which I turne d o ut afte r studyi ng the m for some time re maine d so tame that the y would still take food from t h e hand ; and I imagine that a hand -re are d o ne would
e t Th e e - make a v ry nice pe . n st is an op en cup shap e d o ne e t h e e are e , plac d low down , and ggs of a most lov ly
e e Chaturia blue . In B ngal this bird is call d . THE RAT - BIRD (Aryya cauda ta ) is a less common and
e e e e - e and e small r sp ci s with a long Magpi lik tail , colour d
n- e t h like a h e Sparrow . It g ts its popular name from e rat - like appe arance gi v e n by t h e said tail a s it skulks
r along t h e g ound from bush to bush . This is also a bird
t h e e o r t h e of plains , but not n arly so bold so common as
t- hai e e are t h e e e . S a b . Its n st and ggs of sam typ THE STREAKED LAUGHI NG - THRUSH ( Tro chalopterum lineatum) is v erv common in t h e Himalayas up to
e e o n e e f t , and is comm about hous s at Mussoori .
e e e e t h e e t h e In Shap it r s mbl s common Babbl r of plains ,
e e . e e e but is rath r small r Its plumag is dark r , b ing a
e e and e t h e e e stre aky mixtur of gr y ch stnut ; y s , bill
' e a e t h e h - e and fe t r dark , and tail has distinct lig t gr y
a. e b ut e e tips . It is tam most unint r sting bird , and has
Th e are e r e e e n e . e a f bl ot ggs blu , as usual in this g oup ,
and t h e n e st low down . Th e hills form t h e home o f se ve ral large and showy
e e r e e Jay - e e sp ci s of this g oup , oft n call d Thrush s , a nam
e t Th e m is which we ll e xpr sse s their at ributes . ost striking
1 7 THE BABBLERS .
THE WH‘ l- CRESTED LAUGHING - THRUSH (Garrulace f leuco lo hus o f e t h e e o e . p ) , a bird n arly Siz a pig on In
- t h e e t h e e colour it is dark brown , with full cr st , n ck and
e e e e e o f br ast pur whit , and a black mark along ach sid
t h Th e e e are . e e e he ad . bill and f t also black Altog th r it re minds o ne of a lady in e ve ning dre ss with h e r hair
e e e n . e powd r d and w ari g a black mask Its mann rs ,
e e e are no t e - e how v r , although attractiv , xactly lady lik ; fo r e e it is a boist rous , rollicking bird , going about in larg
e e e o f e parti s which continuously xplod in fits laught r , t h e curiously human sound o f which is most infe ctious '
e e e In an aviary it k ps up this charact r , and is a most e e e e t o be e w xc ll nt inmat , although not trust d ith we ak
f o e e o wn . t h e birds , v n its kind It inhabits Himalayas
Arrak an e from Garhwal to , but do s not range above
I e e fe e t . n P gu and T nasserim a spe cie s with more white on t h e under - surface take s its place (Garrulax b l n ri t he t w o ar e a e e e . g ) , but much alik Both lay w hite e ggs in an op en n e st in a bush . Th e Himalayan bird is ple ntifully brought down to
e e e e Calcutta in wint r , and liv sp cim ns can then be e asily
e e e e e obtain d , tog th r with som oth r spe cie s o f large Bab b r le s . All will do we ll together in an aviary with
e , e e Magpi s Jays and larg Mynahs , and such a coll ction , if t h e av iarv be e e be larg nough , will found e asy t o ke e p and t h e e e e e be most pictur squ and int r sting that could found .
e e e are e small But non of th s birds suit d for a v iarie s .
o ne t h Only of e large Babblers has much re pute as a e songst r , and this may almost always be procure d in C a alcutt . F GA , B 1 8 I GARDEN AND AVIARY B RDS .
THE PEKO OR CHI NESE MOCKI NG -BI RD (Dryonastes
Chinensis e e III e e ) is figur d on Plat , as m ntion d on 1 5 page .
e fin i e u This bird is a r ally mus cian , having sing larly
e e ne e pur and plaintiv to s ; it is also an admirabl mimic , m e e e e in e e e . and , wh n ta nough , d lights b ing car ss d It
e e e t h e e will liv many y ars in a cag , and is most asily
e t h e non- e e -e e - t he e k pt of all s d ating cag birds . At sam time it always se e ms to me a pity not to give this live ly
t h e ff and sociable bird e happie r lif that an aviary a ords .
e f e e It is chi ly known in India as a for ign bird , b ing
e n e import d from Chi a , but it is found in South P gu and
Te nasse rim . Fe w of t h e Babble rs are as large as most o f those I
have b e e n de scribing .
B C -B SI I Lio tila ca istrata al THE LA K EADED B A ( p p ) is ,
e e e e e though n arly nin inch s long, a slight , grac ful cr a
e e e ture it is figur d on Plat IV (Fig . It is a v ry com
t h e e e e a mon bird in hills up to f t , b ing particul rly
t h e nume rous about Darj e e ling . It come s to ground
e e o n t h e l ss than most Babbl rs , and is fairly strong wing
e e e e ind d , it is , all round , a most r markably activ bird , and so de xte rous that I have see n it turn right round its
perch without letting go .
e e e e This p culiarity mak s it a v ry nic aviary bird ,
although it is not brilliant in colour no r particularly tame . It may fre quently be Obtaine d from Calcutta de ale rs
s during t h e winte r month .
e e t h e t o Th e bird br ds in hills from May July , building
- e e o f ss e l e a cup shap d n st mo and fibr s , and aying pal 1 9 THE BABBLERS .
Sib gre en e ggs with re ddish spots . ya is its nam e among l t h e Ne pau e se . THE L IOTHRI x (Liothrix luteus ) is figure d o n Plate V
t h e e o f a a ffe (Fig . It is about siz Sp rrow , and di rs strikingly from othe r me mbe rs of its family in having a strongly forke d tail and particularly smooth and Sle e k
t h e e plumage . In addition to colours m ntion e d o n t h e
e t h e e e - e e -re d plat , b autiful orang str ak d wings , coral
e e e e e e bill and black y mak it v ry asy to r cognize .
Th e e are e t h e e e f e s mal s bright r than f mal s , suf ici ntly o t o e no e f e o ut mak it v ry di ficult matt r to pick a pair . This charming little bird is t h e b e st k nown of all Babble rs
i are e e e in captiv ty ; many sold in Calcutta v ry wint r , and many more se nt t o England in both case s t h e birds are e t h e l usually obtain d from China , though bird is a so
s e e o r e common all along our hill at f t low r . It is o ne t h e e e e e e of common st birds about Darj ling , wh r “ fiv e - e t e e -t e e -t -t - its pe culiar not d call e e e e t e e will
be e e e t h e e e probably h ard b for bird is s n , as it is de c ide dly a skulke r .
e e t h e n D al rs usually know it as Chi a Robin , but
e e i e although it c rtainly looks lik a Rob n , it has a v ry
fe e . dif r nt disposition and habits It is a timid , harm
e e o e e e e e e l ss bird , v ry s ciabl v n with oth r sp ci s and re
m ark abl e e . e e e e y int llig nt In a cag it is d cid dly n rvous ,
e e e e an but in an aviary b com s v ry much at hom , d shows
e gre at inquisitive ne ss . Many sp cime ns b e come so tame that the y will take food from t h e finge rs whe n led to
- Th e ve th e e . s e e n aviary wir s cock has a ry w t so g , ve ry
r t h e e o f t e e e st ong for Siz h bird , and altog th r it is the 20 G I I ARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS . most ge n e rally attractive small bird I know o f— e ve ry o ne e e s ms to admire it . It is e asy to ke e p for it will e at e e e e e e e e s d and fruit as w ll as ins cts , and th r for , lik most
e e . e e omnivorous birds , do s w ll on artificial food Sp cim ns may be had in Calcutta during t h e winte r months at
e e e e e about two rup s ach . In England , it f tch s about t h e e e e th e e e e sam pric , and is call d P kin Robin or v n ” t h e e e e . e e e Japan s Nightingal Although so asy to k p ,
e e e e . e it do s not br d r adily in captivity In a wild stat ,
o e e e - e e e it builds an p n n st in a bush , and lays pal gr n ggs
re d e . be with , brown and purpl spots This would a most suitable sp e cie s for acclimatization in all warm t empe rat e climate s . THE BLUE - WI NGED SI VA (S iva cyanuroptera ) is a bird o f e e e e e v ry similar Siz , but mor l gant form , its tail , which
Th - e e n e . e r is not fork d , b ing lo g r Siva is of a fawn b own
e e e e e e abov , and n arly whit b low , with b autiful blu wings
t e t h e e e h e . and tail ; bill is y llowish , and y s brown It h as t h e e n e o ur t h e much sam ra g in hills as Liothrix , but is not found out of India . In captivity it is com
arat iv e l e e e ee p y scarc , and is not quit so asy to k p , not
e e . e e e caring about s d How v r , it is not by any m ans a f w t e e . e e e e e e e c e d licat bird V ry , how v r , hav as y r a h d
e e e . England aliv , and it is w ll worth taking hom In its
e e t n e sting habits it much r s mble s h e Liothrix . The re are many charming small Babblers in t h e hills
f w r t h e e a e . e e e e but in plains found Two , how v r , n d
e e notice h r .
IO Ae ithina ti hia e Shoubi a To k THE RA ( g p ) , call d g , fi
ik al t h e e e th or Fat j by nativ s , is a common bird all ov r e
22 G N VI Y I ARDE AND A AR B RDS .
e t h e e e This bird is found all ov r Empir , but do s not asce nd t h e hills to any he ight ; it pre fe rs grass to any
e e e e e oth r cov r , and is l ss gr garious than most Babbl rs ,
o r e e e o e going singly in pairs . It has som v ry pr tty n t s , and looks ve ry striking whe n utte ring the m with e re cte d
- e e t h e e e e e . h ad plumag , pur whit throat looking lik a b ard In captivity it is mischie vous and quarre lsome it is not
e e e e e wis to put mor than a pair tog th r , or to associat
s e the m with birds as small as the m e lve s . Two cag d birds of this kin d I ke pt singly we re absurdly tame ; ’ o ne wo uld let itse lf be tickle d through t h e bars with one s
e t h e e be e e e t h e fing r , and oth r could v n tak n up in hand
e e e e e x and allow d to fly about , wh n it would f arl ssly
’ l re e e e e p o one s p rson . I hav r mov d it from my mous
e e e e e . e e e tach thr tim s in quick succ ssion Tak n altog th r ,
Gulab-chas ms are e e e t w o t h e if all anything lik th s birds ,
e e be e c e e et . e sp ci s can hardly x ll d as a p But , as a tru
- se e e e e e e e . in ct f d r , its food of cours will giv a littl troubl
re e e e e It b ds from May to S pt mb r , building a cup shape d ne st of grass and bark fibre in long grass o r a low
Th e are - e r e e . tre e . ggs pinkish whit with d blotche s THE WHITE -EYE OR SPECTACLE B IRD (Zosterops pal
t h e t o o f pebrosa) is shown at p Plate V (Fig . and is
- t h e smalle st and most wide spre ad o f all o ur Babble rs . This little cre ature is rathe r o f a diffe re nt build than
e e h e and e Babble rs g n rally , aving long r wings short r tail
e e e t h e but its sociabl , cuddl som habits , and fact that se ve ral small birds which are undoubte d Babble rs close ly Th e e e e e . e approach it , s ttl its r lationship asily nough white ring round t h e eye and t h e Olive -ye llow plumage TH S 23 E BULBUL . with white be lly will easily distinguish it from all othe r
. e 0 11 Indian birds It is found all ov r India , both hills and plains in Burma and China a spe cie s o r vari e ty with
Zostero s s im l x a gre e ne r back ( p p e ) is also found . This
e e t h e a e e t h e is fr qu ntly brought to Calcutt bazar , wh r de ale rs ofte n try to s e ll it as a Humming- bird I It
e e e e c e - t h e e mak s an xc ll nt ag companion for littl Waxbills ,
a e o f o wn . e and has swe e t little not its Soft fruit , br ad
m and s e are e e and ilk , mall ins cts all it r quir s , and it is so e asy to ke e p that a good many sp e cimens are se nt t o
Europe . Th e ne st of t h e Indian variety is most commonly foun d
A be an e e e l a e in pril ; it may at y h ight , and is a v ry d ic t
e r re e o f . e e e e e littl st uctu , mad cobw bs and v g tabl fibr s and susp e nde d like a miniature hammock in a forke d
t 1 are e e . w . e g Only two ggs laid , Of a pal blu
THE BULBULS .
Th e Bulbuls are usually classe d as a distinct family
t h e e his e e from Babbl rs , and t arrang m nt I shall follow
e e t h e F auna o British India e h r , although , as in f , th y c ome
e e o f e are Of n xt in ord r treatm nt . Bulbuls birds very graceful form and move me nts ; in size the y are rathe r
e a e i are larg r than Sp rrows ; th ir w ngs short but broad ,
e are e e e t h e n e and th ir tails long , and n arly v n at tip , i st ad o f e y b ing forke d o r tap ering as is usuall . t h e case with longish tails . Their bills are rathe r slight than stout and
e e e e e are e e of mod rat l ngth th ir l gs d cid dly short . The y
a e e e t h e e usually h v cr sts , bushy or point d , as cas may be .
C h en are e e ock and alik in plumag . I I 24 GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
T - 3 h e White e are d Bulbul shown on Plat e V (Fig . ) will e e er e e e e giv a good g n al id a of th ir app aranc , and
e are o f t h e e e e e e . th y all much sam styl , and asy to r cogniz
Usually the y have a patch of bright colour unde r t h e tail .
e are e e not Th y sociabl birds , with a grac ful , but rapid
e e e t h e e e e flight th y s ldom com on ground , wh r th y look awkward hopping about o n the ir short le gs ; but on tre e s
e e are e e e t h e and bush s th y liv ly and activ , and quit most
e m are ornam ntal s all birds in India , altho ugh the ir colours
e . e e e e e usually sob r Th y f d mostly on fruit , b rri s , buds , t et c . are no be e , and to ncourage d in a fruit and ve getable
e e e e e e t h e gard n ; but th y tak ins cts also , and f d young on the se . The y do not hold the ir food in the ir fee t like e Babble rs . Th ir n e sts are op e n and made Of tw igs and
e e e are One fibr s and th ir ggs usually pink with re d spots .
e e e e or oth r sp ci s is found all ov r India , and Africa has
a e e o f o wn e e re m ny sp ci s its as w ll . In captivity th y a e e e o n e asy to k p any soft food and fruit , but unl ss hand e e are no t r ar d usually wild and uninte re sting , and at all de sirable . THE COMMON RED - VENTED BULBUL (M olpastes ben
alensis o ne o f t h e c . g ) , is most familiar birds in Cal utta
o e e This is a largish bird as Bulbuls g , b ing about nin
e e e e e w inch s long , and v ry pictur sque in app aranc , ith its full black cre st and black tail tippe d with white and set off by a white patch ove r t h e root and a crimson o ne be low t e e e o e e h g n ral body col ur is drab with light dg s , running
t Th e into j e black on t h e he ad and ne ck . young birds
re e e t h e e t h e a mor rusty in colour , and hav patch und r
e re e t e t h e e tail cinnamon inst ad of d . Wh n ak n from n st 25 THE BULBULS .
e e are e e e e just b efore th y can fly , th y asily r ar d , and mak
e e e be e ve ry nice p ets , b coming so tam that th y can l ft
e e e e o ne . at complet lib rty , wh n th y will follow about
e Th e native s ke e p this bird for fighting , confin d by a soft
e string tie d round t h e middl e of its body . All ov r India
re e e e so e Bulbuls s mbling this typ , but not quit larg and
t h e e are t h e with black more re stric te d t o h ad , among commone st birds and for t h e purpose of this little work it is not ne c e ssary to go into t h e rathe r minute distinctions b etwe enthe m . THE RED - WHI SKERED BULBUL is a very striking typ e
e e e e . of bird , which is found in two sp ci s or vari ti s Its
t h re d - e e Size is le ss than that of e dark v nt d Bulbuls , and
e u e are e e its back brown , whil its nd rparts pur whit ; in We ste rn India there is a da rk band across t h e bre ast and
e t h e - e e e t h e e no whit tips to tail f ath rs , whil in B ngal and
e e t h e e e t h e Burm s birds whit is unbrok n , and tail has
T s i udata e . h e e e e 0tocom sa u c ca whit tips form r sp ci s is p f ,
t h e 0 o er e e toc m sa em ia . Th e and latt r p long black cr st , re d e e - e re d h e t h e ch k patch s , and patc und r tail , which
e e o ff e m e e both poss ss , mark th m at onc and ak th m e asily re cognizabl e . Young birds have no re d on t h e che e ks and have buff unde r t h e tail whe re t h e re d will
Show late r .
e e e be e e Wh r Bulbuls hav to k pt away from a gard n , it
e t o e e e e is worth whil k p this sp ci s in an aviary , for it is e e f activ as w ll as showy , and suf icie ntly striking to look
e e e - w ll in confin m nt . Th e Re d ve nte d Be ngal and othe r dark sp e ci e s look rathe r dingy wh e n shut up like so many
e e e birds , th y only look th ir b st at large . GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS
THE BLACK- CRESTED YELLOW BULBUL (0toco mpsa
i - av ventris . e e e t h e o ne fl) , This bird has a p ak cr st lik last
t e e e e e and is of about h e sam siz , but v ry diff r nt in colour ,
e e - e e having ve ry fluffy plumag of an oliv y llow all ov r ,
e xce pt t h e he ad which is glossy black ; t h e bill and fe e t
e e t h e e e e d are black as in Bulbuls g n rally , but y s , inst a
u are e e t h e of b e ing dark as sual , bright y llow , which giv s
e bird a ve ry wicke d look . This do s not b e lie its disposi
' e e e e al tion , for it is mor quarr lsom than oth r Bulbuls ,
e e are e though its bill and f t small r in proportion , and is
k e e e apt to bully both its own ind and othe rs . It th r for
e e e e ne e ds a littl looking aft r , but it is worth som troubl , as it is not only striking in appearanc e but much tame r than
e w el e Bulbuls are ge ne rally . It is rath r id y distribut d in
fe w e e India , but local and only a sp cim ns turn up from
Fe w e ee e t o time t o time in captivity . hav b n s nt Eng Th e e c onsi s o e . land , that it is worth taking hom sam
de ration applie s to
- l t s teuco en s THE WHITE C HEEKED BULBUL (M o pas e g y )
e e which is , how v r , a common bird along our hills from
t o e e e e . Murre e to Bhutan , up about f t l vation It
e K and is ve ry common and tam in ashmir, is known in
e t h e e u . , Chamba as Painj This bird is , to my tast pr t e t ie st of all t h e Bulbuls it is ne arly e ight inch s long, and
e - e of a drab colour , with a black throat , and l mon y llow
e e e patch unde r t h e tail , which app ndag is tipp d with
‘ t h e e . white ; th ere is also a white patch o n e ach side of fac
t h e e e Th e e ye s are large and dark , and cr st full , with ach a l . fe athe r pointe d and grace fully cur e d up It is not p rti e e e n e y , but its b auty c ularly tame in confin m nt , unfortu at l 27 THE BULBULS . re nde rs it a ve ry de sirable bird whe re it can be vie we d at
e - close quarte rs . I should think , also , that b ing a hill bird it would be particularly suitable to any o ne who would like o n re tiring to ke e p Bulbuls in a garde n aviary at home .
e - e e It might be be tte r calle d t h e Curl d cr st d Bulbul , for its c h e c k s are not n e arly so conspicuously white as thos e
t h o of e n e xt Bulbul n my list .
WHI - B M o l astes leucotis e THE TE EARED ULBUL ( p ) , call d
Bho oroo K ushandra t h e e in Sindh and in Punjab , is figur d ,
e e e e e as abov r mark d . on Plate V (Fig . and I n d not
e e e e be t h e furth r d scrib it , though att ntion may drawn to
e e o f e t h e e shortn ss and bushin ss its cr st , and to rich y llow
t h e e t h e e o f f of patch und r tail , which is quit a saf ron
. e e tint A bird just lik it , but with a much long r and
e e e e i - mor point d cre st and sulphur y llow und r ta l patch ,
e Jalal o o r e e was onc e got by Mr . Hum at p n ar Jh lum in
t h e e e e e . e ne w Punjab , and has b n d scrib d by Mr Oat s as a
t o f M o l stes humi e e e h e e a i . be sp ci s , und r nam p It would
e e e e t o f e e e v ry int r sting to g hold mor sp cim ns of this form ,
t h e o ne o w er be for so far only is kn n , and it may p haps
e no t be t h e only a sport or vari ty , though it would any
e e e 011 T - l ss int r sting that account . h e ordinary White care d Bulbul has a wide range in t h e dry north -we ste rn and
e e e e t h e c ntral parts of India , and xt nds into P rsia to
e are w stward . Pe rsian birds note d to be fine r songste rs
h a e e e e e . t n Indian , and mak v ry nic cag p ts This is ,
e e t h e e e o f t h e ind d , nic st cag or aviary bird all Bulbuls , b e ing of an unusually tame and friendly disposition e ve n
e e e wh n caught old . It is also unusually int llig nt ; I re m e mb e r a bird which I had o nly ha d a day or so e scaping 28 I R I D GARDEN AND AV A Y B R S .
e t h e e from its cag and coming back to it n xt day .
l - e e Of e e I shou d say , that a hand r ar d bird this sp ci s
be e t an e e e would a charming p , and in y cas its tam n ss
e e e t h e and vocal pow rs strongly r comm nd it to fancie r .
e e e e e e e I hav n v r s n it wild , but it may not unfr qu ntly b e . e e e bought in Calcutta In confin m nt , at any rat , it like s t o roost at night in a hole inste ad o f perching like
most Bulbuls .
G NB Hareivas e are e THE REE ULBULS , or , as th y call d
t h e e are e t h e F auna o British India by nativ s , class d in f
t e . . e h e . . e volum s among Babbl rs , but Mr E C S Bak r has give n good re asons for ke e ping the m among t h e
e e Bulbuls still . In this I thoroughly agr ; the se birds
e t h e e e e hav charact ristic short l gs of Bulbuls , and th y do
use e e e e . e e not th ir f t in fe e ding as Babbl rs do How v r , the y are ce rtainly ve ry diffe re nt in som e re spe cts fro m t h e e e e typical Bulbuls , though th y do not th r by approach t h e e e f e e e . e o Babbl rs at all Th y hav no trac a cr st , th ir
are e e e e bills long and curv d , and th y hav a long tongu ,
t i e are which the y protrude o suck up liqu d food . Th y much more active on the ir fe e t among t h e twigs than
e e e . oth r Bulbuls , and hav a strong r and more vigorous flight
e are e e e e Th y not rar birds , but th ir colour mak s th m hard t o se e among t h e tre e s . THE GOLD - F RONTED HAREWA (Chlorops is aurif rons ) is t h e b e st known of the m all it has a wide range through t h e - E e e sub Himalayan tracts , ast rn B ngal , and Burma ,
e e e e and e xte nding to Cambodia . Mor ov r , it is Oft n cag d ,
Th e e may commonly be bought in Calcutta . figur
5 o n e V l e e e e m (Fig . ) Plat wil giv an id a of its g n ral for ,
30 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e e K - Cr Of d fy law and ord r by hustling a ing ow , all birds And in confin e me nt it is difficult to ge t t w o to live toge the r ; while some spe cime ns are perfe ctly impossible companions
e l e e for oth r smal birds , savag ly driving th m about and
e e e . e e not allowing th m to f d Many individuals , how v r , r e e e e e e a e quit p ac abl with oth r birds , and a tru pair will
e live toge th r in harmony . E I I I C H A PT R .
P I — continu d ASSER NE BIRDS e .
S I O I E H H O TC . R KES , MYNA S , R LES ,
DR ONGO S THE .
T HI S small family stand very much by the mse lve s in
e e be e most classifications , but th r can littl doubt that t e are e - e h h y simply p culiar looking Shrik s , and I put t e m he re simply out o f de ference to t h e orde r followe d in t h e
Fauna o British I ndia e h e e e r f bird volum s , w r th y a e give n
u r no family rank as us al . Ce tainly o ne can mistake a
e e o r an t h e Drongo for any oth r Shrik small bird of y kind , usually j et - black plumage and long- forke d tail making
Th e it conspicuous at once . bill is strong and rathe r like
’ C c e t h e e e e a row s on a small s al , and l gs and f t short but T powe rful and sharply clawe d . h e wings are of me dium
e t t h e e l ng h , and birds though th y cannot rival Swallows
- e t h e are e e e e e a and such lik birds in air , n v rth l ss v ry ctive fl ' r e e rs e e e and g ac ful y , and r markably cl v r at a e rial e v o lu
. e e e o n e e e tions Th y f d ins cts , and mak salli s from a fixe d
e e t o o n e e e p rch , r turning it compl ting th ir captur . If t h e e t o o t o b e a e e e pr y is big sw llow d whol , th y hold it in one e e e e e foot , whil t aring it into pi c s , lik many othe r
h e . e e e e t h e e m e S rik s Both mal and f mal hav sam plu ag , t h and e young me re ly diffe r in be ing spotte d with white e b low , 32 G I I ARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
h In disposition t e Drongos are ve ry differe nt from t h e i e e e e e be m e e sociabl birds I hav b n d scribing , g fi rc and
e e . e Sit e e quarr lsom Th y usually alon , and wag war against intrude rs whom the y disapprove of in a ve ry
e e . e h e e t h e e notic abl way Th y build hig up in tr s , n st
e e - e t h e e ar b ing op n and cup shap d , and ggs e pale with reddish spots .
e e are e e e Th r not many sp ci s of Drongos , though th y are wide ly distribute d in t h e warm re gions of t h e Old
e e be e e t o e World , and h r it will only n c ssary d al with two
Of the m .
K I - C O Dicrurus ater h is e t - THE NG R W ( ) is , with j black
e e o ne Of t h e plumag and fork d tail , most familiar and
Of e e m e conspicuous Indian birds , and r j oic s in a nu b r
e h e e Fin a f e . O native nam s Thus in B ngal is call d g , in
e Buchan a t h e e South rn India , g , and in D ccan , most
o t ' l h e e t h e f e K u a . O appropriat ly , For c rtainly acts part
- ffic e r t h e e in e l e O a po ic among birds , b ing , spit of his
e h e Of small siz (for although is a foot long , half this is
e e e e e e tail) , a t rror to kit s and crows , and x rcising a g n ral
e t h e e e e sup ervision ov r f ath r d community . All ove r
t h e e e t h e t h e India in plains and up to f t in hills ,
- e e h e e t h e E King Crow x rts his sway , and must bl ss nglish
Gove rnme nt for providing him with t e le graph wire s to h e e e . e e e e e sit on and act as ov rs r in comfort N v rth l ss ,
e e e e e e is more adaptabl than oth r Drongos , which s m n v r
t h e e e e e e to come to ground , and if th r is not a tr , wir ,
e e Sit h e fe nc e , post , cow , or sh p to on , will sit about
- t r rr irma h e e e t c . on te a f and look out for g asshopp rs , ,
ma be h e e o e which form his food . It y t is r adin ss t mak S THE DRONGO . 33
t h e e s hi e e e b st of thing w ch has giv n him such a wid rang , for h e is found all through Af rica south of t h e Sahara and e ast of India and Burma h e go e s t o Southe rn China
He e e o f e are e is not a songst r , but som his not s v ry
e h e e e e e e pl asant ; b gins th m at daybr ak b for most birds , altho ugh h e is at t h e same time ve ry lat e in going to
roost . Th e he ns of t h e spe cie s are re markable fo r layin g e ggs
i e ffe e e e e e - of two qu t di r nt typ s , ith r pal salmon colour with brownish -re d spots or pure white without any spots
e e t h e hi e e at all . I pr sum w t spotting , which c rtainly
e t h e e e e distinguish s young birds , must app ar aft r th y
e e t h e e e e e in l av n st , for I n v r saw a n stl g with it . Although it would be crue l and absurd to cage so active
e e his e and common a bird as this , sp cially as habits r nde r
e e a e e e et him an und sirabl comp nion for oth r sp ci s , y a hand-re are d ne stling King-Crow w ould probably make a
e e et e v ry nic p to fly about at larg , and would prote ct
t h e n o ff t h e r s young poultry by drivi g c ow and kites .
THE BHIM RAJ OR RACKET - TAILED DRONGO (Dissemurus
ar dis as —T t h e p a e ) . his is only one me mb e r of t h e Drongo family which is at all commonly ke pt in confine me nt and
c e ta e e et it is r inly a most int r sting p . It is about twice as e t h e K - C n - e larg as ing row , with a stro g crow lik bill , a cre st of narrow fe athe rs rising fro m t h e fore he ad and
e , a e t h e e grac fully curving back ruff of hackl s round n ck ,
e o e r - e e a e a e e and ach ut tail f ath r of r m rkabl l ngth , up t o
e a . is e mor than a foot and a h lf Most of this bar shaft , the re b e ing only about a coupl e of inche s of we bbing at th e T e el . h e e t t tip , lik a tass r s of he tail is o f quite G F , AB s 34 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e e T rdi e e e . h e o nary l ngth , l ss than s v n inch s long big
e - e e are e e o e t h e e sid str am rs not fully d v l p d first s ason ,
Of e are e o ff t h e e e e and , cours , usually brok n in mis rabl littl
e e e are cag s in which th s poor birds usually kept . Th e plumage of t h e Bh imraj is of th e usual Drongo blue
fe w e e t h e black , young birds having a whit spots und r
Th e e e are e wing . bill and f t also black ; but onc I saw
’ e e e e in Mr . Rutl dg s poss ssion a most curious vari ty
- e e e we which had an Ivory whit b ak , contrasting v ry ll with
Th e o f t e t h e black plumage . only othe r Sign albinism h bird showe d was that some of its secondary wing- fe athe r
- and its t wo hind claws we re also white . White claws and white fe athe rs are not so ve ry uncommon among
e e n e e th s birds , I fa cy ; but I n v r saw any such variation
- t h e e K n . . . in humbl r i g Crow , though Mr B B Osmaston once showe d me t h e t w o wings o f an ash - gre y spe cime n o f t h e latte r bird which h e had shot . Th e Bhimraj is found ove r a large part of India and e xte nds e ast through Burma to t h e Malay Peninsula . It
i is e - h aunt in bird e e Dron os a jungl g , and mor sociabl than fig e e o t h e n e ge ne rally . Mr . Oat s stat s that it is pr bably st
- e e e e song bird in t h e East . In co nfin m nt it is v ry fri ndly
a Of e t h e e et . nd fond notic , and b st of all p birds But it — must have a large cage — about three fe e t square and
e e e . ple nty of liv ins cts , or it will not thriv long It is
e e e e we ll worth taking troubl ov r , as it is a most p rf ct
t h e crie s and s Of mimic , giving songs of all ort birds and
w e e e othe r animals , histling tun s p rf ctly , and occasionally
e v e e ven talking . It is a v ry good a iary bird if k pt along
e e et c . to o with such birds as Jays , larg Babbl rs , , for it is 35 THE WARBLERS . pre datory In disposition to be truste d with birds smalle r
e e e e e a an than itself . Tak n altog th r , th r is h rdly y bird more intere sting to t h e fancie r . A THE W RBLERS . Th e e e e Warbl rs form a v ry num rous family of birds ,
t h e a u e are spread all ove r e Old World . Mor than h ndr d
our e e e e e or w e found in Empir ith r as r sid nts int r visitors ,
e are a e e e e but as th y insignific nt littl birds , g n rally small r
o f a e - ee o r than sparrows , and plain oliv gr n brown in
l e e e e as h e co our , th y do not attract att ntion , sp cially t y
e e e t h e e e e e a for e k p clos in tr s and bush s , s rching ins cts
One e e 1 o n e e . e W which th y liv of our r sid nt arbl rs s ,
e e e e e e e e e how v r , an xc ption , b ing a v ry notic abl and w ll known bird .
T I O - I Orthotomus sutorius c a e Phutki THE A L R B RD ( ) , ll d in
Tuntuni e e e e Hindustani and in B ngali , is at hom in v ry garde n as we ll as in lo w jungle s and bushy gr ass -land all
er Ce e e ov India , ylon , and Burma ; it rang s ast to Siam
C dOe s o re e and hina , but not g mo than f et up t h e Th . e e e Himalayas figur on Plat IV (Fig . 3) will give a good ide a o f t h e male in his summe r or bre e ding plum
e th e e e e age . Aft r br ding s ason his tail be com e s shorn Of
e e e e its long f ath rs , and is th n short r than his body instead
’ of e th e e long r , as h n s always is . Both have t h e sam e ; t h e e o f t h e colour but plumag young is slightly dulle r , t h e e e e in and ch stnut cap bar ly indicat d the m .
W e are e Many arbl rs good songst rs , but t h e Tailor
o ne Of e e h e e e bird is not th s has , how v r , an astonishingly
- e to -whit to - whit loud call not , , , which draws atte ntion
t e s to him a onc . Al o although his wings are short and 36 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e h e h w ak is not at all shy or skulking in habits , so that e is re ally a conspicuo us little bird as h e hops about t h e bushes or on t h e ground with his tail cocke d up perpendi
cularl H e . e e e e e y is a us ful littl ins ct d stroy r , and has
e - long b een fame d for his skill in n st building . Fixing
e ee r e e e upon a big l af , or two or thr g owing clos tog th r if o ne e h e e e t h e is not nough , mak s a cup or cas by putting
e e o f t h e e e e e e dg s l af or l av s tog th r , actually se wing
e e re e e e th m into plac , by th ad pass d through hol s bor d
Th e e - by . t h e his bill thr ad is usually cocoon silk , but
will e s h e et a bird ste al cotton nd if can g the m . Ex ctly how this re markable se wing fe at is done doe s not app e ar
be e e t h e are to r cord d , and birds so wary that though I have live d for some ye ars in a compound where the y
e e a e e e e e t h e e in situ br d , I h v not v n s n n st , much
e t h e e - le ss observe d the ir way of w orking . Insid l af cup
- e e o f e t c . e e is made a littl n st plant down , hair , , and thr
o r e e re d e - e four tiny ggs , spott d with on a r ddish whit
- e e are . or bluish gr n ground , laid in it Th e young Tailor-birds whe n fle dge d and out o f t h e
e are e e . e e e e e n st , v ry tam I hav not succ d d in r aring
e a e ee s s e e whi any mys lf , but I h v s n bird of thi sp ci s ch had b e e n ne st -re are d and were b e ing ke pt cage d ; the y
e e e t h e are should be fe d as r comm nd d for Shama , but not worth t h e trouble of ke e ping unle ss to send to t h e Lo ndon
e e e e et ee a e Zoological Gard ns , which hav n v r y b n bl to
- e xhibit this w e ll kn own bird .
THE SHRIKES .
e are a e -e n Th e Shrik s a f mily of ins ct ati g birds , found
e e e e e Ame a and e v rywh r xc pt in South ric , varying much
R N AND I RY I GA DE AV A B RD S .
i s e e a e re - re b rds than this p ci s , plum g d 'in F nch g y black , e e a e e a whit , and ch stnut , but with an unmist k abl f mily
e e e re s mblance to the ir sombre relative . Th y all hav
a a y e e t e simil r habits , solit r and s d n ary , with harsh voic s
r e and a de adly grip o f bill . The y a e most us ful birds in
e e e e o be e e ith r fi ld or gard n , and sh uld rigidly prot ct d
- e e e e e e et c . for th ir s rvic s in d stroying grass hopp rs , mic , Those that bree d with us make large o pen ne sts in tre e s o r e and e e - e e w bush s , lay gr nish whit ggs with bro n
spots .
THE SHO - I I I Pericrocotus brevirostris RT B LLED M N VET ( ) ,
‘ I e ffe e figure d on Plate IV (Fig . ) is a type of a quit di r nt
Th e e e e Ra ah L al e e . styl of Shrik Miniv ts , oft n call d j , are birds Of a harmle ss disposition only pre ying on inse cts
e e e are e e r e th ir bills and f t w ak , th ir wings ath r long , and t h e e e t h e e e m o f e e tails d cid dly so , with c ntr m f ath rs h t e e . e e e much long st Th y go about in parti s , flutt ring
b o t o t h e e from ough to b ugh , and clinging twigs in s arch
t e r Of inse cts . In most sp ecie s h se xe s a e absolute ly
ffe e t are e e t h e e di r nt in colour , though bo h v ry pr tty , mal s
- - - - b eing re d and black and t h e fe male s ye llow and gre y .
Th e are e t h e e e e e young lik h ns , but barr d lik oth r young
Shrike s . Th e Short -bill e d Minive t is a very wide ly-spre ad and
e e e o th e a common sp ci s , b ing found all al ng Himal yas and parts Of t h e plains adjacent to the m . It range s up to
ee e e K arenne e Arraka f t and xt nds south to , n
e ale and t h e Salw en Rive r . Eastern m spe cimens are
e r a de e p er and rich r ed than we ste rn one s . The male is t h e s ex r e pre se nte d in t h e Plate ' th e he n is ye llo w H 39 T E SHRIKES .
e e h e re d s v ello w e wh r is , and al o has a throat and for ’ he ad ; h er wings and tail are brown w he r e t h e male s are a h er w and o f e - ee bl ck , and cro n back a gr y gr n h ue .
With t he Minive ts it is common to se e one re d bird with a small flock o f ye llow one s— no doubt t h e Old pair and
e t h e e w e e e e e th ir brood ; nativ s , ho v r , put a diff r nt int r
ret at ion one e e t h e e e Of e e p on it , and call sp ci s b lov d s v n ” damse ls .
ve ee t h e - e e e e I ha s n Short bill d Miniv t in confin m nt , brought down from t h e hills in consignme nts of small birds from the nce ; but t h e Minive ts did not do ve ry we ll ; be ing true inse ct - fe e ders the y ne e d a gre at de al of c e no t e e e t o e e e ar , and I do r comm nd anyon k p th m
c e e e xcept with a vie w to e xport . Su h lov ly and harml ss cre ature s sure ly dese rve introduction int o any country T whe re the y c ould live if turn e d out at large . h e n e st
e e e e e - e of this bird , lik thos Of Miniv ts g n rally , is cup shap d ,
e o f fin w e e e e e mad t igs coat d outsid with lich ns , and plac d
e ee t h e e e rath r high up in a tr , Miniv ts b ing thorough
e e - e t h e tr haunt rs , and not coming to ground as many k e do . Th e e are e e fiv e e e Shri s ggs thr to in numb r , spott d
re d t with and purple o n a whitish ground . In h e Hima t h e layas bird bree ds in May or Jun e . THE PIPING- CROW SHRIKE OR AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE * (Gymno rhina tibicen) is a Shrik e o f an e ntire ly diffe re nt
e w e e e e e e typ again , of which hav no r pr s ntativ s in India
e e e e e e e h e e . but as it is fr qu ntly import d , it d s rv s a notic r ” This Magpie only deserve s its name by re ason Of its pi e d plumage ; in form it rathe r re se mble s t h e co mmon 40 N I I GARDEN A D AV ARY B RDS .
- e e e . e e Hous Crow , which it quals in siz Its tail , how v r , ’ is a little short er than t h e Crow s and as diffe re nt as
’ possible from a real Magpie s le ngt he ne d appendage .
Th e Of t h e -C th e bill Piping row is stout at root , but rapidly
e t h e e t h e e o f t h e tap rs to hook d tip , which is dark ; r st
i is o f e e e t h e bill a p culiar bluish whit , with no bristl s at
e . e e e root as in a tru Crow Exc pt for this p culiar b ak ,
e which much , re se mble s that o f t h e Australian Butch r birds— birds which anyone could at once se e to be Shrike s
‘ — t h e Piping- Crow is much more Crow than Shrike to
’ s e e Of n look at , having a Crow long l gs and pow r runni g
Th ma t h e active ly about o n t h e ground . e rkings Of
e are e e e e e plumag v ry p culiar , and unlik thos of any oth r
Th e ea e e ll t h e e th e k bird . h d , f t , a und rparts and flan s , are are t h e w e e e black ; so also ings , but th y b ar a whit
t h e e e e patch ; tail is whit with a black tip , and th r is a
Th e e white patch covering t h e back o f t h e n e ck . spac
e e e e t ail ma be e e e o r e b tw n n ck and y ith r black , whit , gr y ,
t h e - one o f black backe d birds coming from part Australia , and t h e light - backe d from anothe r ; but it is do ubtful
e e e are e e e rac wh th r th y r ally distinct sp ci s , and for all p
e tical purpose s the y may be re ckone d as one . Mal and
e e are e are e f mal alik , but young birds thickly mottl d
e e in with drab und rn ath , and buying a bird which it is
e et inte nde d to te ach and mak a p Of , this drab mottling An be e fo r. as a Sign of youth , must look d out old bird ,
e e be e e e how v r , will found to hav a most b autiful whistl
o wn c e w e e t h e s e e of its , ri h and vari d , hich alon mak s p ci s
e e o f e a so e worth k ping , to say nothing its b ing a h nd m
r A bird and possesse d o f much charact e . young bird
I 41 THE SHR KES . which has be e n prop erly taught is a sple ndid mimic and
e i e e e e talker . B ng naturally a whistl r , it r adily l arns tun s
e e a e e . and wh n it sp aks , its pronunci tion is v ry cl ar
e e - C ree e w e Mor ov r , a Piping row is a f talk r h n it knows
e e e e e e anything , which , as v rybody has xp ri nc d , is by no
Th e me ans t h e usual thing with talking birds . bird is
e a ee e e e at sy to k p , as , lik a tru Crow , it will anything ; ’ it has t h e Shrike s habit o f holding a large morse l in o ne
A o f foot to te ar it . portion its food should always consist
o f e e e e o r small animals or t nd r raw m at ; mic , sparrows
t v h h e ne cks of fowls will be suitable . It is ob ious t at
e e a such a bird is not a suitabl t n nt for any ordinary aviary , as it is not a safe companion for any bird we ake r than
e . t h e o e t o o for its lf On th r hand, it is too big and dirty
a e . Th e e e e e e e e t h e a c g b st plan , th r for , is ith r to giv
e e t h e bird a littl aviary to its lf in compound , about six
e e s e o r e e e o r f t quar ; , aft r it has got us d to its cag to a
e - e be e littl roosting hous which could mad for it , to clip
t fli - h e gh t fe athers Of o ne wing and le t it roam about by
e . day , shutting it in saf ly at night
t h e be e t h e e In this way bird will an ornam nt to gard n ,
e e e e w e e and us ful in d stroying Ins ct p sts , hil it is lik ly to
ee e k p in be tte r he alth whe n allowe d this modifi d liberty . Th e Piping-Crow is ve ry popular in Australia both wild
e t are e e . e and as a p , and a good many xport d I hav said so much about it be cause it is o ne of t h e be st of all pet
r t o ea e e e birds , and practically ce tain pl s anyon who tri s
e e unt rairie e a e it , v n an Old d bird b ing , as I s id abov , a
e e e v ry nic pet . Although rathe r e xpensiv to buy — costing at le ast t en rupee s th e fact that it is a ve ry hardy 42 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS
- and long live d bird make s a Piping-Crow a very safe
e fo r - sp culation any bird lover .
O O S THE RI LE .
The se constitute a small family Of birds found chie fly
e t h O ar t h e in warm r gions in e ld World . The y e of about
e e - n e siz of a Hous My ah, and usually y llow and black in
e e e plumag , with rath r long wings , m dium tails , longish ,
e e T - e . h e stout bills , and d cid dly Short l gs Black he ade d
e e e . Oriol , figur d on Plat II (Fig will give a good ide a
Of e e r T e e e e e . h e th m , as th y hav a g at family r s mblanc v
e e e e e e liv in tr s , f ding on fruit and ins cts , and building be autiful hammock- like ne sts in a fork of a branch ; t h e
e are e r ggs white with black spots . Mal and fe male a e
e e e t h e are e e alik in plumag or n arly so but young str ak d , and t h e young h e n doe s no t come into full colour so soon t h e . e are e e as cock Th y not songst rs , but hav most
fl- e e b eautiful ut e like calls . Th y go alon or in pairs and
are calle d pilah in Hindustani . It should be mention e d he re that t h e so - calle d Oriole s
e e e e e e t h e Of Am rica b long to a diff r nt family altog th r ,
e e e e e Of e Troupials ; it is r markabl , how v r , that som th m
t h e t h e display e same black and y llow colours , and almost
e e t h e e e e e t h e sam patt rns , as tru Oriol s , wh nc , no doubt ,
t h e are e confusion . In form and habits Troupials int r
e e e e e t h e t h e e e - e m diat b tw n Starlings and W av r Finch s , and practically e ve ry gradation b e twe e n the se ve ry diffe re nt
birds can be found in t h e family . A common Brazilian
Icterus vul aris e e in Troupial ( g ) , in colour much r s mbl g t h e - e e o e e n Black h ad d Ori l figur d , but with a Starli g
44 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
e a e s black str ks b low , absolute ly unlike th e pare nts . A
th e e e e e e th e Old in last sp ci s , th y hav dark bills , whil
e on s have rosy one s .
e e artiallv e This sp ci s is p migratory , visiting Turk stan t in summ e r . But h e only re gularly migratory Oriole is
’ t h e e e e Orio lus albula Gold n Oriol of Europ ( g ) , which i occasionally but rare ly visits us in Sind in winte r . Th s spe cie s is almost e xactly like our Indian bird above de s c ribe d ie ffe e w , ch fly di ring by its long r ings and showing
le ss black on t h e face and tail . An d p e ople wh o admire s
t h e e - e as so many do , b autiful Mango bird , should b ar in mind that its e qually love ly Europe an re lative would un
o e e e e o d ubt dly s ttl in England if allow d , as it is c nstantly
e e e visiting that country , usually g tting shot b for it has
e ee e e e do e e tim to br d ; and th r for all th y can , wh n at
e e e e e . hom on l av , to prot ct rar birds
YNA THE STARLINGS OR M HS .
Th e Mynahs form a very inte re sting family of Eastern
t h e r e n e e e e birds , of which only common Eu op a r pr s ntativ is t h e Starling (S turnus vulgaris ) known to t h e nativ e s in
v e t h e e n . India , which it isits in wint r , as Spott d My ah
Of e e India abounds in birds of this group , most th m r s i
e e e . de nts , and s v ral v ry common Birds of this family
e e are ve ry e asily re cogniz d by th ir short tails , strong ,
e t h e e t h e h coars e fe t , and p culiar way in which mout
t h e e e n t h e e turns down at corn rs , as w ll show in Pi d
e Mynah on Plate II (Fig . which is a v ry typical
Th e e e i t h e e e xample . bill is Oft n v ry stra ght , and l gs
t h e n e rathe r long , birds usually runni g inst ad of hopping 45 THE STARLINGS OR MYNAHS .
t h e e e e Of e . when o n ground , wh r th y find most th ir food
r e e e e t h e i But the y a e also activ on tr s , and strong fli rs , fl ght
e w e t h e be ing l e ve l and st ady , ith non Of undulating action so common among t h e smalle r sp e cie s of birds . Not that Mynahs are very small ; the ir size always e xcee ds
e e e are e t h e that of a Sparrow . Mal and f mal alik , but
ffe e . ee e young may di r gr atly M ynahs f d mostly on ins cts ,
‘ but will e at fruit and e ve n see d also ; the y build in hole s
t h e r e e are e e l nu for most pa t , and th ir ggs g n rally p ain
e ffe t h e e h spott e d blue . Th y much a ct n ig bourhood of
are m e u e - man , and usually har l ss , not to say s ful birds ,
e b e side s b e ing handsome and int ere sting to watch . Th ir
a e e u n tural song is not pl asant , but wh n bro ght up from t h e e e e e are n st th y show gr at tal nt for mimicry . The y sociable in a wild stat-e a nd not quarre lsome with othe r
e e e e birds in an aviary , though th y can hold th ir own , v n
e ar t o ee with large r spe cie s . Th y e particularly e asy f d
e e are and will thrive we ll for a long time . In B ngal th y l calle d S a ik . THE HOUSE -MYNAH OR C OMMON MYNAH (Acridotheres
tristis e e t h e t o ) is found all ov r India , asc nding hills a
e e e o f e e e e consid rabl h ight , as it has lat y ars b com common
ee . e e e at Darj ling It is a v ry dom sticat d bird , building i e unt dv e e t c . e a gr at n st of rags , straw , , in any hol it can
e w th e e find about a hous , and alking about v randah
t o e e r nm ant s e e et c . with a vi w picking up any of boil d ric , , At be . t h e e e t h e n that may handy sam tim , My ah is not
ffe e mi l e t h e Cre w o nsiv ly fa liar ik and Sparrow , and it is
e a p rh ps for this re ason that h e is so ge n e rally popular .
Bes e h e e is e id s , is a nic bird to look at . H brown plumag , 4 I I 6 GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS . set o ff by a black he ad and a white band on th e wings
e t h e e e e and a whit tip to tail , looks v ry n at and his y llow
e e Th e e e e e e t h e w e . fac , bill , and f t , r li v hol from dingin ss ” e Tristis e ae nam or dull , was giv n to him by Linn us ,
s r - Of- e who thought h e wa a shabby kind of Bi d paradis . Young birds may be distinguishe d by having th e he ad
e - e - et t h e e v ry dull black inst ad of glossy j , and bar skin of
' t f c ll- - e h e a e du white inste ad Of bright ye llow . This is a larg
e a t e n e bird for a Mynah , b ing bout inch s long with stout
e e e e e e . l gs and larg f t , but a d cid dly short bill It has
u e e much co rag and will attack and rout a Crow f arle ssly .
Th e fih e e t h e e - e cocks also g t fi rc ly in n sting s ason , rolling
’ o n t h e e e e e about ground lock d in ach oth r s claws , whil h T t e e o e . h e e h ns l ok on as s conds Mynah , lik all Star
n e y e e li gs , is v r ludicrous in his b haviour wh n singing , e re cting his he ad plumage and bowing at inte rvals in a
s w a e e clowni h y, which strongly contrasts with his v ry s lf posse sse d mann e r on ordinary occasions . His natural note s are rathe r a mixture of music and
e e e but e - e e e m r nois , in captivity a n st r ar d bird oft n
e e e e . e . . e b com s a r ally good talk r Mv fri nd , Mr F Gros r ,
e o ne e e e Of Alipor , has now , which Sp aks b tt r than most
e e . parrots , and far mor r adily A hand-re are d Mynah may be safely allowe d full liberty so that if a talke r be wante d it is as we ll t o get se ve ral
e e e e y e t h e e young birds , and cag th m s parat l , wh n b st can be e e e t h e e le t e e s l ct d , and oth rs out or giv n away , if th y
e show no signs of a budding tale nt fo r acquiring languag . Albinism is not ve ry uncommon in this My nah ; I have
e e t w e e e o e s n o white on s with pink y s , and two th rs with I G 4 THE STARL N S OR MYNAHS . 7
e th e o e e e e e y s of normal col ur (a sp ckl d gr y) , which aft r
e e e o ne e e t h e h e wards r v rt d , compl t ly , and ot r partially , t o t h e natural colour ; thi s be ing like ly to happe n w he n
r t h e e ye s of a white bird a e no t pink . Th e House -Myn ah has b e e n introduce d into se ve ral
e — t h e Andamans t h e othe r countri s Mauritius , , Sandwich
‘ N w e t h and e . e Islands , Australia , Z aland Only in Sand
h e e e r e h e wich Islands has prov d an und si abl colonist , as
th e e t h e ve there attacks ggs and young of nati birds ,
r many Of which a e only found in th e se islands .
c o her in a s e B H. A rid t es in i nu a THE ANK MYNA ( g g ) , is c ll d
Gan a maina Gan salilc en g in Hindustani , and g in B gali , is smalle r and slighter than t h e House - Mynah it has t h e
e o f t h e f Th e e . e e sam patt rn colour , but tints dif r h ad is
th e O e e e t h e - black as in th r sp ci s , but body colour is iron gre y and t h e light bands on th e wings and tail cinnamon t h e a e e re d t h e e e e b r fac is bright , and f t and bill orang ,
Th are e e e e inste ad of ye llow . e young birds som tim s m r ly
e t h e t h e y dull ditions of adult , as in Common M nah , but
more Ofte n diffe r strikingly by having drab h e ads . Th e Bank Mynah de rive s its name from its curious
e - e e n sting habits ; it burrows into banks to mak its n sts ,
e n a . numb r of birds associati g to . form a colony It is a curious fact that t h e bird is particularly partial to t h e cast
o e t h sl ughs Of snak s as a lining to e n e st . This Mynah
e d a t o t h e e is p culiar to In i , and north rn part of it ; it
e e e t h e e o f t h e e do s not xt nd to ast Bay of B ngal , but it
e t h e t o e asc nds Himalayas some he ight . It doe s not se m
be y t h e e e e to trul migratory , but chang s fr qu ntly occurring in t h e be ds of rive rs in India no doubt Ofte n cause 48 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS . it to change its quarte rs in orde r to Obtain a suitabl e
- t e e . e e h e e e n sting sit It also br ds in sid s of w lls , and I be lie ve in Calcutta affe cts t h e Fort Buildings ; I have
see n it ofte n on t h e Maidan .
JU H Aethio sar uscus e THE NGLE MYNA ( p f ) , distinguish d as Pahari or Jhonti maina in Hindustani and Jh ont salik
e e e e e b et-We e t h e in B ngali , is som what int rm diat n last
e e w e e be e e two sp ci s It can , ho v r , asily distinguish d
b v t h e e e e e e from both having fac f ath r d all ov r , and not
e e e t h e e e showing any bar skin mor ov r , f ath rs stick
e e at t h e o f t h e e n e up in a small ragg d cr st root bill , wh c ” t h e e e e e e n . Th e nativ nam s , which m an Cr st d My ah light markings on wing and tail are white as in t h e Common
t h e e are e t h e - Mynah , and bill and l gs orang body colour
e e w e t h e is gr y , but much dark r and bro n r than in Bank
o n t h e w e s e e e th e e Mynah , so that hol thi bird r s mbl s Hous
t wo e e . e Mynah most , of its r lativ s It is found all ov r our
e e t h e e e e Empir , asc nding hills up to ight thousand f t , but it affe cts jungle and builds in hole s in tre e s tho ugh oft e n associating with t h e House - Mynah and some time s se e n
in towns .
t h e Of s e e It is a curious fact that birds thi sp ci s , which
e e e inhabit North rn India and Burma , hav bright y llow
e e S e e e e e . e y e s , whil thos from outh rn India hav pal blu on s
e we e e e e t h e Ther is , ho v r , som t nd ncy to variation in
e e colour of t h e e ye s in othe r Starlings . Mor than onc I have se e n t h e Common Starling In India with whitish
b w e e saw e ye s inste ad of ro n on s , and I onc a Bank Mynah with ye llow e ye s in a cage with se veral of t h e ordinary
- o e re d e y e d on es . If such a variation pr v d strongly I 49 THE STARL NGS OR MYNAHS .
e e a l se e e e a e h r dit ry , it wou d of cour spr ad in tim ov r whol
i be e e e t h e distr ct . It would v ry int r sting to know if differe ntly -coloure d e ye in such case s is associate d with
f r a dif e e nce in disposition or constitution , and this could e asily be asce rtaine d with spe cie s so re adily obtaine d and
ar ke pt as t h e Mynahs e . fl I use d to know a ve ry tam e jungle Mynah which e w
t h e e n e e e about Mus um compou d at compl t lib rty , and
e o a e me e t h e s ld m f il d to look up arly in morning , though I
e t h e e did not usually fe e d him . This is undoubt dly b st way of k e e ping t h e common birds— to allow the m full
e — lib rty but the y must be e xp e cte d to disappe ar in time . PI H S turno astor contra THE ED MYNA ( p ) , commonly
Abulha t h e e o ne Of m known as among nativ s , is our ost
Th . e . e e e charming birds figur (Fig on Plat II , giv s
e e e e be e e t h e an xc ll nt id a of it , but it should m ntion d that unde rparts b e low t h e bre ast are a pale gre y rath e r than
e e e Th e e t h e pur whit , looking rath r dirty . bas Of bill
t h e a e t h e e e are re d t h e and b r skin round y s bright , tip
f t h - o e Th re sh e . e e . fl bill b ing whit e le gs a e y whit also
e e t h e e e e w Young birds , b sid s having n ck str ak d ith
w re d t h e e e brown , Sho no about fac , and hav black bills
e . Curio uslv e e e t h e e and l gs nough , th y also hav insid
t h e e le t h e Old e a of mouth orang , whi in on s this is as bl ck
e as if th y had b e e n drinking ink .
o ne o f o ur e e e This is common st birds , b ing found ov r India ge n erally in Burma it is re place d by a ve ry close ly allie d sp ecie s or varie ty (S turnopastor superciliaris ) diffe ring m e re ly in having w hite stre aks o n t h e fore he ad
e t h e e and ov r ye s . It is more inclin e d t o go in flocks F , GAB 4 N GARDEN A D AVIARY BIRDS .
t t h e se - e no t e s ee han Hou Mynah , and do s com into tr ts
t h e e e a e and actual pr cincts of hous s , though v ry usual
o f e e e be e e inhabitant our gard ns , wh r it must of consid rabl s ervice as it is usually s e e n industriously hunting th e
e e se t grass . It do s not indulg in any song apparently ;
e e e e e - e e but its voic is v ry sw t and flut lik , and it app ars not to have any unpl e asant note s whate ve r— a re markabl e
e and e e one Of p culiarity in any bird , sp cially in this
family . Th e Pie d Mynah appe ars to be t h e most inse ctivorous o f all our Mynahs it is constantly haunting for pre y on
t r -flw r - t h e e h e e d o e e d e e ground , though , wh n cotton tr is in bloom it j oins othe r birds in drinking n e ctar from t h e
ee e animal blossoms . In captivity it n ds mor food than
- e e e . e e e w e e e e be oth r sp ci s I b li v it can , h n n st r ar d , taught to whistle ve ry we ll — which o ne would e xpe ct f fromt h e m e llown e ss o its natural note s .
U e e e e nlik oth r Starlings , it do s not build in a hol , but
e e t h e e e e e mak s a big untidy n st on bough of a tr , s v ral
Th e pairs ofte n building n e ar e ach othe r . birds must posse ss re markable courage to be able to afford to re ar
e t h e e e the ir broods in public lik this , for n st is obtrusiv ly
- obvious to e ve ry passer by . Th e Pie d Mynah in captivity is apt to turn more or
le ss black on t h e light parts of its plumage . I onc e saw in a cage o ne of the se birds which was pale drab all ove r t h e e e e t h e e parts which should hav b n black , r st with l h t h e e e tc . e norma . t e e b ak , , r maining In Indian Mus um ,
are t h e e e one o f too , two skins of sp ci s , which is mostly
e th e e e e Whit , and oth r ntir ly so .
52 I I GARDEN AND AV ARY B RDS .
G -H D‘ H S turnia malabarica THE REY EADE MYNA ( ) is ,
e t h e e e e Pawi t h e e e lik last sp ci s , commonly call d , cr st d
e e e t h e M on h r Pawi birds b ing distinguish d in B ngal as g y .
t h e e e It is small st of our common Mynahs , b ing only e e n e e y e w e ight inch s lo g , and sl nd rl form d , ith a long r tail
a e . re e t h e th n Mynahs usually hav In colour , it is g y abov ,
e be in e - e e t h e h ad g a light silv r gr y , b low it is cinnamon , tail being tippe d with this colour ; also t h e pinion - quills ar Th e e e t h e black . bill is blu and y llow as in e last
th e e e t h e e e e e e . sp ci s ; y s whit , and l gs dark dirty y llow Many spe cime ns show a white patch o n t h e fore he ad and throat ; this may occur in both cocks and he ns . Young
are e s e e e e e birds a gr yi h drab n arly all ov r , with blu y s ; the ir small size and plain colour make the m e asily dis l t inguish ab e .
e e This littl Mynah is found all Ov r India , including
t h e hills lo w e e a n . o e at l v tio s It is not f und in C ylon , nor in t h e Andamans and Nicobars ' its place in the se latte r islands be ing take n by t wo be autiful spe cie s p e ou liar to the m . Th e Andaman Pawi (S turnia andamanica) is fre que ntly to be had in Calcutta . It is a little large r than t h e
Pawi e one o f e Se a- l common and r minds a miniatur gu l , b e ing white with a pale gre y back and black quills . It
e e e e make s a nic aviary bird , having a pr tty not as w ll as striking plumage . Th e ordinary gre y - he ade d sp e cie s has nothing parti o e e nlar to r comm nd it in that capacity , nor is it a parti cularly inte re sting bird in a wild state . It sp e nds most o t s i e t h e ee e e ll f i t m in tr s , f ding on fruit , though it wi T I THE S ARL NGS OR MYNAHS . 53 some time s come down o n t h e ground and run about afte r insects like othe r Mynahs . But it cannot pre t end to
e r compare with the m e ithe r in attractive n ss o utility . THE HI LL MYNAH (Ba labos intermedia) is typical of a group Of Mynahs some time s— as in t h e F auna of British
I ndia e — e e e volum s rank d as a distinct family , which k p to
r t h e tre e s altogethe r and fe e d e ntire ly on f uit . The y do
afie ct e e e not human habitations at all , build in hol s in tr s ,
e e are e e t h e laying spott d ggs , and not abl to walk lik
t h e n e . ordinary My ahs , progr ssing on ground only by hops
Th e e - e e e e e e e w ll known sp ci s m ntion d abov is a v ry h avy ,
- se t e e thick bird , with short wings and tail , d p short bill
Th e e f and short strong l e gs and fe e t . h ad has a band o
e o n e e e e e bar skin ach sid , irr gular in outlin and nding in
t Th e e t t h e loose flaps at h e back . l ng h of bird is about a
e e e foot its plumag is black , richly gloss d with purpl and
ee e t h - e . gr n , and with a whit band on pinion quills Th e
e -re d t h e e e e bill is rich orang , and f t and bar skin of t h e
e t h e e e are he ad bright y llow ; y s dark .
e e - e t h e re Young birds hav a d ad black plumag , and ba
o n t h e e e e e n skin h ad li s clos throughout , and do s o t e nd t h in e loose flaps be hind .
e e e ffe e e Th r is a good d al Of di r nc in adult Hill Mynahs , some having much large r bills and be tte r -de ve lop e d he ad lappets than oth ers .
so w e e e e e This bird , id ly c l brat d as a talk r , and known
t h e e Pahari M nah o n t h e w e to nativ s as y , is found lo r
e t h e t h e slop s Of Himalayas , throughout Burma and
e t h e -e e o f t h e Ce nt ral Malay P ninsula , in south ast rn part
e t h e An damans . e n Provinc s , and and Nicobars I hav o ly 54 AND AV I RY I ARD N A RD . G E L‘ B S
e e th e e e e e s n it wild in form r islands , wh r I notic d it had
e e a dir ct h avy flight ; but I o nly saw one pair . It is a
e e e e w e t h e e gr at d al b tt r kno n as a captiv , and sp aking powe rs o f a re ally good sp e cime n must be h e ard to be
e e . th e e e e e e e appr ciat d At sam tim , r ally p rf ct talk rs e e be e e o me t fe w o s m to rar ; I hav nly with , alth ugh
e e t e e t c . are t o o accomplish d cough rs , spi t rs , , only common f e t h e e M r. . e e o My fri nd , lat W Rutl dg , Calcutta , had
a m e e e e e e a most d irabl sp cim n , whos favourit r mark “ ” was Not a drop t o save my soul ' utte re d with an unctuous fe rvour which ought to ha v e be en wo rth pounds An t o a Home for In e briate s . d th ere was anothe r at t h e
e ZOO o ne e e i e e e e hom y ar , on d pos t , which fr qu ntly nquir d ,
W are ou e e e hat y talking about in a v ry p r mptory ,
me e . e e e e not to say vulgar , mann r But th s app ar d to
be e e e e to brilliant xc ptions , and unl ss this Mynah l arns
e e do Hindustani much mor asily than English , I not quite unde rstand t h e foundation for his re putation .
e e e e e e e e o f t h e e Th r is , how v r , a b tt r bird than ith r abov at t h e London ZOO at pre sent . Pe ople wh o would ke e p this sp e cie s as a cage - bird
e e e irst t o et n o ne be should r m mb r , f , g a you g , which may
e e e t h e s o e e secondl e asily s l ct d by igns ab v giv n ; y, to
e and thirdl e it s give it a big cag ; y, aft r it has got full
r o r e t o v e plumage and g own its wattle s lapp ts , not gi
o e e - - satoo t o it much rich fo d lik br ad and milk and , but
-e e e e fe e d it mostly o n fruit . Fruit ating birds lik th s
r e e s e have g oss app tit s , and too nouri hing a di t is like ly to give th e m fits by inducing a plethoric habit of body . p. IN o n 0 5 THE STARL GS MYNAHS .
Th e e and Hill Mynah thriv s also as an aviary bird , for
e e e e this purpos old wild caught on s will do quit w ll ,
- though not suitable as cage pe ts . The y bree d from March
hi e t h e e e to May , w ch will indicat tim wh n young birds
be e t h may look d for in e bird marke ts . H APTE R I C V .
P I — o t ASSER NE BIRDS c n inued . F C C T H H H E TC . LY AT ERS , RUS ES ,
FLYCATC ERS THE H .
TH are e e e ESE a num rous body of littl birds , usually l ss w e in e than a sparro in siz , and dist guished by short w ak f e e t and thin flatte n e d bills with a bristly moustache at
ar e e l t h e base . The y e g n ra ly solitary and have a habit Of re pe ate dly darting out at inse cts and re turning t o
t h e e e . e e are e e sam p rch Many sp ci s found in India , ith r
e e are e e constantly or as wint r visitors , but th y not int r st
no e e ing as a group , though doubt us ful in a humbl way ,
e e e as the y fe e d almost ntir ly on flying ins cts , with which
e e Of t h e India is undoubte dly ove rstocke d . Thr most common and striking spe cie s may be notic ed here .
P I F C C Ter si ho-ne aradisi THE ARAD SE LY AT HER ( p p p ) , e n t h e e figure d o n Plate I (Fig . is w ll k own to nativ s l h o hr Shah Bulbu . as t h e Do d aj or It is , alt ough light
e e e o ne and sl nde r in mak , a larg bird for of this family , t h e male be ing about nin e inch e s long without t h e long
e e - e e e xt-end o r e e c ntr tail f ath rs , which a foot mor b yond T t t h e re st . h e he ns and h e young male s during the ir first
e e no t e e e t h e y ar , hav this r markabl longation of tail , but the y are e asily distingu ishe d from all o ur oth e r
, s T mall birds notwithstanding . h e colour is a rich 5 THE FLYCATC HERS . 7
e t h e e e e e i e - t h e ch stnut , cr st d h ad b ng glossy blu black ,
Th e f l bre ast gre y and t h e be lly white . bill is o a be autifu
e t h e e o f t h e e blu , and insid mouth a bright y llow , as if it had b e e n painte d with mustard ; t h e e ye lids are also
e e e e e e . blue . N stling birds hav v ry dull or v n brown h ads
e t h e In his s cond autumn , young cock ge ts a pair of long
e e - e e e e are c ntr tail f ath rs , but th s che stnut like t h e re st of his uppe r pl umage . In two more ye ars n e arly all t h e
e e e t h e e e r e plumag xc pt h ad b come s white . All e d ting
e h e e e e e t h e u e o ne b ing lost , and th n r s mbl s fig r , and is
Of t h e e most b autiful and striking birds in any c o unt rv .
e e e e h e Europ ans as w ll as nativ s notic him , and av also
e e o n e e b stow d him Sp cial nam s , such as Indian Bird ” ” o f- e e Paradis , and Rock t Bird .
Th e e e e bird is found all ov r India and C ylon , asc nding t h e hills to nine thousand fe et in summe r ; in Burma it is re plac e d by a ve ry similar sp e ci e s ( Ter si ho ne afinis ) p p
e e e e t h e e which hardly diff rs xc pt in having no cr st , h ad
plumage be ing short .
Th e e e e e no t e Indian sp ci s , at all v nts , is a v ry abun dant bird ; I have only se e n two sp e cime ns in t h e wild
e e e e w t h e - e e stat and th s , b ing ithout long tail f ath rs ,
we re either he ns or quite young cocks .
. . e e e e Mr F Gros r , who has had much b tt r opportuniti s
Of e e me ee studying it than I hav , t lls that it f ds much on
e e e Off t h e o f t h e e butt rfli s , whos wings it cuts by snap b ak
‘ w e h fine e . hich captur s t m Some p e ople say it has a song , but t h e only note s I have h e ard from captive sp e cime ns
e e e be e w r harsh and unpl asant to a de gre e . It can k pt
e e e e e Of a e cag d , but r quir s a gr at d al c r , and ought G ARDE N AND A\ IA Y S R BIRD .
not t o be capture d e xce pt for purpose s of e xport it would be a charming bird to acclimatize in warm tropical islands
whe re inse ctivorous birds are wante d .
Th e e e - e t h e br ding s ason of bird is from May to July , t h e e e . and n st is small and op n , built in a branch Four
fiv r or e pink e ggs with ed spots are laid . The re is a rather pre tty native l e ge nd about this t h e e e e f e . e Flycatch r , som what to following f ct Onc , so
e t h e r - of- e e e go s sto y , it was a Bird Paradis ind d , snow
e e e e e all e e - e e whit in v ry f ath r , and with its tw lv tail f ath rs
th o f - i in e form long ribbon l ke plum e s . But it gave
e t o e its lf such airs that Allah , punish its pr sumption , ’ i t h e s de prive d it of its b e aut ful plumage . On bird
e e e e e e t wo r p ntanc , how v r , it was allow d still to carry
t h e e e e e e e e of ch rish d str am rs , though its fac was black n d
e to re mind it of its form r sham e . THE FANTAIL FLYCATCHER (Rkipidum albzfro ntata) is a
e ffe e e bird of som what di r nt typ and habits . Its bill is
e o e v er e e t h e rath r sh rt r , and v d cid dly bristly at root its
re e e a e e e e l e gs a a littl long r th n thos of Flycatch rs g n rally ,
e e e t e . and its tail of mod rat l ng h , but broad and round d It is about se ven inch e s long and sle nde r in form ; t h e
- plumage is dark gre y brown above and white b e low . It
e e e w e has a pair of broad whit y bro s on a black h ad , and
e e o n t h e e t h e tail is broadly tipp d with whit , so that , whol ,
Th e h e n e e e it is a strikingly coloure d bird . is m r ly a littl
t t h e are e f duller than h e cock , but young mark d with buf on t he back .
e t h e e e This bird is found all ov r Empir , but do s not go ve ry far up th e Himalayas . It is a most charming
60 DEN AND BI GAR AVIARY RDS .
e e t h e s ason , and coming down to wint r in plains . I
e e e h ad found it common about Darj ling , and notic d it a e pr tty song of its own .
e o f e It n sts from April to July , building in any sort hol ,
r in which it make s a moss n e st . Th e e ggs a e four in
e and be e e - e numb r, may ith r plain , pinkish whit or speckle d
r with ed .
This is o ne of t h e ve ry few Flycatche rs I have e ve r se e n in captivity ; s e ve ral sp e cime ns have b e e n brought down from t h e hills with consignme nts of small inse ctivorous
e e e f birds . Th y se e m to do w ll nough on a die t o m ic e and maggots . Th e Verdite r Flycatche r must not be confuse d with
e e e e e e e t h e anoth r small blu Flycatch r som tim s s n , Black
’ e e H o th mzs az ur a nap d Flycatch r ( yp y e ) . This is of a
e e t h e dark r and purplish blu , with a black spot at back of t h e he ad .
THE THRUSHES .
Th e e e e o f Thrush s form a v ry larg family birds , for in addition to t h e fairly large sp e cie s to which t h e te rm
e t h e s Thrush is usually appli d , small Robin , Chats and
are e Re dstarts include d in it . All th se birds have a
e e e e e e e e strong family r s mblanc , but th ir g n ral app aranc
e e e e - is hard to de scrib e . Th y hav a n at w ll proportion e d
le o f e e e form , with wings , tail , and gs , all mod rat l ngth as
r t T a rule ; and the ir bills a e small and sligh . h e Night
4 e t h ingal e on Plate III (Fig . ) will giv a good ide a o f e
f f e e e Fe w app earanc e o most o th m as far as shap go s . are so e e e and e plainly colour d as this bird , how v r , som 61 THE THRUSHES .
Th e be e e e of the m are quite gay . cock may ith r xactly
t h en e e e e t h e are like h e , or mor or l ss diff r nt ; young ff e e e ge n e rally spotte d with bu , and look quit unlik th ir
t h e e ffe pare nts . In this Thrush s di r conspicuously from
flo ff at e e y e d e t h e Babble rs , which g onc into a v r similar
e e e dre ss to that worn by t h e old birds . Oth rwis Thrush s
e e e e e and Babble rs are much alik in g n ral app aranc , though to anyone who has a little e xp e rie nc e in o bserv
t h e e e e e e e ing birds , coars bill and f t , loos plumag , and v ry short Wings of t h e Babblers mark the m off from the ir
e e more aristocratic re lativ s at first sight . Furth r
ar observation will show that Thrushe s e usually surly. and solitary in contradistinction to t h e j olly sociability of the othe rs ; and that the y n e ver take hold o f things _
w e e use e ith th ir foot as Babbl rs do , but only th ir bill in
e n e r breaking up a larg i se ct . Th y a e mainly inse ct
e e t h e e e e e e e at rs , but larg sp ci s also d vour a consid rabl
. e are e e amount of fruit Th y good fli rs , many of th m
e e t h e e e b ing migratory , and fairly activ on ground , wh r t h e l e i e t h e e e e e h 0 sma l r k nds hop , whil larg r on s alt rnat ly p
run e e . e e e and , unlik most oth r birds Th y p rch a gr at
e e e e e d al in tr s , and oft n build in th m , but do not hop
t h e a e e e about br nch s v ry much , taking th ir food most
e e commonly o n t h e ground . The ir e ggs vary a gr at d al
are e e . in colour , but most oft n spott d Thrushe s of o ne kind and anothe r are found all ove r
' t h e t h e W e e S amco la wnanthe o ne o f t h e world ; h at ar ( ) ,
e e t h e e e t h e e e Chats , r ach s Arctic r gions , whil r mot island of Tristan da Ounh a in t h e Southern Oc e an has a sp e cie s
Nesocichla eremita. i e ( ) all to ts lf , AND S GARDEN AVIARY BIRD .
t h e Among Thrushe s are t o be found t h e fine st singe rs
all s t h e e of birds , uch as Nightingal of Europ e and t h e
e Shama of India . Th y are also much admire d gen e rally for th eir n e at and trim app earance though to my mind far le ss inte re sting and le ss animate d than t h e compara
t iv el e e e y pl b ian Babbl rs .
e e are e e e t h e e Non of th m xtr m ly small , but larg st is e not bigg r than a Jay . This is THE HIMALAYAN WHISTLING THRUSH (M yiophoneus
temminckii e K astam ) call d by t h e native s . This b e autiful
e e bird is ov r a foot long , and strongly mad , though without t h e e o f t h e e e coarse app aranc most birds of siz . Its
e e e - e t h e t h e colour is a rich d p viol t blu , tips of body fe athe rs having a curious glaze d or varnishe d app e arance ;
t h e e l t h e e . bill , which is strong , is y l ow , and l gs black
Th e h en e t h e t h e are ffe e is lik cock , but young di r nt ,
e t h e me e b e ing dull r , and without glossy tippings ntion d
e e e e are e . abov ; mor ov r , th ir bills n arly all black As
are e f e T e the y not spott d with buf lik most young hrush s ,
e e t h e F auna for this re ason this bird is som tim s , as in o British I ndia e e t h e e f volum s , class d with Babbl rs ;
e ee e e e but it do s not agr with th s in any oth r point ,
e e e t h so that I ke p it h r with e Thrushe s . Th e Whistling Thrush is found all through t h e Indian
e e e e hills , giving plac in Burma to anoth r sp ci s which is
e e e bar ly distinguishabl , and probably not r ally distinct
o oneus eu nii Th e e (M yi ph ge ) . Indian bird rang s in sum m e r t en e e e e up to thousand f t , but com s low r down in
e t h e t h h e e . e e e e o f wint r , v n to plains It fr qu nts sid s ill
e e e o n e s i a . str ams , f ding snails and oth r mall an m ls It 6 THE THRUSHES . 3
s in t h e ne e i e e bre e d spring , ar wat r , mak ng a larg op n n e st o f roots and moss in a cre vic e in rocks o r othe r
o e e e e u e l e e e . e similar plac , s m tim s v n nd r a wat rfa l Thr
fiv e e are e e o r ee to ggs laid , pal gr y gr n , with pink and k brown spe c lings .
e ea e It has a v ry b utiful whistling song , which it b gins
Th e o f t h e e e very e arly in t h e morning . habits Burm s
e ee be be e e e . rac s m to similar , as might xp ct d
e be e This bird may occasionally , though rar ly , obtain d t e e n e e . in Calcutta , and mak s a v ry ic p In an aviary
be e e it must only associat d with birds of its own siz , as it is some what carnivorous in its tast e s and ve ry dange r
C b e ous to small birds . are should e tak n to give it ple nty
e e of small cr atur s as food , such as shrimps , snails , and
e it e e e . cockroach s , and should hav ampl faciliti s for bathing
It has a curious trick of fre que ntly e xpanding its tail .
e e be -e e u be As it do s not app ar to a fruit at r , this wo ld a good bird to introduce into countrie s whe re birds of th e
r Thrush kind a e wanting .
e e e o f e W l In South rn India a sp ci s blu hist ing Thrush ,
e t h e e e small r than pr s nt bird , and with a black bill , is
M io ho neus ho rs eldi e e t h e found ( y p fi) , and is oft n call d ” Whistling Schoolboy . THE GREY- WINGED BLACKBIRD (M erula bo ulbo ul) is
e K astum t h e e e e a also call d by nativ s , this nam b ing p
are nt l e e o ne e e e e e d p y a g n ral , appli d to s v ral sp ci s , inclu ing t h e last whose prope r re lationships have thus be e n
e e th e e e e corr ctly assign d by nativ s , oft n v ry good
e e obs rve rs . It will be at once re cognize d by its clos
e e e t o t h e o f e r s mblanc familiar Blackbird Europ , but 64 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e Th e it is larg r, b ing n arly a foot long . male is black
e e e - all ov r , xc pt for a large patch of silve r gre y on t h e
; e -re d wings his bill is orang , and his le gs dull orange
. Th e h en brown is dull dark brown , with a buff patch t h e e t t on wings , corr sponding o h e gre y o ne in t h e male ; h er e are e Th e bill and l gs dull r than his . young birds are e e e ff l , I b li v , brown with bu spots , ike young English
Blackbirds .
Th - e Gre y winge d Blackbird is found all along t h e
e e Himalayas , and xt nds to Manipur it range s up to e ight
e e e e e e thousand f t in summ r , d sc nding in wint r e ven to t h e . e e plains It br ds from April to August , laying four gre e n e ggs sp eckle d with brown in a ne st place d in a hollow
e e e o f e e fo r or l dg , and mad moss and l av s , it doe s not use e t h e mud lik English bird .
fine n a d e It has a song , will liv in captivity in t h e
e e e e e plains , but I hav not s n many of th s birds cage d .
THE ORANGE - HEADED GROUND- THRUSH (Geo cickla ci ' trina e Dama e is e e ) call d in B ngal , about nin inch s long,
e e - having a tail rath r short r than most Thrushe s . It is
e t h e e e e - e a strikingly colour d bird , mal b ing orang ch stnut
t h e e e e e e t h e on h ad , n ck , and br ast , and Fr nch gr y on
e e e back, wings and tail , with a whit b lly and a small whit
t T - e t patch on h e wing . h e h en is olive colour d whe re h e
t h h r e e e e e e . cock is gr y , and orang of plumag is l ss rich
- T fl . h e t h e e e sh e bill is black , and l gs colour d
e e e t h e e ee This bird is wid ly spr ad ov r Empir , br ding
t h e t o e e dist ribut in Himalayas up six thousand f t , and ing itse lf ove r t h e plains in winte r ; in Burma it is more abundant and le ss incline d to unde rtake e ven this small
66 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e e t h e h e n e e e e t h e wh r , how v r , is far l ss oft n s n than
. W e e e e are e e e m e cock h th r th r actually f w r f al s , or whe th e r the y e scap e obs e rvation on account of th e ir
e e e Th e undoubt dly mor r tiring habits , I do not know .
Dh a al e e e t h e are y is not a sociabl bird , and v n pair not
e e e . e e e usually , s n in clos company It is , how v r , as abov i e be e e mpli d , not timid , and could probably mad v ry
e e e e e tam by a littl ncourag m nt , such as throwing out
r e o r e cock oach s crick ts for it . It will c e rtainly re adily
e e e as tak disabl d ins cts put in its way , and it builds in
e e e e e e o t any sort of hol , a littl box or v n an arth n p , put e e e b up in som saf plac , would probably e grate fully
e e - m T e . h e e u acc pt d as hous accom odation n st , as is sual
e - e t h e in hol building birds , is rath r a rough affair ; e ggs
v e e e e Th r fi . a e in numb r , gr nish with rusty spots e young
r f t o e e e a e not di ficult r ar for ins ctivorous birds , and mak
t h Dh a al e e . e e nic p ts But y is not much cag d in India ,
e e e e t h e t o be e e as his mor gift d r lativ , Shama , notic d n xt ,
H h as e e e . e e e e e is asily obtainabl , how v r , b n induc d
e e . to br d in captivity , both in India and in England
Th e e e e e e . . e birds which w r br d from h r by Mr F Gros r ,
e e e - e e h e n - of Alipor , w r a hand r ar d and a wild caught
e e e e e t o n e cock , and two young w r r ar d and liv d attai th ir
e full plumage ; the y we re brothe r and siste r . Mr . Gros r told me that on t h e d e c e ase of t h e old h e n t h e dis consolat e widowe r was so de t e rmin e d not to marry again that h e has kill e d all subse que nt wive s submitte d for his
' e e t h e Dh a al approval Wh r y is common , it is , I think , b e st to l e ave him at lib e rty but it is we ll to re me mb e r
h e e E n in that e is appr ciat d in gland , and hard to obta E 67 THE THRUS H s .
e e be e u th e re ; and b e ing pur ly ins ctivorous , would a us f l bird to acclimatize in part s of t h e tropics wh e re such birds
e x ar e e e Th e e e n u , e n d d . bird has a wid rang at rally
n C e e m e e t e nding e ve n i to hina , wh nc a good any sp cim ns
. t o e e e e e h a are se nt Calcutta , b ing consid r d b tt r t an Indi n birds as songst e rs . fiu e ttocinc la macrum e THE SHAMA (Ci ) , b ing g r d on
e no e t h e u e Plate III (Fig . n e ds long d scription fig r ,
e e e e e t h e m e t h e e m e how v r , only r pr s nts old al ; f al is
e e t h e e t h e e t h e drab wh r mal is black , and ch stnut of
e no t h er e so . b lly is so rich , nor is tail quit long Young
are ff e t h e e birds brown with bu spots , but hav charact ristic
- - Th e e - e . black and whit tail Shama is a jungl bird , and do e s not com e about hous e s like t h e Dh ayal but it is a
e e e e e e e common and wid spr ad sp ci s in our Empir , sp cially
e e d e a e fr qu nting hilly groun s , though it do s not sc e nd t h
hills to any gre at he ight . In Te n asse rim t h e h e ns are
e e e t o e em e t h e oft n v ry dark , and thus t nd r s bl cocks .
S h t h e e e This is a y bird in wild stat , and f e ds e ntire ly o n
e e m ins cts ; it builds from April to Jun , aking a n e st of
e e e t c . e e e . T grass , l av s , , in a hol in a tr h e e ggs much
f t h Dh a al e e e e o e , are e r s mbl thos y but not so num rous ,
e t h Th four b ing e usual clutch . e bird will ve ry re adily
take advantage of a big bamboo with a hole in it se t up
e e may be e in any plac n ar its haunts , and thus ncourage d ,
e e e e o f e e e as it w ll d s rv s , on account its b auty , us fuln ss , a and gr e at powe r o f song . I cannot gr e e with thos e p e opl e w h o e ve n pre fe r it t o t h e Nightingale ; but it c e rtainly is a ve ry much b e tte r songste r than any oth e r
e t h e s Europ an bird , much surpassing Thru h and Blackbird . 68 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e e In captivity , at all v nts , it shows gr at pow r of mimicry , which is rathe r a doubtful improve me nt to its natural
e e strains , as , lik most mimicking birds , it has but littl discrimination Th e Shama is o ne of t h e most popular cage - birds in
e e e Calcutta , and b ars captivity v ry w ll , living for many
e h e ye ars if prope rly atte nd d to . T e cage s in which the s
d are e are e e bir s usually k pt , how v r , too small , and it is a
e e e e . Th e Sham to cov r th m up as is usually don bird , if
e e e . . W . e n m cov r d , will sing loud r , so Mr E Harp r i for s us ,
e t h e e t h e e e are in r probating practic , but subdu d not s just as pretty ; and afte r all a bird is a living int e llige nt
e b e e e b ing , and should tr at d as such , and not as a musical box '
Th e e e e - e e e Shama is w ll adapt d to cag lif , as it b com s
e e e e e l e e ve ry tam and s ms cont nt d in a smal Spac . Mor
e e e e e e e e ov r , it is not at all sociabl , b ing so xtr m ly av rs to company that it will not e ve n tol e rat e t h e socie ty of t h e othe r se x of its own sp e cie s in t h e sam e cage '
e e e e e e e N v rth l ss , it has b n br d in an aviary in London
- e e . . by a w ll known amat ur , Mr R Phillips , and no doubt could be much more e asily induce d to propagat e its kind in its own country . The re is in Calcutta a class o f m en who make a re gular busin e ss of fe e ding Shamas . For a small sum paid
i e o f monthly the y will supply a da ly allowanc maggots , ’ - e satoo e e . e grasshopp rs , and past to on s bird But th y
’ e e e e e be must be w ll look d aft r , for a day s n gl ct would
e e e disastrous to t h e poor captive s . Wh r only a singl ’ e e e e t h e satoo e s Shama is k pt , it is quit asy to mak up on H 69 T E THRUSHES .
uffi e fe w e t h e e e e e s s lf , and a pic to sw p r ought to produc ’ e e t h e e e e ci nt ins cts for bird s daily r quir m nts , without having re course to t h e daily ration of horrible wriggle rs .
o f e r t h e e Ins e cts som sort o oth e r Shama must hav ,
e e e e e o f e e how v r if th y run short , small p ll ts raw l an m at ,
Th e e e e be e . pr viously mix d and wash d , should giv n sato o e be e e e o r should , of cours , mad up with gh hard
e e boil d gg , or both .
Th e e Shama is re gularly tak n to England , and may be obtaine d from t h e large r bird - de ale rs the re ; but it
e e e e e is always an xp nsiv bird , and lik ly to r main so , as such quarre lsom e cr e ature s cannot be take n ove r in
e t h e e e e numb rs , to say nothing of troubl ins parabl from
e e e . e e e f ding ins ctivorous birds Such amat urs , how v r , as have ke pt t h e Shama are e nthusiastic in th e ir admira
e e e e tion for it , and , as it will liv w ll at hom if k pt com fo rt able w e t e e et in int r , it is always wor h whil to tak a p
e e bird with o ne . If t h e e xp e nse of fr ight and gratuity b
’ e e t o t w o o r e e be e o ne e obj ct d , thr birds can pack d in cag
e t h e S e o f t h e e e e with compartm nts , and al xtra sp cim ns
H n should cove r all the s e e xp ense s of the ir transport . e
are et e are Shamas always hard to g in England , as th y
° e e - s ldom s en e ve n in t h e Calcutta bird marke t . Such h ens
are e e e e as do turn up , I pr sum , birds which w r got young b efore th e ir se x could be distinguishe d ; for all t h e wild
ar caught old birds brought in e cocks . Thos e who are inte re ste d in acclimatization should
e e t h e e mak particular not of Shama , for a spl ndid
e e e e e in songst r , ornam ntal in app aranc , and us ful its e e l e e e f ding habits , with no possibi ity of undu incr as , 7 0 Y GARDEN AND AVIAR BIRDS .
be e e e would a w lcom gu st in many countrie s . For such
e e e e e e a purpos , how v r , Sp cial arrang m nts Should , if
e be e - possibl , mad for t h e procuring o f wild caught
birds .
IN D IAN Thamno bia oambaiens is THE COMMON ROBIN ( ) ,
e e t h e Dh a al though not so univ rsally distribut d as y , is still
e a common bird in India Prop r , though it do e s not e xte nd
o r e t h e to Burma , go v ry high up hills . In form it
e e e t h e Dh a al e e much r s mbl s y , but is a small r bird , b ing
e e e e l ss than s v n inch s long . In colour it is a ve ry glossy
t h e e t h e e black , but upp r part of h ad and t h e back are e e e t h e n sandy brown ; th r is a whit patch on wi gs ,
e o and a ch stnut ne unde r t h e tail . In South e rn India
e t h e are e e e and C ylon Robins black abov as w ll as b low ,
are e e T mno ul . and class d as a distinct sp cie s ( ha bia. f icata)
Th e h en e e t h e w in s and is sandy brown all ov r , dark r on g
w t h e e e e t h e tail , ith charact ristic ch stnut patch und r
Th e are e e t h e hen e e . latt r young som what lik , but mor or
e e n e e t h e e l ss mark d with ci namon , sp cially in south rn varie ty or sp e cie s .
e e e e t h e o f e In th ir g n ral habits , n sting and colour th ir e e e b e e e t h e Dh a al e ggs , th s irds much r s mbl y ; lik that bird
t h e a e e t h e e e e and Sh ma , th y hav trick of fr qu ntly j rking
Th e e up the ir tail till it is quit e p erpe ndic ular . small r
e e t h e e e e m mb rs of Thrush family , ind d , always xhibit a
- gre at de al of tail action in some form or anoth e r .
are e - e are The s e Robins familiar gard n birds , but th y not
e e are e e e e . e gre at songst rs , and s ldom , if v r , cag d B sid
- Dh a al e e e e e e e , t h e showy y ind d , th y s m rath r common plac
v ' ‘ ' f though nic e littl e birds in the ir wayf THE THRESHES.
THE PERSIAN NIGHTINGALE (Daulias g o lz ii) has only e twice b e e n k nown to occur wild in India , in both instanc s
e e e n e - in Oudh . It is , how v r , w ll k own as a cag bird
e e t h e e Bulbul bostha among t h e nativ s , und r nam of , and very possibly t h e t w o unfortunat e sp e cime ns w h o ” “ ” Th e e we r e re corde d we re me re ly e scap e s . prop r
e e ffe e e range of this sp ci s , which di rs v ry slightly in app ar
e e t h e e anc , but mor in song , from famous Nightingal
e e t h e of Europ , is from Turk stan and Caucasus through
e t h e e e e P rsia , and it is bird call d Bulbul in ori ntal po try
e Th e e e e t h e e o f t h e . and l g nd , lov r ros nam Bulbul ,
e e e ee e r e e t h e how v r , must hav b n a ly transf rr d to birds
e t h e e e e which now b ar it , inasmuch as it is r cogniz d t rm for th e m among all native s . In Yarkand t h e Barre d Warble r (Sylvia niso ria) is
e e t h e e e call d Bulbul , it b ing fin st songst r in that district ; and it must be re me mb e re d that t h e Pe rsian Bulbul
M o l astes leucotis e ( p ) is a good sing r , as also is a Bulbul found in Pale stin e and th er e calle d by that name among
P no t h e Arabs . This Pal e stine Bulbul ( yc no tus xantho pygus ) i s a bird of about t h e Size of t h e common Be ngal
e Bulbul , dark brown in colour , with a y llow patch unde r t h e tail ; it may sometim e s be s e e n in captivity in Port C . Trist ro m e e Said anon , who has h ard it in its nativ
fin e e e e e e haunts , consid rs that it is a v ry m lodist ind d , and clos e ly approach e s t h e true Nightingal e in t h e quality o f e its not s . T o re turn to t h e genuin e Nightingale ; t h e figure
. 4 o n e i l (Fig ) Plat III , wh ch was drawn from a iving bird ,
i e me t . h e e e k ndly l nt by Mr D . Ezra for purpos , giv s a 7 2 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . fair idea o f its gen e ral form and proportions and also of its simpl e colouring . It is a little ove r s e ven inche s long
e e e e e e e . and is a sl nd r , d licat ly mad bird with clos plumag Th e brown of t h e upp e r surfac e 1 s gre ye r in some sp e ci
e e e e t h e e e e m ns and r dd r in oth rs , tail b ing always r dd st t h e e e are o f flh - bill and f t a sort horny es colour . Altoge the r t h e Nightingale is a ve ry hard bird to de scribe ; but t h e very absenc e of any sp e cial fe ature — its we ll - balanc e d proportions and unre li e ve d sobe rne ss o f colour— make s
e e it not difficult to r cogniz whe n onc e s ee n . And no
Th e othe r bird at all re s e mbling it is commonly cage d . h en is just like t h e cock ; but young birds w ill probably be t o be e e t h e o f t h e found spott d with buff , lik young
Europ ean bird . A conside rabl e numb e r of the s e birds are brought down
e e e e e e y arly from Cabul for sal in Calcutta , wh r th y f tch
Th e e e e e e . v ry high pric s , from fifty to four hundr d rup s
e o f e are e e t h e e e h ns , cours , almost valu l ss , and as s x s are f h e e s e so di ficult to distinguis , it is n c s ary , wh n buying
’ e e t h e e e a Nightingal , to h ar bird sing on s s lf , and also to mak e sure that t h e bird o ne s e e s re ally is t h e p e rform e r ;
e s e t h e e as the r is a trick of showing , and lling , int nding
h e n e e n ' purchase r a , whil a cock is singing b hi d a curtain
Th t h e e e e e song of P rsian Nightingal , judging from a v ry ’ e fi . e e ne bird of Mr Ezra s which I hav h ard , is much strong r
f t h e e e e e e than that o Europ an Nightingal , but l ss sw t
Th e e t h e e in ton e . birds sing w ll in captivity in wint r
n e fo r e e e e and spri g months , and will liv y ars , but n d gr at
Th e s atoo be t h e e e . e e car giv n th m must of b st , and
e e e e be e l car fully pr par d , and ins cts must always lib ral y
7 4 A D G RDEN AND AVIARY BIR S .
Daulias luscinia o f e e n e ( ) England and W st r Europ , and t h e e e o r e Daulias hilo me la East rn Nightingal Spross r ( p ) ,
e e e t h e e which last mor n arly approach s P rsian bird . All ,
e e are e e b how v r , so much alik that th y might e take n to b e long to t h e sam e sp e ci e s ; t h e We ste rn is t h e Smalle st and re dde st in tint and t h e Pe rsian has a notic e ably
t e longe r tail than h e othe r two . But afte r s e ing much
e K e e e of Nightingal s in nt in my arli r days , I still find it
fi e e e e t h e re re dif cult to notic much diff r nc in Asiatic p
se nt at iv e t h e e e e . of d ar brown bird , b st lov d of all H P V C A TE R .
— on lu d PASSERINE BIRDS c c de .
FIN GHE S SwAL L o w s 0 , , SUNBIRDS , ETC .
THE FINCHES .
e are t h e e THE Finch s larg st family of birds , and out
t h e e t he e e e rival Thrush s in wid n ss of th ir distribution .
e are e e e e e e Th y v ry asily r cognizabl by th ir b ak, which is
e e e e i always mor or l ss mark dly conical in form , b ing th ck
e t o t h e and high at t h e root and tap ering v ry rapidly tip .
e e e e e l e Of cours som hav long r and thinn r bil s than oth rs ,
’ i Th e are but th e re is no mistak ng a Finch s bill . nostrils se t t h e e e e t h e e e e e e at v ry root , wh r for h ad f ath ring b gins and t h e mouth turns down at t h e corn e r as in t h e
Starlings .
Th e use e t o e e t h e e of this stout b ak is crack s d , Finch s
e e e - e e e e e b ing mainly s d at rs , and always husking th ir s d
e t e e . e e a b for th y swallow it In fact , th y all food rathe r
e . e e at slowly , not gulping it lik most birds Th y r adily e
e e e e e e oth r things as w ll as s d , such as fruit , buds , l av s ,
e e e e and ins cts , and should always hav som such food allow d
e th m in captivity .
e are e are Finch s , as a family , small birds ; th y n e ve r
e e are t h e e n e larg r than a Mynah , and som among v ry ti i st
- of birds . Th e short winge d Finche s of t h e warm e r parts
t h e O fo r t h e e of ld World , with , most part , stout r bills D GARDEN AND AVIARY BIR S . and coarse r fe e t than t h e more migratory Finche s of
e e e e are e e t mp rat r gions , usually s parat d as a distinct
t h e F auna o British I ndia e e e e family , as in f s ri s , but th r
e e b e e n s ms to no suffici nt justificatio for this , and I shall h e re class the m all toge the r .
e e e e - e e th e e to th ir v g tabl f ding habits , Finch s are 0 e e S e d structiv in a wild tat , though many do
e e e t h e e e f good s rvic by ating s ds o we e ds . In captivity ,
e are t h e e e - e th y favourit cag birds in most countri s ,
e e e are e though not in India , wh r ins ctivorous birds mor
e . e e are e e e e favour d For aviari s th y popular v rywh r , as a large and varie d coll e ction of th e m can be so e asily
obtain e d and ke pt .
e are e e e e e e Th y , how v r , l ss asily tam d , l ss graceful in form and int e re sting in habits than inse ctivorous and
- fruit e ating birds . In ke e ping Finche s toge the r the y must be associat e d according to t h e calibre of the ir bills
e t h e e e e e t h e rath r than siz of th ir bodi s , sinc fighting
t h e h e powe r of t h e bird de p ends on we apon carrie s .
e e v Se ve ral sp ecie s will br d in capti ity , and such should
t h e re c e ive ins e cts and soft food at e br e ding s e ason . At
e e e oth e r tim s , soft food is not good for Finch s , as th y
e e e e e e n ought to x rcis th ir jaws and gizzard in f di g , and
ff be e swallowing a lot of soft pasty stu , which can r adily assimilate d make s the m too fat .
e e e e are e e o n How v r , wh n th y k pt with birds which liv
t h e be e such food , risk must run ; but th y do not usually
e e care much for soft food whe n not f ding young .
e e e e — t h e Som sp ci s of Finch s Canary , Java Sparrow and
- e — e e e e e e e sharp tail d Munia hav b n compl t ly dom sticat d ,
7 8 R GARDEN AND AVIA Y BIRDS .
v e rv y e looks a show littl bird alt og e th e r . His bill
e e no w e which had b n brown , b come s black fading again
e t h e e e wh n wint r plumag is assume d .
e , e e e In B ngal and Burma xt nding ast to Java , is found
e e e e e anoth r W av r bird which , xc pt for be ing usually e , e t h e e larg r is almost indistinguishabl from tru Baya ,
t h e e e - that is , h ns and wint r plumage d c o ok s ; t h e cock f o this Eastern Baya (Ploceus atrigula) n e ve r dons such a bright we dding - garm e nt as t h e typical Indian bird and
t e e t h e ee is hus asily distinguishabl at br ding s e ason . Th e only y e llow h e shows is on t h e crown his throat is a smoky gre y ; and t h e re st o f his plumage re mains ve ry
e e e sparrowy , xc pt that som individuals , no doubt with
t h e e f a strain of mor aristocratic Baya blood , Show a e w ye llow fe ath e rs on t h e bre ast .
AS e t h e b e e e e e to th ir habits , two birds may tr at d tog th r .
e are e e - e e e e e Th y mainly s d at rs , but probably f d th ir
e . e are e e e young on ins cts Th y always gr garious , v n
e e e e are t h e e e br ding in company , and th ir n sts most p rf ct
e are e f e xample s of bird archit e cture . Th y mad o grass
- fibre e e e are e or palm , v ry strongly wov n tog th r , and in
e e e e e Shap lik a bulb susp nd d abov by a Short cord , and e Th e e e nding b e low in a long tub e . n st is of cours be gun
e t h e t h e e from abov with cord , and across low r part of t h e e e t h e bulb , insid , runs a partition , which divid s spout from t h e chamb e r or pocke t in which lie t h e e ggs and
Th e e o f t h e young . e xc lle nc e workmanship is most
e e t h e end t h e e e r markabl , but of spout is always l ft fray d
o ut e e e e . and untidy , so as to giv l ss foothold to an n my
Th e e e e t h e e . t h e n bird its lf nt rs n st on wing , shooti g up 9 THE FINCHES . 7
e e e e b e t h e spout or tub e . Th s n e sts cannot v ry w ll
e t h e e e . e conc e al d , and birds do not try to hid th m Th y
t h e e are t h e always build in company , and n sts hung at
- e e e . tips of branch s or palm fronds , usually ov r wat r
Th e e e e e e East rn sp ci s oft n builds in v randahs , so that
’ t h e birds me thod of working can be watche d . Both
e e e e e e e t h e e s x s tak th ir shar , working tog th r till susp nsion rop e and upp e r portion of t h e bulb are finishe d the n the y
e e t h e e mak a p rch or cord across unfinish d bulb , which p e rch will be de e p e n e d to form t h e part ition wall o f t h e
e e e . e e t h e p rf ct n st On this p rch , which is strongly mad , h e n e t h e e e t h e th n sits , and works on insid , whil cock atte nds to t h e e xt e rior . In a colony many n e sts are found which do not ge t furt he r than this stage and as captive mal e s in an aviary se e m not to be able to comple te
e e e e e e e are a n st , it s ms probabl that such imp rf ct n sts t h e r e sult of t h e e fforts of t h e male portion o f t h e colony while the ir mat e s are sitting . Some time s th e y will whil e
t h e e e e t h e e e - away tim by l ngth ning ntranc spout , for
e e e e e e e e w aving is a pl asur to th s birds , and th y r ally nj oy
Th e e e t h e work . n sts vary in l ngth o f spout and of
e e e o f attachm nt rop , and usually contain som lumps mud ,
no t e t e e e o ut t h e t h e use of which has y b n mad , but most
e e re asonabl e the ory s e e ms to be that it s rv s as ballast .
t h e e e e e Th e birds re turn to sam spot y ar aft r y ar , and
e find e . e e re pair the ir old n e sts if th y th m Many , how v r , ar t h e e e e e take n away by nativ s , who find th m v ry good
fo r t e e e are e e stuffing mat r ss s , as th y v ry springy , b ing
e so we ll wove n and drie d . W ave rs are ve ry noisy and
e e e e e n e quarr lsom birds , and mak such a nois wh n a umb r 8 0 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . are toge th e r that it is e asy to unde rstand t h e stat e me nt that has b e e n made to t h e e ffe ct that t h e cocks have
. e e e t h e no song Th y do Sing , how v r , but music the y turn out is so e xcruciating that it is not appre ciate d as
such .
Th e h en e e e e e e w av rs only lay two or thr ggs , whil in
Th e are e e - . e satoo e colour young asily r ar d on past , and ,
l -f e e at t h e - e s h e e e . w n fu l l dg d , will ordinary bird s ds Thu
e e d e e e e e o ne tr at , th y b com d lightfully tam , will follow
’
e e e . e about , and p rch on on s h ad I onc lost two young
t h e e e e e birds of East rn sp ci s which I was r aring ,
f h e the y having lown out of t e window . Th y we re away all that night and all n e xt day and night . But on t h e
l t h e e e e t h morning fol owing , I was in str t just outsid of e compound and saw the m flying ove rhe ad . I calle d to
e e e e e m e th m , and th y cam down clos and allow d to catc h
e e e the m with ve ry littl trouble . Birds lik this can asily be e l e e e e e tam d to iv fr about a gard n , though som will
be t h e are no t e ine vitably lost in training , as all qually cle v e r . Native bird-traine rs p e rform fiwonde rful fe ats with e e re e train e d Bayas , t aching th m to a cannon , f tch and
Th e e t h e carry , and so forth . East rn Baya , which is only
use sp e cie s living n e ar Calcutta , is only of for training or
t fo r i ke e ping as a pe . It is too dull an av ary bird , though t h e handsome ye llow - bre ast e d We ste rn Baya is ve ry
e e e t h e o ne suitable for this purpos . This sp ci s is only
t h e e e e found in Bombay mark t , and a good manysp cim ns are brought down t o Calcutta from Lucknow , but usually only cocks .
8 2 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . t h e unde rsurfac e o f t h e body and ne arly all ove r t h e
e t h e n are t h e h ad , so that practically only brow parts wings and tail . f e . e e e e e o My fri nd Mr E . W . Harp r s cur d a sp cim n
fine e t h e e e this bird lat ly , which pass d into poss ssion o f e - a w ll known naturalist at home . This was procure d
Tiret t a e e e e in Bazar at Calcutta , and som tim lat r a doz n
t h e e e e e e e e birds of sp ci s turn d up th r , and w r bought
e e e e o f for training by a Pars r sid nt that city , who took
f r e Th e o n e t o o . th m England xhibition two birds , which I was able to re - e stablish t h e sp e cie s which
e e r e e e Mr . Hum had first nam d f om two skins , w r obtain d
t h e e . e e from lat Mr Rutl dg at Entally , so that in Calcutta o ne has t h e be st chanc e o f coming across o ne of t h e rare st
t h e fe w e e and le ast known of Indian birds , only sp cim ns
I have allude d to b e ing known to e xist . A ve ry handsome fore ign We ave r is oft e n to be found fo r e t h e e no w and e sal in Bombay mark t , and th n in
Calcutta . This is * THE MADAGASCAR WEAVER (F onaia madagascariens is ) calle d t h e Mauritius Baya by Calcutta de ale rs ; and t h e
e e Scarl t Bishop by English one s at home . It is a w ll n e - e e e e e e k own cag bird , and has b n turn d loos in s v ral
e e t o in plac s and allow d go wild , as Mauritius its natural
e e o f e hom b ing cours Madagascar . It is a little smalle r and we ake r in bill than t h e true
o f e e e e t h e Baya India , but oth rwise much r s mbl s it in
- e e e e e e . sparrow lik wint r plumag , which is , how v r , dark r
Th e e e e t h e h ns , of cours , always re tain this dr ss , but l cock in spring be come s of a sple ndid scarle t almost al THE FINCHES . 8 3
e t h e are o f e ov r , but wings and tail a str aky brown , and
e e e e e o f t h e e th r is a black strip along fiach sid fac . This e e ne brilliant littl bird mak s a addition to an aviary ,
be e h e but should k pt with strong companions , as may Th t h e e e e e . e e n Show vicious W av r t mp r n st is rou d , no t of t he re markabl e Shap e o f that built by t h e Indian
Baya We ave r .
Th e W - are no t are hydah birds found in India , but
e t o e e e e e are e confin d Africa , wh nc som Sp ci s r gularly
x ort e d e are e t h e e e t h e e e p th y alli d to W av rs , mal s , lik
We e - e e o f e e cock av r birds , losing th ir b auty plumag aft r
O e e be in e e . ne e br ding sp ci s can oft n had Bombay . THE PARADISE WHYDAH (S teganura This ” S e cIe S 1 e o f t h e e o f p s , wh n out colour , about siz a
e e e Canary , and not unlik it in shap , with a rath r small
e e e t h e bill ; its plumag is pal brown with dark str aks , crown of t h e he ad b e ing black with a fe w broad stre aks
Th e h e n e t . h e of a light colour is always lik this , but
e fu e e e f e e cock , wh n in ll summ r plumag , is a v ry di f r nt
e e and most re markable bird . His tail b com s about twice
e e o f e e his whol l ngth body , and droops in a grac ful curv , t h e e e e Th long f ath rs b ing also ve ry broad . e plumage
r e e t h e e e t h e e tu ns to a v lv ty black , with xc ption of n ck ,
e o f t h e e e which is ch stnut , and b lly , which is whit .
e e h e e e e e Altog th r , has a v ry distinguish d app aranc , and
se e e t h e it is amusing to him , wh n on ground , arching his
t o e e t h e t T big tail k p it out of dir . h e Paradise Whydah
e - is a harml ss , hardy , and long live d bird ; but , from th e
e o f h e e siz his tail , is not suit e d for a cag , though a gre at a u e e h e be e t cq isition in an aviary , wh r may induc d o 8 4 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e . e are e e o r br d If signs of n sting appar nt , ins cts soft food should b e supplie d ; at othe r time s t h e ordinary
e t e e e c . b e e . canary and mill t s d , , will suffici nt Ve ry diffe re nt from t h e quarre lsome We ave rs are the ir
e e e t h e - e e e n ar r lativ s , Munias , thick bill d littl Finch s of .
e e e - e e clumsy form , but v ry sl k and richly colour d plumag ,
e t h e e e . e are which is alik in s x s Th y usually small , but th e re is one fairly large sp e cie s ; in disposition the y are
- good nature d and very sociabl e . THE JAVA SPARROW (M a nia although a
e e e e Ram ora for ign bird , is w ll known in India , b ing call d g
'
e . e e e e in B ngal Its nativ hom is Java , but it has b n
e e t h e e l introduc d into many oth r parts of world , accid ntal y
e e e e or by int ntion , and has b n wild for half a c ntury in
t h e e e Madras . In ast rn islands whe re it is most common
e e e e e e e e it is xtr m ly d structiv to paddy , wh nc it is som time s calle d t h e ric e -bird but it is not known to do any
m r e e - . e anv a e harm in India V ry import d as cag birds , fi e e e e ne and usually com in v ry condition , as th y b ar
Th e e e . captivity we ll . bird is figur d on Plat VI (Fig but no uncoloure d picture can do just ice to t h e e xquisite
e e - e e e e t h e lav nd r gr y of its plumag , so Sl k that bird looks
e e e e - re d e e as if mod ll d in wax , whil its ros b ak is as d li
f e Th e h e n c at ely shade d as t h e p etal of a low r . cock and
e e e e e are are alik as far as plumag go s , but if s v ral
e xamine d the re is a good chanc e of ge tting a pair if o ne picks out o ne sp e cime n with a notic e ably big bill and anothe r
e o ne . e are e e with a pe rc e ptibly small r As th y v ry ch ap ,
e t h e e and se ve ral pairs will live and bre d in sam aviary ,
as e l -a- e at c e e are it is just w ll to buy ha f do z n on , if th y
8 6 R EN AND A Y GA D AVI R BIRDS .
satoo be e e e t biscuit or , should provid d , and it is as w ll to g
e e r th m us d to this be fore hand . Java Sparrows a e not
e e e e e be e aggr ssiv birds , but th y should n v r shut up clos ly
e e e e are e - e e with w ak r on s , as th y giv n to foot biting , sp c iall t h e e e are e e y whit on s , which mor vicious and bigg r
t e e than h e gre y birds . With such birds as W av rs and
e e T e Budg rigars th y will do ve ry we ll . h cock Java has
e e t h e e t h e a rath r pr tty bubbling song , but not s of two
e are e e vari tie s not quite t h e same . Th ir ordinary voic
e e e e e is a liquid chirp , v ry pl asant to h ar , and , altog th r ,
f be e e be e e subst i if t could so arrang d , th y would v ry nic ' t ut e s e . , as town birds , for that scoundr l Philip Sparrow t I found the m e stablishe d as citize ns in Zanzibar e n e e a o e t e , y ars g , and tri d to s art th m in Calcutta but th y e e flw e e . , e always straight away , wh n turn d out How v r t e I have se e n a fe w in h e Muse um compound , so p rhaps th e y linge r some whe re . Th e Java Sparrow is n e arly as big as t h e common House
t h e are Sparrow , but most of Munias only about half be are e e , this size . The y v ry commonly k pt but it must n e confe sse d the y are de spe rate ly uninte re sti g littl birds ,
e a and I do not advis e any o ne to b e gin with th m , lthough One t h e the y are rathe r pre tty and ve ry che ap . of e e e o ne e , commone st , and particularly suitabl for notic h r
e as it ofte n come s into gard ns , is
- loncha unctulata e THE NUTMEG BIRD ( Uro p ) , so call d by t h e e - ; English de ale rs , who also know it as Spic bird by
e . native s it is call e d t h e Tilia M unia or Spott d Munia e e e e e e . 3 This is figure d on Plat II , wh r Fig will giv a g n ral t h e h e n are e , idea of it . Both cock and alik but young H 8 T E FINCHES . 7
are e fe e e absolut ly dif r nt , b ing plain light brown throughout . In this state the y are almost e xactly like t h e young of
e e o t h e - e e o f anoth r v ry comm n Munia , Black h ad d Nun
e e M ania atrica illa e English d al rs ( p ) , which , wh n adult ,
e t - T is rich ch stnut with a j e black he ad and be lly . h e
e e l e t h e e Spott d Munia is found n arly al ov r Empir , but do e s not go very high up in t h e Himalayas ; I have se en it bre e ding in t h e compound o f t h e Fore st School at D e hra
. e e e e e Dun Munias do not br d in company lik W av rs ,
e e are e e e e e o f and th ir n sts v ry diff r nt , b ing larg balls
e o ne e e . grass , with an op ning in sid , plac d in a bush
-a- e e e are and t h e About half doz n small whit ggs laid , in
e t h e e e e e e t h e e cas of pr s nt sp ci s , at any rat , whol family ,
e e use t h e e e par nts and childr n , n st as a dormitory wh n t h e e are e t h e o f t h e latt r fl dge d . This is opportunity
e t h e e e wily nativ , who , approaching littl snugg ry at
e e t he night , clos s its mouth with a cloth and carri s off inmat e s .
Th e e - e t e Nutm g bird , lik most o h r Munias , has a most p e culiar song ; h e go e s through all t h e motions of singing
e e o f e e with rath r an xtra display n rgy , but hardly a sound e e e e e scap s him audibly to us ; no doubt , how v r , his mat “ ” e - h ars and appre ciate s his top note s . THE SHARP - TAILED MUNIA ( Uro lo ncka acuticauda)
e e e t h e e - e much r s mbl s Nutm g bird in siz and form , but is slightly small er with a longe r tail . In colour it is dark
t h e l e e brown , with flanks and b e ly v ry pal brown , sharply
e t e h e contrast d all h e fe athe rs have pal shafts , whic giv s t h e Th e plumage a str e aky app e aranc e . bill is black
e - in abov and blue gre y be low . This bird its natural 8 8 AND Y GARDEN AVIAR BIRDS .
e stat is not common in captivity , but t h e dom e sticat e d varie ty bre d by t h e Japan e se is commonly for sal e both in England and at Calcutta .
e e e e e B l e s Th s tam birds , rath r absurdly call d enga e in
e e Th e England , fall into thr varie ti e s . common e st show t h - e dark brown plumage of t h e wild bird mor e or le ss
e e e e e e e pi d with whit , som b ing n arly all whit , and som
h av in a fe w e e e e e only g whit f ath rs , whil a gr at many are - - t h e i e half and half , mark ng b ing always irre gular .
e e e e e Th n th r is a cinnamon vari ty , which is mor or
e e e e t h e t h e e l ss pi d with whit , lik last , but has colour d
e parts cinnamon inste ad of dark brown . Some tim s a
e e e . cinnamon bird with no pur whit is found , but rar ly
e t h e e e are t h e e Last and rar st , and much pr tti st , pur
e fl- e sh e e . Th e e whit birds , with coloure d bills and f t b aks
e fl- e t h e are e sh e and f t of cinnamon birds also colour d , as are those of t h e dark - pie d birds if t h e whit e gre atly
pre dominate s .
O e e e e e e e - e f cours all th s vari ti s , b ing cag br d , will
e e e e be r produc fr ly in captivity , and it would worth whil e taking a littl e trouble to ge t a good strain of pur e
t h e e e . e e e e e whit on s A pair will br d v n in a cag , and
e - t be lov danc e and song of h e mal e will found amusing ,
for h e can succ e e d in ge tting out a fe w note s . Canary
e e e e and mill t will do for th m at ordinary tim s , but wh n
e e e - An br ding th y will n e e d some e gg food . y hollow re ce ptacl e will s erve as a plac e in which the y may
' n e st .
w e e t h e t h e Although kno n to our d al rs as Japan Munia ,
e a Striat d Munia is in its original state an Indi n bird ,
90 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRD S .
Th e e t h e Z bra Finch is not common in Calcutta Bazar ,
be e e e but may obtain d at tim s , and is always worth g tting as it is o ne o f t h e e asie st birds to bre e d in captivity and
e e e propagat s as fr ly as a Sparrow . Th e n e st is not built
e t h e e in a hol , but in branch s of a bush ; a small cage with t h e door re move d will be re adily acc e pte d as a
Th e e r e . a e e substitut ggs pur white . Ze bra Finche s will
e e c e e e e - e liv w ll on anary and mill t , but n d gg food wh n
e e . e e e e e e br ding At all tim s som gr n food , such as s ding
t . e e e e e c be u e . grass , gr n paddy , l ttuc , , should s ppli d
Th e e e e cock has a v ry funny littl song , quit unmusical ,
e e e but strang ly m trical it is a stanza of four lin s , so to
Th e e e t h e t h e e . Sp ak , last much short st ordinary not of
e e e e e th s birds , which th y utt r continuously , irr sistibly re minds o ne of those toys which sque ak whe n th e y are pinche d .
S orce intkus amandava t h e L al THE AVADAVAT ( p g ) ,
M unia L al t h e e e , or simply , of nativ s , is a v ry familiar
t e e e e re pre se ntative of h Waxbills , v ry b autiful tiny Finch s
e are e with re d b e aks of only moderat Size . The y v ry sociable and have pre tty littl e voice s .
e e l e e e Th e Avadavat is a v ry small bird , bar y xc ding
t h e e e e four inche s ; in colour cock is v ry handsom , b ing
e . e ne arly all re d with whit spots But this plumag , in 3 e e . which h e is figure d on Plat I , Fig , is only born during
e e h e e e e t h e h e n t h e bre e ding se ason at oth r tim s r s mbl s ,
f e which is always brown above and buf b low , with a touch
t h e o f re d above t h e tail and a fe w white Spots on wings .
- T fl e e e . h e Both have re d bills and esh colour d f t young l birds are plain brown with black bi ls . 9 1 THE FINCHES .
Th e Avadavat is o ne of t h e birds most commonly cage d in India and has b e e n e xporte d to Europ e fo r c e nturie s ;
t h e e e A e , indee d , v ry nam is a corruption of hm dabad t h e city wh ence pre sumably the y us e d to be consign e d .
Th e e m e , e bird , although not fr qu nting co pounds and gard ns
e o ne e e is a v ry common , b ing found all ov r India and
e e e e e . C ylon , and xt nding ast to Singapor and Java
e e e e e e Burm s sp cim ns , and thos from Flor s and Timor , are e e e e S o rcc intkus flavi consid r d a distinct sp ci s ( p g diventris e e t h e e e e e e ) , b caus mal s hav an orang b lly inst ad
o ne t h e e e of a black , ordinary cock Avadavat b ing v ry
e t h e - e e dark be low . It is v ry probable that light b lli d
. e e e e e e e bird is m r ly a vari ty , which has b com fix d in som
e e e e e localitie s . This Burm s bird br ds in Octob r and
e e t h e o ne t h e n e i Nov mb r , but Indian in rai s as w ll , hav ng
a Th e e e . e o ne appar ntly two broods y ar n st is a round ,
e e t h e t h e e are e Th e plac d n ar ground , and ggs whit .
e e e . cock has a cl ar and pr tty , though Short , littl song
Th e e e e Avadavat liv s w ll as a cag or aviary bird , but
e e e fie e . e h e s ldom br ds in con n m nt In a cag should not be e e e crowd d up with Munias , which hav so much strong r H e e . e bills , although this is too fre qu ntly don should
e e e - e h e e at hav a littl gg food at all tim s if will it , and
e e e t h e pl nty of flow ring grass , as w ll as usual canary and
e . e e e e e e e . mill t W ll tr at d , th s tiny things will liv for y ars
e e o ne t h e e e Th r is only othe r Indian Waxbill , gr n
S tictos iz a o rni osa e e e e Avadavat ( p f ) , whos nam d not s its colour ; o ne or two fore ign s pe cie s are also importe d at
e e s e be e tim s , and all the se v ry mall birds may w ll k pt toge th e r . G AND 9 2 ARDEN AVIARY BIRDS .
Th e e e e t h e e mor typical Finch s , as oppos d to W avers
are and Munias , usually migrants or birds of high e le va
e e e tions in India , and s ldom fr qu nt human habitations .
t h e e e e are e e e In aviary , mor ov r , th y not v ry int r sting ,
s e e e e e e are e e . but om d s rv sp cial notic , and all r adily k pt THE TREE SPARROW (Pass er inontanus ) much re se m
e t h e u e - e e e bl s too familiar Ho s Sparrow , both s x s b ing
e t h e e o f t h e e e t h e h en lik mal that bird , for in Tr Sparrow
t Th e e h e . e e is just as handsom as cock Tr Sparrow is , ” e e e e how v r , a small r and slight r bird than Philip , has a
- e e e o ne pinky chocolat cap inst ad of a gr y , and a black patch on t h e whit e o f t h e che e k .
’ It take s t h e Common Sparrow s plac e as a house - bird
e e t h e e w e e t h e e - wh r oth r is not found , but h r Hous Sparrow re side s h e force s his we aker re lative to fore go t h e j oys
e e e t h e e - of a city e xiste nce . I hav m ntion d Hous Sparrow
e t h e e e but to cond mn him , but Tr Sparrow is a much
e e e e e h e e e e mor r sp ctabl charact r ; is l ss rowdy , l ss imp r t ine nt e l h e is ust , and l ss pro ific , and as j as hardy and
e e e be e e e e e consid rably pr tti r , may comm nd d to thos p opl who go about introducing Sparrows to make t h e plac e look hom e like as a far mor e suitable subj e ct than Cousin
e e e t h e e e e e e e Philip . Most p opl do not notic diff r nc b tw n
e m a e e e t h e e e t h e th m , but y wond r , wh r Tr Sparrow is
e e se e e be . Th e e e citiz n , why all th y app ar to cocks Tr
e e e Sparrow is in full forc at Darj ling , and is found all
t h e e along Himalayas , and from Assam south to T nas t h serim . In e plains of India it is wanting ; but it has
e e e e o ur e t h e oe a v ry wid rang outsid Empir , from Far
Islands to Java . In England it is not common ; it
9 4 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
t e e t h e h e . e suppli d , bird r v rts to its natural colour But e ffe ct is so striking that colour - fe e ding is constantly prac
t is e d e e , as no bird with a natural compl xion has any chanc
o f i e o f t h e e e w nning priz s nowadays in most br ds . A good de al of alte ration in t h e form o f t h e Canary has
e e e e e e e Th e e e also b n ff ct d Sinc it was tam d . Chin s birds commonly se e n in Calcutta have de parte d little from t h e
e e wild typ e in shap and siz . But many English birds are twic e as big as Chin e se sp e cime ns birds with cre sts forme d of radiating fe ath ers are common and in t h e Scotch and
e C e t h e e e t h e B lgian anari s , form is v ry larg and thin , and
Th e common position a craning or stooping o ne . song
of t h e Canary is of cours e its gre at re comme ndation as a
- e e l cage bird , as it is mor m odious than that of most
e e e Finche s , and b tt r sustain d than that of almost any bird ;
e e t h e e e e and in Ge rmany , wh r song has b n sp cially culti v t e e e e e e e n a e d , it has b n brought to gr at p rf ction , by br di g from t h e b e st singers and the ir fe male r e lative s .
e e e e e In England , song is n gl ct d by fanci rs , siz , colour ,
t h e e e e t h e e t c . e e ; , b ing points attfind d to h nc English e e ne e e e birds , b ing so larg and , hav oft n v ry loud and
b e e e e unple asant voice s . But it must e r m mb r d that a
’ bird s song which is unpl e asantly loud in t h e confin e d
e no t be all rooms of an English hous , would at out of plac e in o ne o f our bungalows .
Th e Chine se birds commonly to be had in India have
t h e e e t h e e e . nic e soft voic s , as hav also Malt s As cock
r e e t h e and h e n Canary a e almost xactly alik , only way to
are e t h e e e ge t a cock bird , if you not sur of s ll r , is Simply e e et to insist on he aring a bird sing , and to mak sur you g P4 9 0 THE FINCHES .
e e e e e that ide ntical spe cim n . Most p opl lik a y llow bird
t h e e e e are t h e e l be st , but gr n on s strong st , as is usual y t h e case with dome stic animals wh e n the y re tain t h e wild
e e o r e are e e e colour . Gr n pi d birds oft n call d mul s , but
e t h e e e e n t h e this is a mistak , tru mul Canary b i g hybrid
e e offspring of a Canary and som oth r Finch , usually a
r e e e e a e , e are Goldfinch . R al mul Canari s barr n but th y good songst e rs and ve ry strong and hardy .
Th e bre e ding of Canarie s is e asily manage d . The y may
e e e e be ke pt in pairs in cag s , or a cock and two or thr h ns may be turne d into a small aviary ; in a large one more
e e e e be than o ne cock may b plac d , but th r should always
e e t h e pl nty of h ns , f or Canary , although not naturally
e a polygamous bird , will , if opportunity allows , tak to
o ne e e e f himse lf more than wif , and thus a larg numb r o young can be r e are d . Only small and harmle ss birds
b e C e e r should put with anari s in an aviary , as th y a e not
e e e e e e e e e t e v ry w ll abl to look aft r th ms lv s ; ind d , in h Fre nch slang se rin (Canary) app e ars to be synonymous
e e with muff in ours . Z bra Finch s and Japan Munias
be e fo r e would suitabl company th m , and all would bre e d .
When n e sting the y should have little op e n bask ets
e e e - giv n th m to build in , and som moss and cow hair as
u r - b ilding mate rial . Th e e ggs a e pale blue with brown
i e i t spots , and hatch in a fortnight , th s b ng h e usual p e riod l with sma l birds .
e t h e are e e e e e - Wh n young xp ct d , som gg food should be
e - , e o f e e suppli d a crumbly past hard boil d gg and biscuit ,
e e e be and salad and oth r gr n food always on hand . Egg
t h e e food is also good for birds wh n moulting . 9 6 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
‘ e e a st e ad e e e As th r is y d mand for singing Canari s , th y
r Th e a e profitable to bre e d . large English birds fetch
e e e e e e good pric s , up to tw nty rup s , wh r as a Chine se
b fiv songste r can e got for e or le ss . I should advise anyon e who wishe s to go in for bre e ding Canarie s in India to ge t
fie e e n e e e som English birds and cross th m with Chin s h ns , mating t h e b e st of t h e he ns thus bre d back to t h e English
e e e stock , though not of cours to th ir own par nts . In this
d be e e e e way a goo strain could start d at small xp ns .
e e are e not be e If cr st d birds obtain d , two must mat d
e e t h e e e e tog th r , or offspring , strang ly nough , will hav bad
e e e be e t o e cre sts inst ad , a cr st d bird should mat d a cr st ” o ne - e e e e bre d , that is , a plain h ad d bird whos moth r or
b e e e e e e . e fathe r had a cr st It must also r m mb r d , in d aling
e e e e se e e e with cr st d birds , that th y oft n cannot v ry w ll on
t h e e . e e account of cr st D sirabl as bright colour is , also , it . e e e e e will not do to pair y llows tog th r , as if th s bright
are e t h e e e e spe cime ns mat d , offspring b com s lam ntably
Th e e e t h e e scanty in fe ath e r . prop r mat for bright y llow ”
e f e e . is t h e pal e r y llow or bu f , which has a thick r plumag “ Of t h e English bre e ds of Canarie s t h e Norwich is about t h e b e st for ge n e ral purpose s . It is of good colour and b e e e e . e large siz , with no mark d p culiarity of shap It may
- e e e e e . Th e Bo rder ye llow or pi d , and plain h ad d or cr st d
F n e e e e . a cy is a similar br d , but quit small in siz
o e e e e Th e L ancashire C ppy is a v ry larg br d , of which t h e prize sp e cime ns are cre ste d .
- e e e e e e Th e Belgian is a plain h ad d br d , long and sl nd r
e e e t h e in shape , with a v ry long n ck and high should rs he ad b e ing carrie d low .
97 THE FINCHES .
T o h F anc o e e h e S c tc y is s m what similar , but has a rath r
e e r e t h e e e e e t h e diff r nt car iag , h ad b ing high r , whil
Shoulde rs do not proj e ct . ‘ The se curiously shape d birds are not to be re comme nde d to be ginn e rs .
Th e L izard - a e is a small ordinary sh p d bird , with dark
e e e e e plumag spott d with pal , or bright y llow and pal , or
e . e e e e e bright y llow cap It is xc dingly pr tty , but not v ry
o Th e e e e are e e t h e comm n . pal sp cim ns call d silv r , and
O e e bright n s gold n . THE HIMALAYAN SISKIN (Hypacanthis spinc ides ) is t h Th e e e a h as e . about siz of a C nary , but a Short r tail
e are a e fac , tail and wings marke d with bl ck and y llow , t h e - t t t h e back is dark brown , and h e underpar s of body
Th e Th e h e e t h e . yellow . n is l ss bright than cock
e ll e t h e young bird is dull r sti , and has dark str aks on l ye low of t h e lowe r plumage . This very pretty and live ly Finch is found all along r t h e Himalayas and in Manipu . It come s lowe r down
e e t h e than most Finch s , and I hav found it in flocks in
e e l . e e e station of Darj ing in March It br ds lat , in July and l e e e e August , buildinfig , ik most tru Finch s , an op n e e ne in n st this is mad of grass , hair , and moss a branch
o f e e . e e e are e e e e a tr Only thr ggs laid , pal gr n mark d
. a e e and fe w with black In c ptivity this bird liv s w ll , a
be e e e in t h e C may usually s n for sal alcutta Bird Bazar . I have no doubt that t h e cock could be succe ssfully paire d
t h e h en C t h e e be re with anary , and mul ought to a p tty
and e e t bird a nic songst r . But most mule s with h e Canary are e t h e e be e br d from bird n xt to notic d . G B F , A 98 A GARDEN AND VIARY BIRDS .
* THE EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (F ringilla carduelis ) is of
course only known in India as an imported bird ; it do e s
e e e not naturally rang furth r East than P rsia , where t h e
n e e e e n ra g of many Europ an birds app ars to d . Its gene e e e 4 ral app aranc is w ll shown by Fig . in Plate VI ; it is
e e e e e unn c ssary to d scrib its colouring in d tail , as its bright
' re d fac e and yellow- and - black w ings e asily distinguish
e e . Th e h e n e e t h e it from oth r Finch s is v ry lik cock ,
be ing me re ly a little le ss bright and shorte r in t h e bill ; but t h e two ne e d gen e rally to be se e n toge the r for t h e
f be e e e e e . c e e di f r nc to appr ciat d Young birds , all d gr y
e - e e e pat s by English bird fanci rs , hav str aky drab he ads
e t h e re d e r with non of , whit , and black markings which a e
e so striking in the ir par nts .
G l fi e t h o d nc h e s e e vary much in app aranc , Russian ,
e e e e e Sib rian , and P rsian birds , b ing much sup rior in siz ,
e e o f e e str ngth of bill , and b auty colour to W st rn Euro p ean
sp e cime ns . Th e Goldfinch is t h e pre ttie st and most inte re sting o f
e e e e all Europ an Finch s , and is a gr at favourit with bird
e e e e fanci rs wh r v r it is found . Its song is only mode rate ly
e are e e e e e good , but its ordinary not s sw t and ch rful , whil it is live ly and active in its move me nts and much more grac e
r t h e e ful in form than Finche s ge n e rally a e . In wild stat
-fl it fe e ds o n t h e s e e ds of t h e thistle and othe r composite o w
e e e e e et e r d plants wh n v r it can g th m , and in captivity it
W e at e e e e o f he - e e ill , and ind d n ds , an amount mp s d which ’ would se riously upse t most birds inte rnal arrange me nts .
e e e e e e e It will br d in confin m nt , and has don so v n in
’ San al t e lls me e e India , so Mr . R . B . y ; in Europ it is s ldom
AN GARDEN D AVIARY BIRDS .
it is not advisable to put more than o ne pair into an aviary
are as the y hard fighte rs . Nor should the y be associate d with small and we ak- bille d birds such as Waxbills and Canarie s as the y have b e en known to de vour t h e brains of such ' But this was probably whe n the y were de barre d from the ir natural inse ct food ' for the y are more inse c
tiv orous e fe w than most Finch s , and should always have a
- o inse cts or a little e gg food daily . Too much soft fo d
be e e are e e t should not giv n , as th y rath r apt to g fiunduly e e e e e n e e fat . The y hav b n known to br d in con m nt
In e e e . e e Europ , making an op n n st in a bush Wh n th y are e e a e b e e e e br ding , particular c r should tak n to k p up a
e good supply of inse cts . Scarc ly any Finch is such a
be de sirable aviary bird as this . It is big e nough to
e e - e e e striking , asily k pt , and hardy and long liv d in ith r a e e are hot or cold climat , and its not s not unmusical , though it cannot be calle d a gre at songste r .
THE SWALLOWS .
Th e Swallows are an e ve n b ette r-marke d family than
t h e e e e are e e e e e . Finch s , and , lik th m , found n arly v rywh r
e e e e e e Th y hav small , flat , point d b aks , wid mouths , v ry
e e e e e e n small l gs and f t , xtr m ly long wi gs , and usually a forke d tail— inde e d the ir form is so familiar that the y
hardly n e e d de scription . The y fe e d e ntire ly on small
e t h e e e e e ins cts caught on wing , and s ldom p rch , s l cting a
o r e d ead bough te le graph wire whe n the y do se ttl . On t e are e e ee e e e e h e ground th y v ry rar ly s n , and wh n th r th y
a e a e e n e ll w lk, or rath r w ddl , inst ad of hoppi g lik most sma W THE SWALLO S .
e e e t h e e birds . Most of th ir tim is sp nt on wing, and th y drink and e ven wash while flyin g .
e et e e e t The y have to com down to g mat rial for th ir n s s ,
are e o f e e e n which mad mud , and g n rally fix d to buildi gs , t h e Swallows h av mg very e arly ratifie d an allianc e with
e e e e e e man , who has always r gard d th s b autiful and us ful birds with favour . In t h e Swallows t h e mal e and fe mal e are very n e arly
e t h e e e e alik , and young , although much dull r , can g n rally be re cognize d in e ach sp e cie s by the ir re se mblance to their
e e e e e e pare nts . Swallows ar migratory in r gions wh r th r
e e e e is a hard wint r , but in warm countri s many r sid nt
ar T e e - a e . h birds found , as in India Hous Sp rrow is a
e e e t o e e e e e e gr at n my th m , s izing on th ir n sts , and wh r that bird b e come s common t h e Swallows are not long in
e e e are t h e disapp aring from house s . P opl who fond of
ee e Swallows should k p Sparrows rigidly in ch ck , and put up little le dge s in suitable plac e s to afford foundations for
’ t h e Swallows n e sts — it is e asy to s e e wh e re the y pre fe r
T e to b uild . h dirt made by t h e birds ne e d be no draw
e t o e t h e e . back , as it is asy fix a board und r n st to catch it
e e e e t h e e If thus kindly tr at d , Swallows will fr qu nt sam
e e be e e e e hous for y ars , and of gr at s rvic in d stroying
e mosquito s and flie s .
are e e e t o Swallows , of cours , quit unsuit d captivity ,
e o ne of - but , as som my re ade rs may be public spirite d e nough to try to introduce some o f the se charming and use ful birds into t h e fe w countrie s where the y are not ye t
e e an be e found , it is j ust as w ll to m ntion that the y c k pt , e e a e e e e e e e v n in c g s , for s v ral months , though I b li v th y 1 02 R N AND V I D GA DE A IARY B R S . have rare ly b e en got succ e ssfully through t h e moult in
e e . e e be e e confin m nt Th ir cag s must larg , at l ast two or
re e e e e e e ul th f t long , and hav but two p rch s , which sho d ’ Th e be e e t h e e e are e e . cov r d with cloth , as birds f t t nd r food should consist o f inse cts mixe d up in a paste o f hard
e e and satc o e be t o e at boil d gg , which th y can taught by
e e giving the m inse cts only at first . Swallows g n rally
are a l call e d Ab bi in Hindustani .
t h e he e e e e e Of rat r num rous Sp ci s found in India , thr
be e e e may notic d h r . THE HOUSE - SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) is t h e b e st
o f t h e e e e e known whol family , b ing found all ov r Europ and Africa and a large part of Asia it is ve ry common in
e e e t h e England in summ r , and in India br ds all along
e e e e t h e Himalayas at mod rat l vations , coming down to
plains in winte r . To distinguish this familiar bird from oth e r Swallows it may be de scrib e d t h e plumage is ste e l
e e e - t h e e e blu abov and cr am coloure d b e low , with for h ad
o e -re e - and thr at ch stnut d , followe d by a blu black band
t h e e t h e e across br ast on tail is a row of whit spots , and
t h e e e a e are e e e t h e e out r f th rs v ry long , sp cially in mal ,
- forming t h e prove rbial Swallow tail fork .
are e e Young birds v ry dull in colour , showing but littl A fe w e t h ff . blu gloss , and with e fac e a sort of dull bu tint birds in this plumage may turn up in t h e plains at any
e t h e tim of ye ar . This de scription applie s to t h e House - Swallow in its
e e e e pur form , but many sp cim ns show trac s of a cross
t h e e e - Hirundo utturalis with East rn Hous Swallow ( g ) ,
w a e w e hich inh bits East rn Asia , migrating south in int r,
S 1 04 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRD .
re d and brown spots ; t h e cl utch doe s not e xce e d four .
e e r e The ne st is usually plac d und r an arch , such as a b idg ,
e e e t h e but also on rocks n ar wat r , and I hav found it in
e Dun t h e e e e ve randahs of buildings at D hra , only plac wh r
o ne e e e t h e I have seen t h e bird . It has not so xactly lik twe et o f t h e Canary that t h e re se mblance is mo st
e o ne e e e e misl ading , making think that th r is an scap d
Canary some where about . In Be ngal and Assam this
o o n . Swallow is not c mm , if it is found at all
Hirundo er thrc ia e THE STRIATED SWALLOW ( y pyg ) , call d
as id ababil t h e e e - n e e M j by nativ s , is a w ll k own sp ci s
e e t h e o f which always r sid s in plains India , but is not
t e h e e e e . found to astward , and is rar in C ylon It is rath r
e th e o e - a t h e e small r than H us Swallow , nd has upp r parts e e e e - e t h e e e o f ntir ly st l blu , with xc ption a che stnut patch on t h e lfiowe r part of t h e back ; unde rne ath it is cre am e e e t e . h colour , n ly str ak d with black In young birds
e are e e t h e e str aks not so w ll mark d , but r ddish back at once distinguishes this specie s from our othe r common
Swallows .
e f e e e e e It also builds a v ry di f r nt n st , this b ing shap d
e e e e e e lik a bottl with a n ck , fast n d by its Sid against
a r . Th e e are e e e e wall or ock ggs pur whit , and only thr
t h e e e are e e . laid , br ding s ason b ing from April to August A very Similar but rathe r larger Swallow (Hirundo ni alensis t h e a i e p ) is found all along Himalay s n summ r ,
t e e coming down to h e plains in winte r . It oft n br e ds in
t e ve randahs I found it doing so in h e Hot l at Kurse ong .
e e Th e n e st is like that of its re lative of t h e plains . Th r
- are some other spe cie s of re d backe d stripe d Swallows THE WAGTAILS . 1 05
e are a e t h e e in India , but th y r r , and all group look v ry much alike .
A THE WAGT ILS .
Th e Wagtails and Pipits forma famil y of small inse ct e ating birds of very grac e ful shape and active habits
hi e e e t h e u n n w ch liv almost ntir ly on gro d , run ing about
o e inst ead of h pping lik most small birds . Th e Pipits are e - t dull str aky brown birds , not par icularly inte re sting
e e t h e e ith er in app aranc or habits , but Wagt ails are much better k nown on account of the ir conspicuous
e e e a e app aranc , and it is with th m lon that I shall de al
l are e e t e e . e h e h r Th ir tai s long , but v n at tip , not forke d
e e e - e or slop d lik thos of most long tail d birds , and the y are e constantly moving th m up and down . The ir le gs are e e e e also rath r long, and th ir bills sl nd r , but o f moderate
e h . e are e e e e t h e o l ngt Th y xtr m ly activ birds on gr und ,
e . e are e but do not p rch much Th y good fli rs , and whe n
t h e e n e er on wing progr ss in bou ds or curv s , alt nate ly
e e closing and op ning th ir wings . Most small birds fly
e t h e a t in this way , but it is particularly mark d in W g ails . Possibly t h e ide a in closing t h e wings and swinging along in curve s is to ge t an impetus which the ir light we ight
e e e e e would mak unattainabl oth rwis , for no larg bird
flie s like this .
Al e e e e though a good many coll ct tog th r in wint r ,
be e e e and ar Wagtails cannot call d r ally sociabl birds , e
e e e e e e e e e n . Th e vid ntly happi st alon , xc pt wh n br di g
he n e ea e t h e cock and do not diff r much in app ranc , but
r T young a e some time s ve ry differe nt from the m . h e nest 1 06 A AND A A I G RDEN VI RY B RDS .
e e t h e r e e is mad n ar g ound or v n on it , in some hole or
e t h e e are e e oth r , and ggs sp ckl d with brown .
are e Wagtails only found in op n ground , and are
t h e e e particularly fond of n ighbourhood of wat r , in which
e e e e th y wad and paddl lik Sandpipers . The y are most
e e e a us ful as w ll as ornam nt l birds , and de serve e very prote ction the y would also be use ful birds to acclimatise
e e e e e are e e e e e wh r ins ctivorous sp ci s n d d , as th ir di t is so e x clusiv e lv re stricte d to inse cts that the y can do no harm at all .
Wagt ails are found ne arly all ove r t h e Easte rn
e e e e H misph r , usually migrating southwards in wint r , but
e are o r Ne w e o ne non inhabitants of Australia Z aland , and o r e e two kinds only invade Am e rica . Wh r ver the y occur
e are e e th y common and familiar birds , and g n rally popular .
e are e e e e are e Th y s ldom k pt in confin m nt , and not suit d
e - l e e e e e for cag if , but in an aviary th y do v ry w ll , b ing
ma n e e asie r to ke e p than most s ll i s ctivorous birds .
e e e e y e e e are D licat and fragil as th look , how v r , th y most
e e e e e e savag birds , and it is impossibl to k p v n two of
ff e e e e be di er nt spe cie s tog th r unl ss the y cock and h e n .
h e e e e e e e e e e In t is cas , how v r , th y hav b n known to int rbr d in captivity .
e e are e e Th r good many sp ci s of Wagtails in India , mostly winter visitors ; t h e native s know the m ge ne rally
Dhobrin e w e e t h e as , a nam hich xactly corr sponds to
’ Ffenc h L avandiére ; I suppose t h e wagging of t h e bird s tail and its fondne ss for wate r have sugge ste d a com parison with t h e wife of t h e miscre ant who batte rs
e cloth s .
A EN AND A IA Y I S G RD V R B RD .
a e t h e C a obt in d in alcutt market . I do not re comme nd
o ne e e e e e any to k p such a bird in a cag , how v r , as it ought to have a great deal o f room to run about and paddle i n water .
M otacilla melano e THE GREY WAGTAIL ( p ) , although
e e e e e e mor than s v n inch s long , is a particularly sl nd r
e a e - t h e a a e and d lic t looking bird , most d inty and gr c ful
t h e . of all Wagtails Its tail is particularly long , and
e e . e e e hardly v r still As this bird is usually s n in wint r ,
- re e e e t h e e t h e it is bluish g y abov , xc pt low r part of back
. e - e e t h e e e t h e which is y llowish gr n ; c ntr of tail is black , and its side fe athers mostly white ; t h e e ye brows are
w e t h e t h e e t h e we e hit , and so is throat r st of Io r plumag
i n e . o e e e e is y llow B th s x s hav this plumag , but spring ’ t h e male s throat b ecome s all black in t h e ce ntre with a broad white stripe on e ach side ; th e h en mere ly ge ts a
a ac e e t b nd of bl k spots on ach sid of h e throat . Young
are e t h e e ne c re amv birds lik old on s in wi t r , but with a tinge on t h e white markings of t h e plumage . This e xquisite little bird is found in summe r ove r most of th e northern part of t h e Old World ; in winte r it goe s
o ne t h e e e south , and is of first birds which arriv s to t ll
t h e us of t he approach of e cold weathe r . It is always n ar
and e e e men a wate r , has v ry littl f ar of , haunting t nks in
ee e t h e e ne -u e e gardens . For thr y ars sam bird tur d p v ry
t h e e winte r at t h e large tank in Indian Mus um grounds ,
' e I c ould e e and spent all its time the r asily id ntify it , as
e t he e e e by a curious fre ak of natur , two of inn rmost f ath rs
e V - e t h e of th e wings were whit , forming a Shap d mark on
’ bird s back when th e wings were close d . 1 09 THE LARKS .
1 902 se e Th e last winte r I was in India ( ) I did not it , but the re was anothe r bird of t h e same kind in t h e old
t h e haunt ; large as tank is , about sixty yards across
we e e e one in t he narro st part , I n v r saw mor than
e the r . Many of this spe cie s bree d at e l e vations o f ove r six thousand fe et in t h e Himalayas I have see n it at Kurse ong
- e e . e e e in spring in full w dding dr ss It br ds in May or Jun ,
e e e e building its n st und r a ston or in a bush , of fibr s and
r fi e e a e e e v e e e moss . Th r g n rally ggs , of a dirty whit
w - speckle d with ye llo ish brown . In confine me nt this bird has bre d with t he English Pie d
Wa a t h e h v brid s e e e e e e gt il , and v n prov d capabl of br ding
THE LARK S .
Larks are rathe r small birds of dull drab or sandy
e e e plumag , usually with dark r str aks the ir bills vary in shape in a manne r unusual among spe cie s of t h e same
e e o family , som b ing short and thick , and the rs long and thin ne ve rthe le ss the re is some thing about a Lark which
e e e o e . e are mak s it asily r c gnizabl Th ir wings large ,
and the ir tails rathe r short t h e hinder t o e usually be ars a t h e t e long straight claw , and back of h shank is c o ve red
w e a e c e e t h e ith small s p rat s al s lik front . This last point
l i t h e a t h e wi l d stinguish L rks from Pipits , which also
e a e e hav brown str aky plumag and a long hind claw, and are often calle d Titlarks ; but the y have t h e back
t h e a e e e e s of sh nk cov r d by two long undivid d plat , lik e
sse e i most Pa rin b rds . 1 1 0 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
t e e Larks run about on h ground lik Pipits and Wagtails ,
e e t h e not hopping lik most small birds but unlik Pipits ,
e e e w are th y roll and shuffl in sand inst ad of ashing , and
e e e e e still l ss addict d to p rching than thos birds , r maining
e almost constantly on t h e ground . Th y naturally build
t h e e e on ground also , coll cting a littl grass in a hollow ,
r - and the ir e ggs a e brown sp e ckle d .
Th e a d h en are e t h e cock n usually alik in Larks , but
are e ffe e e e ff e t h e young v ry di r nt , b ing spott d with bu lik
man r young of so v Thrushe s . Cock Larks a e ve ry good
e e are e e e e songst rs in many cas s , and sp cially notic abl ,
e t h e e e e from th ir habit of rising in air to Sing ; som sp ci s ,
e e are e e t o how v r , much mor addict d this habit than
e e e . oth rs , and all at tim s Sing wh n sitting still Larks are ge n erally more or le ss gre garious in winte r
e e e e e and some asse mbl in v ry larg flocks . Th y f e d both
e e e are e e e e on s ds and ins cts , and som tim s d structiv to
. e are e e e sprouting corn Most of th m r sid nt , but som
e o e t h e e migrat l ng distanc s , such as Skylark of Europ
l u ar nsis (A a da ve ) which also inhabits t h e Himalayas .
e e ee e e e e As articl s of food Larks hav long b n st m d , and t h e Ortolan of India is ge ne rally a small kind of Lark (Calandrella duhhunensis ) ; but t h e Wo rt lum s of t h e bird- se lle rs in t h e Calcutta Provision Bazar may be
l n are e e a most a ything , and many Pipits and Wagtails s rv d
Th e e O e up unde r this name . tru rtolan of Europ
t h e (Emberiz a hort ulana) is a rare w int e r visitor in North ’ e e an e t h e e e We st , and n v r by y chanc is found in d al rs
be e t h e baskets ' Something ought to don , by way , to
t h e stop t h e crue lty of the se me n in ke e ping poor little
1 1 2 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . but t he young are e asily distinguishable by the ir buff
o sp ts .
e e This Lark , although not a v ry migratory bird , is wid ly spread all along t h e Northe rn He misphere of t h e Old
W e o h as e orld , and , although it avoids damp r gi ns , gr at
e e e e e e e pow rs of nduring xtr m s of climat , and its tast s in t h e a e be a e m tt r of food must accommod ting, as it rath r n affe cts barre n localitie s . In India it is mostly confi e d
t h e - e e to North W st , and a comparativ ly small proportion
e of th e birds that visit us r main to bre e d in t h e country .
e e e e be d Th s n st from March to Jun , making a small of
soft mat erials e e e e various und r any sh lt r such as a ston , _
e e . e e e e are e or v n a clod Not mor than thr ggs laid , whit
and r e with brown pu pl spots .
e e and e Th e Cre ste d Lark b ars captivity w ll , is a v ry
- e e . n good songst r as a cag bird In an aviary , judgi g
o e e e e e e e from n sp cim n I was abl to obs rv , a bird obtain d
e e e n y young , it is liv ly and int r sti g , always industriousl
t h e e . digging in ground , and s ldom still for long It is also ve ry courage ous ; I saw t h e above bird once
- M erula atri ularis stand up to a Black throate d Thrush ( y ) ,
e e and e a bird twic its own siz , boldly sing in its fac till
w a 1 901 e v e e t h e Thrush ga v e y . In I had s ral s nt to
let e K e e e y England , and th m out in nt , and I hop th
e e e o e o ne e e survive d to br d . I should advis s m to r p at
e t h e ea e e t h e e xperim nt , as bird has alr dy b n found in
f w e e , England on a e occasions , and would , if stablish d
e AS e probably thrive th re . it is a harml ss bird , sings
e o f t h e , well , and is much mor familiar than most Larks it would be an acquisition in any country . THE SUNBIRDS . 1 1 3
THE SUNBIRDS .
Th e e e - e bv Sunbirds , commonly call d Hon y suck rs
S hakar kh ra e are e . Europ ans , and o by nativ s , most
e e e t h e w charming littl cr atur s , only found in arm parts
t e are e e t h e e of h e Old World . Th y oft n mistak n for tru
i - e y e e e e e o n e a Humm ng birds , which th r s mbl in f ding n ct r and e t h e e e e small ins cts , and rival in b auty of th ir plumag .
t h e - are e t h e Ne w W But Humming birds confin d to orld ,
e are e e be e e and so none of th m v r to s n in India .
o e e e e e e M r ov r , th y hav q uit distinct habits from any oth r
e o n t h e w birds , b ing constantly wing ith a buzzing
e t h e - i e flight lik that of hawk moths , which ns cts
e e e e e e e e e th y r s mbl , rath r than birds , to an in xp ri nc d
Th e e - e o n t h e e h o e e . y Hon y suck rs , oth r hand , p about t h e e e e e t h e twigs lik oth r littl birds , p rching on
- e e e th e e e t c . t h e flow r st ms to xtract hon y , , from blossoms , a nd only hovering a little occasionally . The y have l ong
e e e e . e Sl nd r bills , usually curv d , and fairly long l gs Th ir
are e e e u e wings mflod rat in siz , but although us ally v ry small e birds , th y yhigh and strongly , and do not mind e xposing the mse lve s in t h e ope n - at any rate this is t h e case with t h e e two common st Indian sp ecie s . The y build hanging
e e e . Th e are n sts , and lay spott d ggs cocks ve ry brilliantly
re t h e e are colou d , but h ns plain , though dainty and
e e e t h e u are l e e e grac ful in app aranc yo ng ik th ir moth rs .
e e e e are e e l Th s lov ly littl birds v ry tam and fami iar ,
e e e i e e e coming fr ly into gard ns , and allow ng th ms lv s to be e asily watche d ; and the ir ne sts are oft e n quite acc e s b e . e no t e e e e e sibl Of cours , I do r comm nd th m to cag d
e in India , but it is worth m ntioning that the y can be GAB F , 8 1 1 4 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
a e e e ee en e l e t k n to England , s v ral having b n tak hom of at
e be fe d o n e s ye ars . In captivity th y should hon y lightly
e e w satc o dilut d with wate r and mix d ith into a thin pap ,
e t h e with maggots whe n obtainable . Wh n this is not
e o e e o f - e e be cas , s m crumbl d yolk hard boil d gg should
e e e in e i mixe d up in t h e pap . Th r is no troubl g tt ng
e e e t h e v are e e c . th m to f d , and soon r concil d to aptivity In any l o cality In England whe re some flowers are always in bloom I b e lie ve o ne o f our Himalayan spe cie s
e t h e e t h e e - e Re d might thriv in op n ; this is . Fir tail d
e - Aetho a i nicauda e e u Hon y sucke r ( pyg g ) , a v ry b a tiful
e t e spe cie s which rang s as high as fe et . But h
o e ec e in are lo w e comm n st sp i s India birds of a le vation . THE PURPLE HONEY-S UGK E R (Arachnechthra asiatica) is figure d on Plate V (Fig . this figure re pre sents t h e full pl umage d male ; t h e h e n is oli v e -coloure d abov e
ll w e and v e o b e low . Aft r bree ding t h e cock lose s his
y e u e e e e t h e h en e e gloss purpl pl mag and b com s lik , xc pt for a long narrow purple st re ak running fro m t h e chin
down to t h e bre ast .
all e t h e e e no t This bird is found ov r Empir , but do s
e fiv ascend t h e hills abov e thousand fe e t ; on t h e we st
e e e e e a it go s as far as P rsia , and xt nds stward to Cochin
e e be one t h e o China , so that altog th r it must of m st
t h e e e e e abundant of all family . It br ds mor than onc
e t h e e be a y ar , and n st may found at almost any Th time . e said ne st is of a some what oval shape and hung from t h e tip of a branch ; it has an e ntrance as
h r ve e Th e t e e e o c a . sid , usually with a proj ction ov r it
e e t h e e a e mat rial us d is grass , but outsid is co t d with
1 1 6 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e t h e e e e e my astonishm nt , bird b gan to com n ar r , and
e me e o e e e e gav as good a vi w as I c uld hav wish d , s ming
e u e e e me quit as m ch int r st d in as I was in him . THE YELLOW- BRE ASTED OR AMETHYST- RUMPED HONEY SUCKER (Arachnechthra z eylonica) r e se mble s t h e pre vious
ne - t h e t h e e bird in sting habits and colour of ggs , and is
t h e e e le e of about sam siz , but has a smal r bill and v ry
ffe e e — t h e e o f t h e c o ok t h e di r nt plumag that is in cas ,
e t he t wo e e h h ns of sp ci s b e ing much alike in colour . T e cock of this specie s has a dark -re d back and purple he ad
r t h e e e e e t h e e and ump , latt r b ing sp cially brilliant ; b lly
e is a b autif ul yellow b e lo w t h e purple throat . But curiously e nough th e se rich colours are only visible w he n t h e bird is close at hand at a comparative ly small distance
e y e it app ars simpl black and whit , and this is fairly
1 e e e . Th e n repre se nte d by Fig . of Plat III h is lik that o f t h e e e t h e w e e o f last sp ci s , but has throat hit , inst ad be ing all ye llow b e low ; b e side s which h e r rathe r smalle r.
i r bill dist nguishe s h e . Th e male in this sp ecie s unde rgoes no se asonal change
u e h e e e and of colo r , but wh n has onc donn d his ruby ame thyst plumage we ars it all t h e ye ar round .
e e and e e This bird is confin d to India and C ylon , v n there has a more re stricte d range than t h e pu rple spec ie s .
e e e e e But it is n v rth l ss a v ry common bird , and in Calcutta
e re is ve ry much mor nume rous than t h e oth e r . It is mo
e . sociabl than this , and commonly goe s about in pairs
a e e i It is lso a liv li r bird , continually fl cking up its wings ,
e e e - c -t e and utt ring a pr tty little note lik chi chit , hit wee th e a e e ee be s e but m l do s not s m to so good a ongst r , - 1 1 7 THE PLO WE B PEOHE RS .
This spe cie s has bee n succe ssfully ke pt in captivity .
t h e o o . e e Mr . E . W Harp r s nt a pair to L ndon Zool gical
l - e M r . e e e Gard ns , and . F Gros r had two lov ly fu l plumag d
ds e e w l o e h h e h ad e cock bir as p rf ct as i d n s , w ich succ ssfully
e a e f th e e e e e l r r d rom n st , f ding th m at first on sma l
e . e do not e e grasshopp rs But , as I said abov , I r comm nd
e e e e e e e th s birds as p ts , and should rath r advis my r ad rs to try and improve acquaintance with the m by growing such
e e e e e e plants as b ar flow rs of which th y sp cially approv , or
ne t e e ve n hanging out little ve sse ls of syrup for the m . O of h grudge s I be ar against Philip Sparrow is that I have se e n him drive away the se harml e ss little things whe n a pair
e e t h e h en actually cam to my v randah , picking up bits of fluff for ne sting material in t h e abse nc e of this fe athere d hooligan I have no doubt w e should se e far more of t h e
e e e num rous mor attractiv small birds .
- THE FLOWER PECK ERS .
e t e e u e t h e e . h e Th s tiny cr at r s , small st birds of Old
t h e r e are e are World , to warm pa ts of which th y confin d ,
AS ar e n e . e e e littl k own , though not rar th y so v ry tiny ,
e e e W ll W e -e e e e small r v n than axbi s or hit y s , and k p to t h e i e e e e e e e o n e e tops of h gh tr s , wh r th y f d b rri s ,
t e a i e . e e c . e e u n ins cts , , it is not asy to mak th ir cq a nta c
e e e Is e e o e Fortunat ly , how v r , it som tim s p ssibl to obtain
e e e e e be e t . sp cim ns of th m aliv , and th y can k pt in cap ivity
e e r l The y always have rath r short tails , but th i bi ls
b e e at e may e e ithe r thick or thin and , wh n look d und r
- be - e e are e a hand le ns are found to saw dg d , as also thos
e - e of t h e Hon y s uck rs . 1 1 8 A AND AV A RD G RDEN I RY BI S .
THE SCARLET-BAGK E D FLOWER-BECKER (Dicazum ernen tat m u e e e e . 5 e A ) is r pr s nt d in Fig of Plat I . lthough
e e bee t h e e — t h e bar ly larg r than a big , mal which is sex
fir — u e d i s e e e g a v ry showy littl thing , with his cr am coloure d bre ast and glossy black uppe r plumage de corate d
T e by a broad splash of scarle t fro m crown to tail . h h en e - e e e is oliv gr n with a black tail , and a dash of scarl t
‘
t h e t Th e are e h er . on back just at h e root of it . young lik
Th e e c e e xa t rang of this minut bird is not known , but it
t he e e is not uncommon in ast rn parts of India , and in
e e e e e u a . Burma , wh nc it spr ads v n to So th China and Sum tra
e e e e It is common about Calcutta , but I n v r saw it wild th r .
e e e e It br ds from March onwards , building a littl oval n st
t h e t h e of grass and down of plants , which is hung from tip o f a high branch t h e two or thre e e ggs it contains are pure whit e . Occasionally this bird might have b e e n obtaine d from
t h e e . . e e t h e e e e n lat Mr W Rutl dg , only d al r I hav know
e . e r e e e to hav it Wh n se veral a e in an ordinary cag tog th r ,
e e e be e e e e th y s m to p ac abl nough , but I found on buying two cocks and a h en and turning the m out into a large
e a e t h e o e e v rand h cag , that c cks fought lik fi nds , and soon e t h e both w ere de ad . Th e y appe are d not to car for
e e we e re e company of oth r littl birds , but r not agg ssiv to
e . . . e e th m Mr E W . Harp e r succ ee d d in s nding this
e e t h e e t h e sp ci s to London Zoological Gard ns , and also
’ - hrorh n still tinie r Tick e ll s Flowe r p e cker ( Dicce um eryt y
fl- e th e chum) a plain drab bird with a esh colour d bill ; latte r was t h e first bird of this family to reach England
e e s a e for s e e e alive . A large cag is mor uit bl bird lik th s
S GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRD .
fl but e . e are e swiftly and grac fully Th y fairly good y rs ,
e e e e o n usually ke p low down . Th y se e m to fe e d ntir ly
e and e a e are ins cts oth r small anim ls , and th y not at all
e in l s e ee e . sociabl , b g usua ly s n alon The y do not ing , but the ir plumage is usually re markably brilliant and
e re e e . e b autiful , and shows a g at vari ty of patt rns Th ir ne sts are dome d and plac e d e ithe r on t h e ground o r ne ar
e e e . it , and th y lay spott d ggs
h ura . e e THE BENGAL PITTA (Pitta brac y ) This sp ci s , “ ” t Nowrun or e known to h e native s as g nin colours , is t h e a e u e and most f miliar of all , b ing fo nd all ov r India
e t e e e e C ylon in h plains . It is to a c rtain xt nt migratory ,
t h e e e t o t h e e going south in wint r , and r turning north rn
ro v mc e s t h e e e u e p m hot w ath r and rains , tho gh som birds
e appe ar n ve r to change the ir quarte rs .
is el t h e In colour it gre e n above and buff b ow , with
e t h e he ad broadly str ake d with black and drab , throat
t h e e e e t h e e . whit , and a patch und r tail scarl t On should r
o f t h e e t h e t h e e wing, and just abov root of v ry short
are e e e - e t h e tail , patch s of int ns shining sky blu , and flight fe athers o f t h e wings are black with a large white
as t h e - Th e patch , in House Mynah . bill is salmon
e fl- e t h e e y e t h e e e sh colour d and black , and l gs colour d , s
e T h en are e b ing dark brown . h e cock and alik , and
t h e n e e e e e e e e y e you g clos ly r s mbl th m , b ing m r l dull r
e e e e e in colour b low , wh r th r is also a Slight dark
t e o f e e e dging to h fe athe rs . Some of t h e skins this sp ci s in t h e Indian Museum have t h e back marke d w ith black
e t h e e e t h e e e t h e e e and str aks in c ntr of f ath rs , both gr n blue portions one spe cime n is ve ry p erfe ctly stre ake d o n S 1 21 THE PITTA .
e e e e f hi e e v ry f ath r , and rom t s th r is a gradation to that
e t h e of ordinary birds . But I hav ne ve r s e en any of
e a e living birds brought in for sal m rk d in this way , and
t h e sa be e as books y nothing about it , it must rath r a rare variation .
ee t h e e i e e This bird br ds , in C ntral Prov nc s at l ast , in
e July and August , and builds a big round n st of twigs
e t h e n o n and le ave s . This is e ith r actually on grou d or
Th are e e e re d a low branch . e e ggs lustrous whit with d p
T e are e e e e and purple spots . h young som tim s r ar d from t h e e C l e n st and brought to a cutta for sal , but only occa i s o nally . Th e y get ve ry tame and make most charming pet
are e e e e birds , but not suit d for cag lif in som ways , as
e e e e e e t h e b sid s not b ing songst rs , th y scatt r sand about so much by the ir active move me nts that t h e vicinity o f t h e e w be . e e e e e cag is al ays dirty If , th r for , th y hav to
e e h a e e e e . k pt cag d , a y b dding is b tt r than a sand d floor
or e e e e e e It is in an aviary v ry larg cag , how v r , that th y
e o l i e e r ally d the mse ve s justice . The ir ord nary mov m nts are e e e e e w e e e are v ry grac ful , and th ir g stur s h n xcit d
. e e e w most amusing Som tim s th y ill stand bolt upright , at othe rs crouch down ; and in e ithe r position the y will
e e e wi a oft n xpand th ir ngs , an action which has most ludicrously oratorical appearance whe n the y are standing
. e e e e t o be e e up With oth r birds th y s m quit harml ss ,
' e e e e t h e are e v n with much small r on s , but y liabl to fight
e e e e so be savag ly amongst th ms lv s , that it must not e xp e cte d that m ore than a pair will live toge the r perma ne nt ly ; and the re is some risk e ve n in putting cock and 122 A AND A G RDEN AVI RY BIRDS . h en e e . a a e e e e e e tog th r Pitt s h v n v r b n br d in captivity , so that some intere sting disc o verie s very like ly await any one wh o will de vote himse lf to th e st udv of the ir br e e ding habits .
e are t o e e e e - -satc o e t Th y not difficult f d gh and past , wi h
fil - e ne e raw e e do e a littl y minc d m at work d up in it , will v ry
e e e a are e w ll as a stapl food , and if pl nty of m ggots availabl f th e e be o e . e o e m at may mitt d But pl nty cockroach s ,
a o e e t c . o w be e gr ssh pp rs , , sh uld al ays provid d , and any fruit which the y may Show an inclination for should be give n . Pittas have b ee n take n to England alive on a fe w o cca
are e e e sions , but n v r lik ly to become common with
e e e are or amat urs th r , and so always w th taking home .
o f t e a e o On account h ir ctiv habits and c mpact shape , the y are e asy to kee p in good condition e ven in a small
e e be e . cag , but th y must k pt warm
1 2 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e ff e e i s e e t h e v ry sti , hard f ath rs , and pr ss d against bark t to act as a prop whe n h e bird is climbing . For Wood peckers do not usually hop about t h e twigs like most
e t h e t h e p rching birds , but climb up trunks and along
e e ‘ e e e branch s ; th y n v r climb downwards , but if th y want to de sc end let the mse lve s down backwards ; the y are v erv quick and cl e ver at moving along side ways
e and e v en upside down . Th ir wings are only mode rat e ly
e e e e long , and th y hav a v ry charact ristic flight , dipping and rising by alt e rnat e ly flutte ring and closing the ir
e are - e wings , although th y usually fair siz d birds ; but
e - o ordinarily th y only g from tre e to tr e e . They do not
e t h e e e e e e com to ground much as a rul , and wh n th r mov by awkward hops . Th e e ggs of Woodp e ckers are always white and are
e e ek e d e e t h e laid in hol s p out in tr s by old birds , without
T ar any lining . h e young e hatche d nake d and have a
t h e - e curious warty pad on hock j oint , upon which th y
ffle o n e e e are shu about , not standing up th ir to s till th y
U e e e w e e . e fl dg d nlik most young birds , th y oft n Sho th ir se x e are e e e e t h e as soon as th y fl dg d , r s mbling old birds in t h e comparative ly small differe nce s which distinguish
e e e are e - e t h e se xe s of the s . Woodp ck rs oft n gaily colour d
e e e y e v e rv birds , but th y do not Sing , and g n rall hav harsh
e are e e e e note s . Th y v ry striking and ornam ntal , how v r ,
e e e e e e and particularly us ful birds , as th y f d almost ntir ly
e e e e on ins cts , which th y dig out of d caying wood or xtract from unde r bark with the ir strong bills and long barb e d
e e e e e tongue s . Thus th y k p in ch ck a class of ins cts which
e e e are l e ft alon by oth r birds , and , although th y do not K 1 25 THE WOODPEC ERS .
e so lit arv e e go in flocks , b ing usually , must do a gr at d al of good .
e are l e v e y e e e Th y found a most r wh r , usually as r si
e are e Ne w e d nts , but abs nt from Australia , Z aland, and t h e Pacific re gion ge n e rally ; it is to be hop e d that some day me asure s will be take n for introducing the m the re b t h a e e e e e e e e e . e lso , wh r th y would of gr at st s rvic Th y
b e e e e are e be e e can k pt in confin m nt , but not oft n to s n in that condition ; and o ne at l e ast o f the m is a familiar garde n bird in m anv parts of India . THE GOLDEN - BAOK E D WOODPECKER (Brachypternus aurantius) is about as large in t h e body as t h e House
e - e e Mynah , but is a long r shap d bird , m asuring about a
e t . e m e l e t h e foot in l ng h It is v ry handso ly co our d , back
e o ld - h ue e t h e e e e b ing of an gold , whil fac , n ck , and und r
are e e parts mark d with black and whit , and a flaming scarle t cr e st adorns t h e back o f t h e h e ad ; t h e pinion
are w e and t h e all quills black ith whit spots , tail black . Th e h e n only diffe rs from t h e cock in having t h e for e h e ad
’ black with white spots t h e re d on t h e male s h e ad e xt e nds right up to t h e root of t h e b e ak . Most young h e ns have
e e e e e . o a plain black for h ad , but som hav it spott d Y ung
e e e t h e w e birds hav a y llow ting on hit portions b e low .
Th e e t o e e e e e e inn r hind in this sp ci s is a m r rudim nt , and not notic e abl e till looke d for .
This Woodpe cke r is found all ove r India and Ceylon
t h e t h e e e in plains , but not in countri s ast of Be ngal and
w e e e e e Cachar , h r it is r plac d by a v ry similar sp e cie s
t o e Ti a aranens is with no hind at all ( g j ) . It is pale r in
l u and e e ar e in e co o r in Sind , b com s d k r South rn India 1 26 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . and Ce ylon ; a good many spe cim e ns Show a tinge of r t e d on h e ye llow back . It is very commonly se e n about
e e e e e gard ns , and still mor oft n h ard , its xcruc iatingly
e e e o ff e e a a harsh cackl b ing giv n fr qu ntly , and lw ys ,
a e e e . no t e ppar ntly , wh n it tak s wing It is a v ry shy b be e e . e ird , and can asily watch d In North rn India it
e e e e br ds twic a v ar , in March and April , and again in
e In e t h e e e e Jun and July C ylon s ason is F bruary to Jun . Young birds of this spe cie s may ofte n be found in t h e
e are e e e Calcutta Mark t , and w ll worth r aring as p ts , as
e are e e e e . th y not difficult to bring up , and b com v ry tam
One e e me e I had us d to climb all ov r , xploring with its t h e o n e e . tongu , and tapping with its bill top of my h ad
e b e e e Such a bird could with car allow d its lib rty , as was
e don with this .
s W e e e w e a In an aviary , thi oodp ck r thriv s ll , and m y be ke pt e ve n with smalle r birds ; but it should not be
e e e e e e confin d too clos ly with th s , or v n with its own
e e e e specie s . Woodp e cke rs n d good f ding in captivity ; satc o e e e e e work d up with minc d raw m at or hardboil d gg ,
e be o e w e for e and such ins cts as can pr cur d , ill do w ll th m ,
o e and the y can be e asily re are d n such food . Th y will e at plantain re adily and should have some of this o r any
e Th e - e othe r fruit the y care to tak . gold back d Wood
e e e e e e e e p ck r has v ry s ldom b n tak n to Europ , and so is always worth its carriage home .
THE BARBETS .
Th e birds of this family re se mble Woodpe ckers in many
are e o e u e points , and oft n sp k n of as such by E rop ans
1 28 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e e e are Th y b gin practising v n as n stlings , and
e e e c rtainly untiring songst rs according to th ir lights . In
o e are e dispositi n th y gloomy and unsociabl , but not
e e are e f rocious that is , th y hard bit rs , but do not go out
e r of th ir way for a fight . Barb ets a e found all round th e w e t h e orld in most warm climat s , but not in Australian
- re gion . Th e huge bille d Toucans of Ame rica are closely e e t h e e are t h r lat d to Barb ts , but not found in India , e
e e e e e w are birds oft n so call d th r b ing Hfiornbills , hich e e n e t h e O a distinct family altog th r , con d to ld
World .
e e e e e e are In confin m nt Barb ts liv v ry w ll , and orna me ntal in an aviary if re are d from t h e ne st the y be com e
e e e are e e e v ry tam , and th y asy to manag , as th y can be fe d t h e e e e on fruit from first , and so giv l ss troubl than
. e are e e e e at a most young birds Th y gross f d rs , and
e e t h e e e et t h e gr at d al of food , so that mor fruit th y g ,
e e e satc o o r b tt r , as fruit is not so fatt ning as sop . The y
e b e e e e must not as a rul shut up clos ly tog th r , as the y
t h e e u e will fight to d ath in s ch a cas , and it is as we ll not to have more than a pair of e ach kin d e ve n in an aviary . THE COPPERSMITH OR CRIMSON- BREASTED BARBET (Xantho lceni a h ce matocephala) calle d Tambayat in Hindu
Chota bussunt e v er e - w stani , and in B ngal , is a v w ll kno n
e e t h e e e gard n bird all ov r Empir , but do s not go any
O e e e distanc e up t h e hills . utsid our limits it rang s ast
t h e e o ne t h e as far as Philippin s , so , that , although it is of
le e e e e e e e smal st of our Barb ts , it xt nds ov r a v ry wid t rri
i e e o ne se . m s e tory Com on as it in Calcutta , wh r may 1 29 THE BARBETS .
th e e e e e it e ve n i n t h e tre e s lining str ts , it is not v ry w ll
S e c e known by ight , as it is not asy to dis ov r at first ; its
e e t h e e e t h e e gre e n plumag bl nding with foliag , whil y llow
e t h e re d e e e of its fac , and bright of its for h ad , gorg t , and fe e t are not ne arly so notice able as might be e xpe cte d .
k e e e e Youn g birds are still le ss stri ing in app aranc in a tr ,
re d o n t h e e e e e e as the y have no h ad or br ast , and th ir f t
- th e e r fl . e e a e me re l y e sh colour Light vari ti s of Copp r smith are some time s se e n ; there was one in t h e Calcutta Zoological Garde n whe n I le ft India in 1 902 which was
e e ee t h e re d y llow splash d with gr n , and with usual
fl- t h e e sh e e markings , but with bill colour d inst ad of black . What make s t h e Coppe rsmith so we ll known is his
e e e e e e t h e voic , which is a singl not xactly r s mbling tap
e e ve e e e of a hamm r on m tal , and gi n out v ry p rsist ntly
t v rno t h s aH thro ugh h e wnnn. n of th e ye ar ; hi th e coki ”
e e h e e e e . h e w ath r is g n rally sil nt I say , but both
e e e e t h e e e e s x s call , and v n young b gin , in voic s of infantil
e e e e e are e e . e squ akin ss , b for th y fl dg d In North rn India
t h e e e e o u e e Copp rsmith br ds fr m March to J n , b ginning
e e e e arli r furth r south , and continuing in C ylon all through
Th e r t h e first half of t h e year . young one s a e ve ry pre tty
e e y e e e s atc o - e be littl things , asil r ar d and k pt if a di t
e e - - e w e avoid d , though br ad and milk sop suits th m ll
e e be e nough ; plantains of cours should always suppli d ,
e e e e o n and I hav always r ar d th m th e se . Old birds can also be go t to fe e d and live in confine me nt if plantain be
e he e n ee e e giv n , but t r is not much poi t in k ping th s , or
ee e e e one ind d any of this common sp ci s , unl ss is going It GAB 9 1 30 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e . e be e e fe w hom Th n it would worth whil to tak a , as
e are Copp rsmiths de cide d raritie s in England .
- A C ano s asiatica e THE BLUE THRO TED BARBET ( y p ) , call d
Burra bussunt e e in B ngal , is a much larg r bird than t h e e e t h e e e - n Copp rsmith , b ing about siz of a Hous My ah , but more stoutly built it has a longe r bill and tail than t h e small Barbet . ( e e e e It is a v ry showy bird , b ing bright gr n almost all
e - e e e ov r , with a sky blu fac and throat and a scarl t cap crosse d by a black band ; at e ach side of t h e ne ck is also
e Th e e a scarl t spot . bill is pal e ye llow with a black str ak
t he e t h e along ridg . Th e young birds are more like old
e h t h e e t h e e e on s t an is cas with Copp rsmith , but th ir he ad colouring is S O dingy that the ir youth is pe rce ptible
t w e e at a glanc e . This Barbe t is found on h e lo r Slop s
t h e e s . of Himalayas , and in B ngal , A sam , and Burma
e t h e e In Calcutta it is common , though l ss so than Copp r
h e e . e e m e e smit , and , lik Barb ts g n rally , uch mor h ard k e e . h as e e huturu than s n It a rolling tripl call , lik and is as noisy in its way as t h e Copp e rsmith though le ss notice able .
e e e e e It is t h e e asie st Barb t to k p in confin m nt , as it can be tam e d at any age and will live on s ato o ; more
e e be e t h e e e over , s v ral birds can plac d in sam cag with
t h e e - e e e impunity . Accordingly , Blu fac d Barb t is oft n
’ e e e to b e found in t h e d al rs cag s in Calcutta , and a good t E e e many are se n to ngland , and turn up not unfr qu ntly
- e t h e e at bird Shows . In a mix d aviary of larg r birds this is n Barb e t is always worth ke e ping wh e re it nfiot aturally ne found and is ge n e rally much admired for its colours ,
1 32 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e m e - quit unobtrusiv obj e ct . Our A erican wint r visitors have n eatly e xpre sse d t h e contrast in t h e flying and sitting Blue - Jay by callin g it t h e surprise - bird but this nam e would e v e n be tt er fit t h e Paddy - bird or Pond Heron ( Ardeo la grayi) which is hard to s e e at all in re pos e
e and pure white whe n it flie s . This Roll r is found almost
e e l t h e e e all ov r India and C y on in plains , and xt nds
e th e e e e w stwards along P rsian Gulf , and v n occasionally
M e e as far as Asia inor . It lik s op n country , and always
e e e e e choos s a p rch which giv s it a good outlook , v ry oft n
e e e e e e e a t l graph wir , wh r it r mains quit comfortably
t i - e e e ve n in h e bro ling sun of mid day . It may som tim s be e e o n t h e e e fe w e s n sitting ground , or v n hopping a st ps , but as a rule it only come s down t o pick up something
t t h e e l e a . e ac e e to It is v ry tiv on wing wh n it ik s , in
e t h e e e e spit of appar nt listl ssn ss of its ordinary flight .
e e e Its not is a singl croak , vari d occasionally by a cackling laugh .
e e e It br ds at various tim s , according to locality , during t e l t h e e l e u se e h first ha f of y ar , and wi l oft n a hol in a
e e t h e e w r building . Som birds lin n st ith g ass or rags ,
T u t e e e e e e . h e e c . , but oth rs sch w b dding altog th r vo ng
e w e e e e e and birds look v ry pre tty h n cov r d with f ath rs ,
be e asilv e e o f raw e c e et c . can r ar d on bits m at , cockroa h s , ,
e e e e e but I cannot re comm nd th m as int r sting p ts , as
e the y are not musical and very sluggish in th ir habits . If a bird wer e traine d to fly fre e ly about t h e garde n it
be e et but t h e e - e would a nic p , Blu Jay must hav room
and re ason to Show its wings if h e is to be admire d . Old birds can be got to fe e d in captivity by putting them THE ROLL ERS . in a mode rate -size d cage and giving the m live Insects at first ; whe n t h e birds are taking me at re gu larly it is as w e ll to mix it up with some satc o o r boile d rice to re nder
Th e e e w e it le ss he ating . Roll r do s ll as an aviary bird
e e e e are e and is qui t with oth rs , unl ss th y small nough
w e h e e be t rust e d w and to swallow , h n is by no m ans to his swallowing powe rs are much gre at er than would
are e t o be app e ar at first sight . Rollers very s ldom
e l e e had in England , so that a good h a thy sp cim n is always
o f t h e worth taking hom e . This is another birds which
be e l ought to spr ad by acc imatization , as it is a charming landscap e ornam e nt and v e rv us e ful in de stroying larg e inse cts .
T HE BURMESE LLER (Coracias afinis ) . This sp ecie s RO is include d unde r t h e same name of Blu e - Jay as t h e
t h e last , but it is distinct from Indian bird , though t h e e e e e e diff r nc is not v ry gr at , consisting in slightly
T e - larger siz e and de cide dly darke r colour . h body colour o f t h e Burme se bird is darke r brown than that o f its
n e w t h e s ea- e e e e I dian r lation , thus Sho ing up gr n cap b tt r
e e e t h e t h e l w but th r is no purpl band at tip of tai , hich is all light blue e xce pt at t h e root t h e most striking diffe r e e e e t h e o f t h e e nc , how v r , is in lining wings , which is pal i e n t h e e e t h e e e . blu Indian Roll r , and purpl in pr s nt bird Th e young in t his sp ecie s are notice ably differe nt from
e e e u e t h e e e th ir par nts , b ing m ch light r in colour ; abs nc o f t h e e t h e e e IS a purpl tip to tail , how v r , alway s char c
is i t e r t c .
e t h e m e t h e t This Roll r , which has sa habits as las , is t h e one e e e m common of Burma , and xt nds ast to Sia 1 34 AND A A Y I GARDEN VI R B RDS .
e e e w and Cochin China ; it xt nds w st ards into Assam ,
e e e e a Cachar , Sylh t and Tipp rah , and v n as far as Calcutt , but from that place e astwards for a considerable distanc e
t h e are e t e e e e e e birds of mix d blood , for h two sp ci s int rbr d
e el e t h e e e e n fr y , in spit of th ori s of thos aturalists who maintain that t h e distinctive markings of close ly re late d
e e n sallianc s birds lik this s rve t h e purpose of pre ve nting r e e .
e r f t l fis a e e o h e Go d nc h e s Similar cas s thos and Swallow ,
w h e e e e e hich I av alr ady m ntion d , but no acq uaintanc with such facts hamp ers t h e ave rage Zoological the orist '
BEE - THE EATERS .
Be e -e e are e e at rs birds of rath r small siz , with long curve d bills and ve ry small f e e t ; the re are thre e to e s in
e e e o ne e . front j oin d tog th r in a common skin , and b hind
Th e are e l t h e d e o n e wings pow rfu , and bir s liv ins cts
fl e Th e e capture d in igh t . plumage is always v ry pr tty t h e h e n are e t h e cock and alik in colour , and young
l h B - w e e clo se ly re se mb e the m . T e e e e at ers lay hit ggs
e out e e e in a burrow which th y dig th ms lv s , many pairs
br e e ding in company . The y are found in warm and t e mp e rate climat e s
t h e O e ve l are be e e in ld World , and s ra kinds to s n in
O h e e o ne t h e o e India . f t s is among c mmon st birds in t h e country .
- BE E A M ero s viridis . THE GREEN E TER ( p ) This bird , c o mm o nlv calle d a Flycatch e r by Europe ans and known in Pa-trin a e Bans ati Hindustani as g , and in B ngali as p , is conspicuous e verywhe re b v its be autiful gre e n plum ma ge and habit of sitting motionle ss on a perch and
1 36 I GARDEN AND AV ARY BIRDS .
t h e cock and h en being n e arly or quite alike t h e young
e e t h e e e t h e also hav n arly sam plumag from first .
e are e e fli e e d n are Th y hatch d nak d , and wh n g g most
e e e e e - e - e e curious littl obj cts , cov r d with spin lik pin f ath rs ,
e e e and with a r markabl pow r of running backwards , which must be use ful to the m in the ir underground
i ’
e e . Kin fi tunn lfiat hom A g sh er s ne st is alw av s in a e lth v e e e v ry stat , and th r is no b e dding e xc e pt t h e
e et c . fish bon s , , cast up in quids afte r t h e fle sh has b e e n
e e th e dig st d by birds .
Kin fish e rs r a e e e e Young g asily r ar d on fish , and may be traine d to eat raw me at but the se birds cannot be e e e e ar call d d sirabl p ts and e be tte r le ft at large . Th e be autiful little K ingfishe r of Europe (Alcedo ispida)
e o t h e e is v ry c mmon in India , as also is pr tty black and- w hite Pie d Kingfish e r ( Ceryle varia) ; but onlv
o ne t h e be - K of family can calle d a garde n bird . ing
fis r are K illeila an h e s e e e d g n rally call d in Hindustani ,
M achranya in Bengali . THE WHITE - BREASTED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis )
r sh e - v e o w , is a y . y bird about as big as a Hous Mynah
with a ve ry big he ad and bill and fairly long tail . Its plumage is a most brilliant blue above and rich
t h e e e t h e bay on h ad and b low , but throat and
e are e e e e e w e br ast pur whit , and th r is a pur hit patch
- t h e . Th e e e are e on pinion quills bill and f t scarl t , so
e e that t h e whole e ffe ct is ve ry brilliant ind d . Th e
h e n are e e e t h e cock and xactly alik , but young birds hav bill
e e e me e t h e and f t n arly black , and so dark fring s on
whit e bre ast .
1 38 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . strain or that t h e conditions o f life there are e asie r for dark birds . It only ne e ds t h e disapp e aranc e o f t h e dark compl e xion among Indian spe cime ns to e stablish t h e
K e e e e e Andaman ingfish r as a sp ci s, wh r as now it has to rank as a variety only . Th e White - bre aste d K ingfisher bre e ds from March to
firs July and diffe rs from othe r King sh e in occasionall y
t h e making a rough ne st of moss . But birds that do thi s must be constructive ge niuse s of an uncommon kind fo r t h e ordinary squalid burrow is good e nough for most
e e of the m . Wh n courting the y lift up th ir tails and
e i o ff t h e e . droop th ir wings , showing wh t patch At this
i e e e e t m too th y fly wildly about , utt ring a p culiar
c ry e e t h e e wailing , wh r as in ordinary way th ir flight is
e e e - e dir ct , and announc d in a most busin ss lik way by an abominably harsh cackle ; for this K ingfishe r se e ms to think that his move m e nts are of importanc e in local fe ath e re d socie ty and always give s due warning whe n
r h e is making a change of qua te rs .
E E TH HO OPO S .
Th e Hoopo e s are a small family of birds wide ly dist ri
O e are e bute d ove r t h e ld World . Th y all v ry much
e e e t h e alik , having pal brown plumag with wings and
- - e e tail black and whit , and th ir long thin bill and fan
e e like cre st w ill always distinguish th m from oth r birds ,
i a e e spe cially as t h e plumage do e s not d ffe r with g and
e e e e se x . Th e cr st is ordinarily k pt fold d down and th n
e t h e o r lo oks me r e ly point e d , but wh n bird is angry
o r e . e e afraid or courting , has just alight d , it is fully xpand d THE HOOPOES .
Th r and looks ve ry pre tty inde e d . e win gs a e large and
t h e t h e broad , and flight is lazy and undulating , so that ‘ e e o n t h e e bird looks lik a big butt rfly wing, but it is r ally
e Th e e ar e e . e a v ry strong and nduring fli r l gs short , and t h e to e s thre e b e fore and o ne be hind ; t h e birds
e e e e t h e r walk w ll and sp nd most of th ir tim on g ound ,
e e e t h e e p gging into it with th ir bills in s arch of ins cts ,
e t c . e e e . , on which th y f d
e e o e e e Th y n st in h l s , laying spotl ss ggs of a bluish or
e e - e t h e h e n e e e e gr nish whit and sits v ry clos , hardly v r
T e t h e e . h e e e coming off n st said n st sm lls most vil ly , t h e sme ll b e ing e ithe r due to t h e e xtre me ly unsanitary
e t h e e e l n stat in which int rior is found , or to an xha atio from t h e birds the ms e lve s dirt y as a Hoopo e is a
e e . e e t h e e are Fr nch prov rb With this xc ption , Hoopo s altogethe r charming birds ; whe n not mole ste d the y are
e e e e e e e t h e quit familiar , and com fr ly into gard ns , wh r v are e w e e . e are e ornam ntal as ll as us ful Th y not sociabl ,
e e e e are going singly as a rul , but wh r th y found com m o nl e are e e e t h e l - e y th y quit a f atur in loca bird lif , and are we ll -kn own to t h e native s unde r t h e name of u H dhud . e e e e Th y do not Sing , but hav a pr tty doubl call like hoop - h OOp the y also make a swe aring noise
e r r wh n angry o f ight e ne d .
Hoopo e s can be ke pt in confin e me nt if re are d from
t h e e are e e - n st but not v ry asy birds to ke e p . Hand re are d s bird have be e n known to be come so tame d that the y
be e e e e could allow d full lib rty , and in any cas if confin d
be it should in an aviary , not in a cage . Th e y do not
care to bathe but roll the mse lve s in sand like Larks o r 140 R R GA DEN AND AVIA Y BIRDS .
e e be e e Partridg s , and th y should always giv n som thing ,
e e . such as arth or turf , to dig th ir bills into Two of t h e
fe w e e o f e are sp ci s Hoopo s known found in India , and
are both common birds , and probably not distingu ishe d
e e b t h e e from ach oth r y casual obs rver .
THE EUROPEAN HOOPOE ( Upupa epops ) . This bird is
t h e e e about a foot long , of which bill m asur s more than T two inche s . h e wings and back are bande d broadly
with black and whit e ; t h e tail is black with a whit e
cre sce nt o f which t h e conve xity is towards t h e root t h e
be lly is white with dark stre aks and t h e re st of t h e
e ff t h e e plumag sandy bu , warming into cinnamon on cr st , which is tipp e d with black ; but on t h e longe st fe athe rs
e t e the re is a whit e spac e b e for h black tip . This bird is found in summe r all across t h e te mp e rate
t h e O e parts of ld World , migrating south in wint r , at
- which t ime it is found in and about Calcutta . It o nly
e e t h e e e y t h e br ds with us in W st rn Himala as , in months
e e e . of April and May , laying from four to s v n ggs This
the e ar excellence t h e e o f manv is Hoopo p , subj ct so le ge nds for it has always attracte d t h e att e ntion of man
from its curious app e arance and ge sture s . Th e Romans
e U u a t h e e e E O s kn w it as p p , and Gr ks as p p , so that its scie ntific name is most happily classical — a pl e asing re lie f to t h e barbarisms of most scie ntific nome nclature . It
E e e e e e visits ngland y arly , and has b n known to br d
e re e e e e e th wh n allow d to liv long nough , which is not oft n ,
is is as it usually shot down on sight . It a pity that some we althy naturalist do e s not import a fe w dozen
t h e e e e e e from contin nt , and turn th m loos , a proc ding
1 42 N GARDE AND AVIARY BIRDS .
has familiariz e d English re ad e rs with it in We stward Ho It se e ms that t h e Hoopo e s had re nde re d a signal
e e K e e e e e s rvic to ing Solomon , who th r upon off r d th m a
re ward . This the y ve ry foolishly chose to have in t he
e e e e e e form of gold n crowns ; but , on finding th y w r p rs
o e t h e e e e e e e ut d to d ath for th ir unlucky j w lry , th y cam
t h e to king to ask him to take back his gift . He save d
e e t h e his royal word by l aving th m crown , but changing
o ne e e w e y e e e it to of f ath rs , hich th hav worn happily v ry
e e e e t h e e wh r but in England , wh r nthusiastic local naturalist care s ' not a j ot for King Solomon ' Th e
e e t h e e t h e Hoopo was forbidd n to J ws as food , word “ translat e d Lapwing in t h e Bible re ally me aning t h e
- flr e e t h e av o u e d e t h e Hoopo and wh n ill n st of bird , and t h e dirty surroundings among which it o fte n se e ks its
are e e t h e e food tak n into consid ration , prohibition do s not se e m unre asonable .
THE SWIFTS .
The se birds are usually confounde d with Swallows both
e e e e e e e by Europ ans and nativ s , and as th y r s mbl th m in
e e e k e e form , and in th ir habits of s ing th ir ins ct food
e e e on t h e wing and r sorting to buildings for n sting purpos s ,
e t h e t h e e rror is natural . But xamination of anatomy of t h e birds has shown that w hil e t h e Swallows are not to
t h e e e t h e b e s e parat e d from ordinary Pass rin birds , Swifts
pre se nt so many diffe re nce s that the y cannot be classe d in that orde r at all . w b e e Exte rnally , S ifts may distinguish d from Swallows by t h e fact that the y have only t e n tail fe athe rs inste ad o f 0 S THE SWIFT .
e e t h e e t h e e e e t h e usual tw lv , and in cas of common st sp ci s by t h e fact that t h e first t o e is not dire cte d backwards as in t h e S w allows ; all t h e four to e s spre ading out like
fit h e o e . t h e nge rs of hand , or falling int right and l ft pairs
e are e e e AS far as th ir habits conc rn d , Swifts diff r from
e e e e t h e Swallows , in most cas s , by n v r s ttling on ground
e e t c . e e or tre s , Th y do not p rch or walk , but can cling or r e e e . climb we ll e nough , th ir claws b ing v y strong and sharp
ar e e e The ir ne sts e built of various mat rials , stuck tog th r
t h e t h e by t he abundant and viscid saliva of birds , and
’ e e t o t h e e e e e e e dible bird s n sts , so d ar Chin s in mor s ns s
’ one are e Co llocalia ranc zca than , mad by a small Swift ( f )
e e e e found in som localiti s on our coasts among oth r plac s ,
e t h e t h e which us s nothing but saliva in construction , T this drying into a substanc e like isinglass . h e e ggs of all S wifts are long and white . fl are e e e d e o ff Young Swifts hatch d nak d , and g into a plumage much like that of the ir pare nts . The se s e ldom
ffe e se x t h e e di r in plumag according to , nor has mal
r any su i g . The y a e not particularly inte re sting as birds
are e e e e e go , but two so common that th y d s rv notic he re .
- s lus a nis e e fi THE HOUSE S IFT (Cyp e fi) is w ll ov r v e W
e e - e e inch s long , and has a short squar nd d tail ; its plum age is sooty - black with a conspicuous whit e patch on t h e
a t h e ar b ck and throat also whit e . Young birds e almost
e t h e e xactly lik old one s .
e r Af This bird is found almost all ov rica and India , but e ast of t h e latte r country is re place d by a blacke r spe cie s with th e tail rathe r longer and slightly forke d (Cypselus 4 A 1 4 G RDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
s ub urcatus . e f ) It is sociabl in habits , and builds in num
e e e an b rs in hous s , making n sts of y sort of light rubbish
t h e e e t e c . it can pick up on wing , such as f ath rs , straw ,
h e e are e e t h e T mat rials stuck tog th r with saliva . and ne st
e e be e e e vari s in shap , and may ith r in a hol or stuck to t h e roof .
e e are a Thre ggs usu lly laid , and two broods brought off in a ye ar , t h e bre e ding se ason lasting from Fe bruary
u t h e e t h e e to Aug st , and birds r sorting constantly to sam
e u se e e e e e n e st , which th y also for sl ping and r sting , n v r
e e e p e rching outside . It has b n said that th se birds can
t h e e e not rise from ground , but this is a mistak at l ast ,
o ne e in se ve ral e xperime nts . I found only uninjur d bird that could not ; birds that are obviously hurt are fre
i - e qu e ntly found , for this Sw ft is constantly g tting into difficultie s by e nt ering place s wh ence it cannot re adily e scape ; it se e ms to be a ve ry stupid bird .
e e e e e e It has a cl ar shrill squ al , most fr qu ntly utt r d
e e e e e be fore roosting tim , wh n flocks of th m car r round and round b e fore going t o be d . It is not a migratory
e e e spe cie s , and in plac s wh r it is common , as at Calcutta , ’ t is one of t h e most conspicuous birds at all time s . I doub if it Is advisable to e ncourage th e se birds whe re swallows
h e are e e can b e got to build , as t y not n arly so attractiv as
e are e e e e t h e latt r , and apt to driv th m away in ord r to tak
e t h e e a their ne sts . But in d fault of r l Swallows , Swifts are bette r than nothing . THE PALM - SWIFT (Tachc rnis batassiensis ) is only a
e t t h e e - w e littl e le ss in l ng h than Hous S ift , but is r ally a
e e e e e much small r bird , b ing mor sl nd r , with a fairly long
1 46 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e . e e e are strong bristl s along ach Sid Th ir f t small ,
e e e - Th e with thr to s in front and a small hind t o e . front
e are i e t h e we b to s j o n d at root by a small , as in a fowl , t h e middl e t o e is furnishe d with a claw toothe d like a
t h e e e . Th e e e comb on inn r sid plumag is v ry soft, and be autifully stipple d and mottle d with various shade s of
e e e e e brown and gr y , so as to look lik bark or arth ; th r is little or no differe nc e be twe e n male and fe male whe re
e e t h e n e e e t h e h en e the r xists any , you g r s mbl in th ir first
e . e are e e e are plumag Th y cov r d with mottl d down , and
e e e e e e l es e soon abl to run but th y do not f d th ms v , b ing fe d by t h e pare nts from t h e bill like t h e nake d he lple ss t e . e e e h e young of many oth r birds Th r is no n st at all , e ggs b eing simply laid on t h e bare ground ; the y are
' e t o lo o k e e e e e o bser mottl d so as lik p bbl s , and so scap vation .
Th e ee e e e st Nightjars f d ntir ly on ins cts , mo ly caught
are t h e i t h e e . on wing , and among most us ful of b rds
e e The ir flight is v ry light and grac ful , and at night , t h e o f e e are t h e e tim th ir activity, th y almost always on
By day the y re st e ithe r on t he ground or on a thick
e e no t e e branch , on which th y sit l ngthways , crosswis lik
are othe r birds . Nightjars found almost all over t h e
in e e e e are e e world warm and t mp rat r gions , but mor oft n
ee e e e e e and re heard than s n , th ir not s b ing v ry p culiar
e are lm o wn n as Chi markable . Th y commonly in Hi di p
- uk Cha a Dab churi Dabhak . p , pp , or THE COMMON INDIAN NIGHTJAR (Caprirnulgus asia
r is a i e e e i e , and o f a tious) . This bi d l ttl ov r nin nch s long H 1 47 T E CUCKOOS .
e w - e a e e t he y llo ish gr y colour bov , splash d with black on
fi . e and w ne a ea s the a e crown , ith bl ck str k on b ck Th r is a e ff c o a and and ff th e brok n bu ll r, black bu markings on s e t h e a e ff houlders . B low plum g is bu with indistinct
a e t ar h e . e e e brown b rs , and a whit spot on throat Th r a e s th e u n - t h e lso whit pots on first fo r pi ion quills , and
t e a r - ou r two p i s of tail fe athers are tippe d with white .
Th e a are e e e t h e h ook e e sh nks compl t ly bar to , wh r as
are e le in most of our Nightjars the y mor or ss feathe re d .
The a e e e are a as t h e a e e e l rg y s d rk , is usually c s with th s birds .
s Ce and as This Nightjar inhabit India , ylon , Burma far as e a e south Moulm in , but it avoids high hills and l rg
e ee th e and e for sts , k ping to plains in cultivation low jungl e as t h e Ic and e ve n e ntering garde ns . It is oft n known e
r e e se e t h e e bi d , from its not , which r mbl s sound mad by a stone flung upon ic e and re bounding from it .
e be Its two ggs may found , according to locality , at any time b etwe en April and Se pte mbe r ; the y are about
e and e o n an inch long , faintly spott d with brown purpl
- e - a pinkish ston or salmon coloure d ground .
C THE UCKOOS .
C are e r t h e are uckoos found all ov world , but not
e e e num rous in sp cie s xce pt in warm regions . The y have
' e e e e Slightly curv d bills of mod rat siz , with conspicuous
se t e ar t h e e e t h e e nostrils low down and n dg of upp r chap ,
e r e are in t wo a t h e e t o e e and th i to s p irs , out r front b ing
r e a ar W e e e s tu n d b ckw ds , as in oodp ck rs and Barb t .
Tree -Cu s i t h e Ea all e e la e ckoo , wh ch , in st at v nts , y th ir 1 48 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e t h e e e e ggs in n sts of oth r birds , hav long wings and Short
e e - C e l gs , whil Bush uckoos , which always bring up th ir
e e own young , hav short wings and long l gs suite d for run ning ; t h e Tree - Cuckoo s on t h e rar e occasions when th e y t h e e e e . com to ground , b ing only abl to hop Cuckoos
e e are e e re usually hav long round d tails , and v ry r adily
e e fe w ee cognizabl wh n a have b n se en .
Th e e e e are e e but mal and f mal usually alik in plumag ,
t h e are e e are e ffe e young , which hatch d nak d , v ry di r nt
In e e . e e e are first f ath r Cuckoos hav p culiar not s , and
e generally more h ard than se e n . The y generally fee d on
e and are e e e e . ins cts , xc dingly us ful birds Only in India
are e e - th e any Cuckoos commonly k pt as cag birds , calls of our common e st sp e cie s being much admire d by t h e
e . e are e e e nativ s Th y not hard to r ar , but r quir hand
fe e ding for a longe r time than othe r birds .
K Eud namis honorata . e e e THE OEL ( y ) This sp ci s , call d
o kil e t h e e m K in B ngali , is common st and most fa iliar of
C e Ce Indian uckoos ; it is found all ov r India , ylon , and
e e t h e e t h e Burma , but do s not asc nd hills abov warm
ar e e zone . It is a familiar obj e ct whe re ve r the re e tr s
e e e e e e v n in towns , and xt nds v n to such outlying spots as t h e Laccadive s while its range to t h e Eastwards e xtends
s to Flore .
e e It is about as big as a larg pig on , with a long round e d tail ; its whole l e ngth be ing ne arly a foot and a half .
e e e e e It has a p culiar st ady l v l flight , which mak s it
' e Th e h en ffe e e asily recognizabl . cock and di r absolut ly
c t h e e e e - e t h e in olour , form r b ing a glossy blu black , whil
e e wi e on t he e and a latt r is brown , spott d th whit h ad b ck,
1 50 A N A D G RDE AND AVI RY BIR S .
e e a e e e a a the old K e th y ch rish liv ly pr judic g inst o ls , and hunt any Ko el they can to de at h if the y get th e
a ch nce .
Th e K e ee and e o ls br d from March to July , at this tim t h e call whe nce is derive d its Hindustani name ko -e el
“ ko -e el i t h e S a e o ne t h e a ac e , runn ng up c l , is of ch r t r
i a t ist c sounds of t h e country . Unfortun te ly h e bird i i lin at as e as da and ra e ns sts on cal g night w ll by y, is th r apt at all time s to be instant out o f se ason ; whe nc e
e t h e a - e e and e e many Europ ans call him Br in f v r Bird , d t st f him n . Th e a e hi a e a o accordi gly m l , w ch has noth r c ll ” his o wn e h o -e -o a r e a e et and , lik , is a f vou it n tiv p ,
e e e sat o o e all Cu o e e se ms to thriv w ll on lik ck os , how v r , h e es e e and a t t o e a and is r tl ss in a cag , p in this way br k
e a e so as er e e s . damag his plum g , though not much oth sp ci
o f th e e K e e In an aviary larg r birds , a pair of o ls mak a
e are a ee e nic addition , but h rdly worth k ping in most plac s , as the y are so common outside . “ TE H HAWK-CUCKOO OR BRAIN- FEVER BIRD (Hiero occ x varius a e Po i a t h e e a e c y ) , c ll d p y by nativ s , is a sm ll r
e e e bird , not much ov r a foot long , with much w ak r bill
l K T h en are and Shorte r e gs than t h e o e l . h e cock and l e e - e a e a e ff-e e a ik , blu gr y bov , with t il barr d with bu dg d
and e e o n t h e and e dark bands , b low whit throat b lly ,
t he e hi e e . The and cinnamon on br ast , w ch is barr d b low e e are e t h e le e and t h e y s bright y llow , gs y llow, bill black
e w above and gree nish b lo .
ffe e e e n Th e young bird is quite di r ntly colour d , b i g
w e e f hi e bro n abov , barr d with buf , and w t with brown spots b elow the e ye s are gre y at this stage . HE 1 51 T CUCKOOS .
In both stage s t h e bird be ars a most astounding re se m blance in colour to t h e Shikra o r common Sparrow-Hawk o f India (Astur badins) in its corre sponding plumage s ; ’ t e e a e t h e diffi and as h flight is also x ctly lik Hawk s it is cult to te ll t h e two birds apart unle ss o ne is near e nough i see t h e fe e e t h e ea . s one to dif r nc in b k This , no doubt , re ason why t h e Brain -fe ver Bird is so much b ett er known by name than by sight .
a e n e o f It is re lly a v ry common bird , fou d ov r most
Ce a e th e t o e e India and ylon , and sc nding hills up s v n
o r t h e u thousand fee t . But it is not found in Sind P njab C and doubtfully in Assam and Burma . In e ylon it is
e be mi a e e . e stat d to a grant , rriving in Nov mb r Its not ,
e ea e i e so much dislik d by Europ ns , though nativ s l k it , is
a e e e as a - e e - e e e t v riously r nd r d br in f v r , brain f v r , c ’ ’ t h e sc a e or lo r h o w running up l , as O lor , O , ve ry hot ’ ”
e ee ee e t c . e e t h e it s g tting ; I f l it , I f l it , I pr f r last ren
e as e t h e e n e d ring , it giv s pr limi ary not s by which t h e bird
e as ere e e t h e e g ts his pitch , it w mor ov r , s ntime nt is
e t h e e appropriat , as bird is sp cially noisy from April t o
e ee e e e e Jun , its br ding s ason , wh n it calls v n by night . ’ U e t h e e ff r e nfortunat ly , bird s o ts at this s ason , whe n e e th e a e w be e are a v n Nighting l ould a burd n , not ppre ciat e d et , and would g a charge o f shot as buckshot if th e e be e — h e e e sing r could locat d which g n rally cannot . Those who are pre judice d against Brain - fe ver Birds should
e a t h e e t o f t h e Sat bh ai or e e e s rch n s s th ir r lativ s , for it is
e e e t h e -C e h er e to th s Babbl rs that Hawk uckoo ntrusts gg . As t h e e o f t h e K e t h e a e t in cas o l , p rasitic gg is like h e le gi
ma e o ne e a e ti t , b ing of course blue in this c s . 1 52 A AND D G RDEN AVIARY BIR S .
Th e a -C e e o n and e H wk uckoo f ds both fruit ins cts , and
e e e e e e a e - is fr qu ntly in B ngal , at any rat , r ar d as cag bird , but it always knocks itse lf about to t h e utte r ruin of its
e a be e e e et . plumag , and c nnot call d a d sirabl p It should be fe d s atc o and e e on , fruit ins cts , and k pt away from o e e e e t h e e e e o n th r birds , as th s hav gr at st dislik to it account o f its suspicious appearance .
- THE COUOAL OR CROW PHEASANT (Centropus sinensis) . This is a ve ry diffe re nt bird from t h e parasitic Cuckoos
e e l e e a e e abov d alt with , and iv s a most irr proach bl lif as far as atte nding to its pare ntal dutie s is concerne d . It
a e a f h o e is big bird , ov r foot and a hal long, wit a p w rful
e e t h e e hi t oe e n e bill and rath r long l gs , inn r nd b i g furnish d ’ e e e t h e e with a long straight claw lik a Lark s , wh nc t rm “ ” - Lark h ee le d ofte n applie d to Cuckoos o f this type .
win s are a e t h e Its g short and round , and its t il v ry long
’ e a t h e e e plumag is h rsh and wiry , and bird s gen ral app ar
e e e t h e e anc quit justifi s nam popularly give n to it . It is
n n M ahoka k own in Hi dustani as .
h en are e e e Cock and alik in colour , b ing glossy blu
a i e e e bl ck with br ght ch stnut wings , black bills and f t , and T bright re d e ye s . h e young in first plumage have gre y
e e a e e y s , but vary gr at d al in colour , some be ing dull
e i o f t h e e e e ff d tions par nts , and oth rs quit di e rent . In
e e t h e t h the s latt r , black parts of e plumage are close ly
e e t h e wi barr d with whit and wings barre d th black .
are e t h e e ma Such birds always bigg r than oth rs , and y
be as e rdon s t h e h e nce t h h n , J ays , ns , si in this bird e e is
e h t h r e e . ath r larg r t an cock But if this is so , it is
t h e a are e e e o r curious that all birds in brood ith r h ns ,
1 54 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
Th e quite young bird h as a pe culiar choki ” - - e . Th e crying for food , lik guk kop kop ” e a o f h OO old on s is kind hoot hoop , p,
e C e e e e o f not s of uckoos g n rally , is h ard mor bird is seen . CHAPTER VII .
THE PARROTS AND PIGEONS .
THE Parrots are so different from all other birds that t o all ornithologists are agree d in gi v mg the m an orde r
e e e thems e lve s . The y vary a gr at d al in siz and colour
e e e ee but are always easily recognize d . Th ir b ak is xc d in l and e e ; t h e e g y Short thick , and v ry much hook d upp r
t h e e e e jaw be ing move able as we ll as low r , in ord r to giv
e sufficient play unde r t h e circumstance s . Th ir shanks
‘ are e o e t h e e e e a e v ry sh rt , and , lik to s , cov r d with m ny v ry
- are t h e e small wart like scale s ; th e to e s in pairs , out r front t o e being turne d backw ards .
e e as n e e Most of the m use t h e f t hands , holdi g pi c s of
An e e e food in o ne while the y e at it . oth r v ry charact ristic
o ne e e t h e habit of Parrots , and almost confin d to th m , is use o f t h e e le e e t h e b ak as a third g in climbing ind d , way in which the y clambe r about t h e boughs is very charac
i t e e e t erist c . ru e e e e h e As a l , th y k p to tr s , and wh n on
re t h e ground move with an awkward waddle . The y a good
flr e . e e s th e e e y , but styl of flight diff rs a good d al Th ir
e are mv ariabl in e o f e e et c . n sts almost y hol s tr s , , without
any lining and th e e ggs are always pure white . Th e young
’ are fl t h e fir ed e o ff e e e usually nak d at st , and g v ry lik
a e . e e are fe d t h e o ld f p r nts Wh n small , th y by birds rom
t h e r e e are e ea . c op , and as th y will gap for food , asy to r r R GARDEN AND AVIA Y BIRDS .
Parrots are found throughout th e warm re gions of t h e
a few e e e e e world , and v n in t mp rat climates ; but there
“ are e e o ne th e U e non wild in Europ , and only in nit d f e . ew are Stat s Only a kinds found in India , but many are e th e e A and import d from East rn Islands , ustralia , e e S A e are so e n e v n outh m rica , and w ll k own as to hav
e e . e e are th e e nativ nam s Parrots , ind d , old st and most
e et e o f univ rsally popular of all p birds , larg ly on account the ir we ll - known powe r of imitating th e human voic e ; and of late ye ars it has b e e n realize d that th e smalle r sp e cie s at all e ve nts are most admirably suite d for
aviarie s . As this work de als only with th e birds of t h e garde n
t h e e e e and aviary , I shall not say anything about larg sp ci s
Parr t sfiCo k t s o c a o o e t c . e e of , , commonly k pt in cag s
e t h e be e e and in d aling with aviary birds , I shall comp ll d to limit myse lf to a fe w e asily obtaine d and particularly
e e e e e e e o f th e d sirabl sp ci s , spac not p rmitting to tr at all
e . e e many kinds import d In k ping and handling Parrots ,
b e e e e e e e l e e it must r m mb r d that th y bit ik rats , and th y must by no me ans be associat e d with birds smalle r than
e e e e are e th ms lv s in fact , if th ir companions bigg r it will
o w e be just as we ll . With birds of the ir n orde r th y
et o n e e e be e g fairly w ll , so that s v ral kinds may k pt togeth e r though not always if the y are bre e ding .
e e e e e For br ding accommodation , box s with a small ntranc
e e o e be e . hol or som th r artificial cavity , should provid d A se ction of an old log with a chamb er hollowe d out in it
be e e e . e would b st of all , b caus most natural Fortunat ly
e e e e are e e th y s ldom re quir animal food , so th y v ry asy to
AND GARDEN AVIARY BIRDS .
e e are e t h e h en a Young birds of both s x s lik at first , h ving
e e e are a no collar , but th ir y s bl ck so that the y can e asily
“ be e distinguish d from old one s .
Varieties of this Parake e t are not at all uncommon ;
are n a e e many birds fou d spl sh d with y llow . and now and
e e e o ne w a th n a pur y llow turns up , hich , if male , retains t r h e e d collar . Both se xe s of t h e ye llow varie ty have
re d e e e are fl- e sh a bill , but th ir f t coloure d , inste ad o f gre y
e e t h e ee lik thos of gr n birds . The ir e ye s are ofte n pink
not t h e e e are e if this is cas , th y liabl to moult out into t h e
r - ordinary g e e n plumage . A pale ye llow gre en variety is e be un e e e . also fo d , but s ms to v ry rar
e e e a e This sp ci s is found n rly all ov r India and Ce ylon ,
e e e e a th e and xt nds ast to P gu but it usu lly avoids hills . t h e e It is much common st of Indian Parrots , and is far
e - e e too familiar as a gard n bird , doing a gr at d al of damage
. e e e e e e e e to fruit It v n com s into towns , wh r its pr s nc is g e e e a e c r e a unobj ctionabl , and giv s an dd d tou h of O i nt lism
th e e e e e e e e e to sc n , sp cially in Bombay wh r it is v ry num r
e . ee ous ; in Calcutta , it is not v ry common It br ds from
e s e as e January to May , using hol s in building as w ll thos
are th e e u in tree s . Many birds brought into mark ts n
fle e e e few e e th e e e d d g , and to s cur and r ar a of th s is b st
e ea e are way of ge tting a talk r , as birds alr dy instruct d
P r naturally dear and hard to ge t . Young arake ets a e fe d C a e e ea commonly in alcutt on soak d l ntils , and l rn to
a e e e e e e a fe e d re m rkably arly , sp cially wh n it is consid r d th t the y naturally do not le ave the ir hole s till quite fle dge d .
e e e e e ca In an aviary th s birds do w ll , and hav br d in p tiv ity in England ; it would be worth trying th e 1 59 THE TYPICAL PARROTS . e xperiment in India in orde r to propagate t h e b eautiful
e e be ye llow varie ty . If sp cim ns of this could not got ,
e a - e care ful bre eding from h vily splash d birds , such as
C e e can ofte n be had in alcutta ch aply , might v ry possibly produce it be fore long . Some spe cime ns of this Parakee t talk ve ry we ll inde e d t h e only talking individual I have e ve r se e n myself was a
e se x e e . h en , so it would app ar that do s not matt r much
t h e e e e - e It is almost old st for ign cag bird known in Europ , as it was ke pt by t h e ancie nt Romans t h e parrot w hose fune ral o de was writte n by Ovid was e vide ntly a bird of
e e e t h e e e e ree a this sp ci s , sinc po t d scrib s it as g n with
re d . e are e e and bill A gr at many s nt to England y arly ,
e sold v ry cheaply . A ve ry similar spe cie s to t h e Ririg-ne cked Parakeet is t h e n e e as t h e bird commonly k own to d al rs Rock Parrot , and in books as t h e Ale xandrin e Parake et (Palaeornis i ne alens s . e e a e p ) This , how v r , is a much l rg r bird than t h e - e and e e ordinary Ring n ck , has , in both s x s and at all
e a e red o n t h e ag s , a l rg dark patch wing , which will dis t inguish it at once . It varie s a good de al according to t h e a t h e ffe e district it inh bits , but di r nt varie tie s can
be e e e hardly rank d as sp ci s , though this is commonly
‘ e e a e - e e done . Classing all th s l rg Ring n ck d Parake ets
e e t h e A e e be be tog th r , l xandrin may said to found almost
all e Ce a e e ov r India , ylon , and Burm and also xt nds to
h An amans e e e e t e d . , wh r it is v ry larg and bright coloure d Th e only ye llow spe cime n of this bird I have e ve r se e n
e e e cam from th s islands , but it was not a ve ry pur e
e h e e e Pa a e is t h y llow . T Al xandrin r k et known o t e AND GARDEN AVIARY BIRDS .
a e e Chandana er n tiv s in B ngal as , and is v y oft en ke pt
by the m .
The re are s e ve ral othe r Indian sp ecie s o f the se gr e en
e e t h e o ne we Parak ts , but only which can notice he re is THE BLOSSOM - HEADED PARAKEET OR PLUM- HEADED (Paloeornis cyanocephalus ) calle d Tuia in Hindustani and
a e F raida in B e ngali . This lov ly little bird is not bigge r
than a Mynah in body , but its long tail make s it
t h e me asure we ll ove r a foot . In colour cock is mostly
e e e e e gr n , with a crimson h ad wash d with blu , just like a rip e re d plum ; t h e long middle tail fe athe rs are rich
e e e e re d blu with whit tips , and th r is a small patch on
T e Th e . h t h e . e h en e wing bill is orang is v ry similar ,
e - e e e re d one but has a purpl blu h ad inst ad of a , and
re d t h e . are re e no spot on wing Young birds all g n , but soon Show colour on t h e cap ; the ir small size and orange bills will e asily distinguish the m from young Ring ne cks .
Th e - e e Ce Plum h ad is found in South rn India and ylon ,
t h e e e t h e and right up to low r slop s of Himalayas . In
’ t h e e e e e e e e ast rn part of this rang it m ts Rosa s Parak t , or th e Easte rn Plum - he ad (Palaeornis rosa) which is t h e
T ffe common spe cie s in Burma . his di rs from t h e Indian
’ e e t h e e e bird in having a much pal r h ad , mal s b ing pink
e e e t h e rathe r than crimson , mor lik a p ach than a plum
’ ’ he n s he ad is pale r and gr e ye r than t h e Indian bird s
- e and sh e has t h e re d wing spot like t h e cock . Th most ce rtain distinction (as some Indian male s at all e ve nts have very pal e he ads) is that in t h e Indian Blossom - he ad
t h e i c e - e e e e a th e lining of wing is a dist n t blu gr n , wh r s
1 62 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
T e t h e e e v . h e e r v lation of vi id colour h ad , a patch und r
t h e e e are e t h e e e tail , and upp r br ast scarl t , with ch ks and
e e t h e e e e t h e throat pur whit ; low r br ast is y llow , and back ye llow and black ; t h e Wings and tail are rich
- Th e h e t h e e e . n e purpl blu is n arly as bright as cock , but has some time s a gre en patch in t h e scarl e t at t h e t Th o f h e e . e e back h ad young Show mor of this , and
are e e e e e e t h e dull r altog th r , but still much r s mbl e par nts
b e and cannot e mistak n for anything e lse . This Sple ndid native of Australia has long be e n e xport
e d e e e e from that country , and has b n oft n br d in capti
v i ty in Europe . It may fre que ntly be o bt ame d in
e e . e e Calcutta , but is rath r d ar It b ars captivity v ry
e i e e e e e w ll , and w ll liv for y ars v n in a cag , though an aviary is far more suitable for such active birds as are
- the se broad taile d Parake e ts . In such an abod e
t h e e e e e e Ros lla is s n to gr at advantag , as it constantly fli e i e e s about , xhibit ng its brilliant colours , and oft n
utte rin g a ple asant note . Cage d spe cime ns occasionally
be e e e o ne t h e talk , but this can hardly r comm nd d as of
re gular talking Parrots . Occasionally o ne may obtain in Calcutta two othe r
e e e e e t h e e v ry lov ly Parak ts alli d to Ros lla , and much
e e are t h e e e Plat c rcus re se mbling it . Th s M aly Ros lla ( y e
allidice s hi e e e e p p ) , w ch has a d licat pal y llow colour
t h e re d t h e e e whe re common bird is , on h ad and upp r
e t h e e e e e br ast , and low r br ast a b autiful blu ; and
’ Pe nnant s Parake e t (Platycercus e legans) which is crimson
Th e and purple . latter is a bigge r bird than th e othe r
- e e e ee e . two , and almost ntir ly oliv gr n in its first plumag 1 63 THE TYPICAL PARROTS .
THE BUDGERIGAR OR UNDULATED GRASS - PARAKEET * (M elopsittacus undulatus) is re pre se nte d in Plate VI (Fig . This and t h e brie f de scription attache d to t h e plate
t e will give an ide a of h colours and markings , and it may be adde d that t h e ce ntre tail - fe athe rs and some spots on
r ri c h e . e e are e e t h e che e k a e blu Both s x s alik in plumag ,
t h e e t h e e e e i n t h e but in mal c r , or nak d sk n surroundi g
e t h e e e e e nostrils , is rich bright blu , and in f mal pal blu or
— pale brown in t h e latte r case sh e is just re ady to bre e d .
are e th e e e Young birds much lik old on s , but hav dark e ye s and t h e pe ncilling of t h e he ad continue d all over
t h e fore he ad .
hi e e e e k n w e T s lov ly littl Parak t , also o n as Z bra Para
e e e - e - t h e k t , Sh ll Parrot , and Australian Lov bird , is , as
t h e a e e e . e e l st nam impli s , a nativ of Australia Ind d ,
e e e e titl Budg rigar , by which it is now g n rally known
in e e t h e both England and in India , is d riv d from name Bet c h e rrygah give n to it by t h e Australian
blacks .
e e It is sociabl in habits , going in larg flocks , and
for about half a ce ntury vast numbers have be e n e x
e e . are e port d to Europ Many also s nt to India , and the y can gene rally be had in t h e Bird Bazar at
t e e e are Calcut a at r asonabl price s . Budg rigars hardy
- e e and long liv d birds in captivity , and will som
e e e e e e e are fi tim s br d v n wh n a singl pair con ne d T e . h e e e e e in a cag prop r way to br d Budg rigars is , how
e e e e e - v r , to turn about thr pairs loos into a fair size d
e e e e e e aviary ; as , unlik most birds , th y br d b tt r in com
be e e e in t h e e e e pany , ing sociabl v n br ding s ason . 4 1 6 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
Cocoanut husks with an e ntrance - hole at one end should be fixe d for the m to bre e d in ; for food the y n e e d
e e a - e e e e m r ly can ry s d and mill t , with a fr sh sod of turf
h e in . e e e e t put daily So tr at d , th y will multiply lik
fiv e e are n Sparrows , havi g up to young at a brood ; th y ,
’ t h e e e e e e o f e in fact , b st and most c rtain br d rs all cag
e e e e in birds , and will v ry much mor than r pay th ir orig al
e e e e cost , k p , and housing , if any mark t at all xists for,
t h e n . e are e e e you g Th y much br d in Europ , and hav
e e e e e e . . b n br d succ ssfully in India , sp cially by Mr F
e n w one e e e Gros r , who , starti g ith only cock to thr h ns ,
bre d a gre at numbe r for years without any fre sh blood . But this is t h e only case I know of where the se birds have
e e e e e in- e e b n allow d to r v l in polygamy , and br ding is b e st avoide d— though I am bound to admit that I only saw o ne unhe althy bird in all t h e numbers my frie nd
e had br d in this way . In Europe a bre e d of ye llow Budge rigars has be en o b
t aine d e e r , and sp cim ns of this varie ty a e now pre tty
e e e e e e t e e g n rally for sal , though at thr or four tim s h pric
t h e of birds of natural colour . One pair of the se yellow
e e e re d e e birds I saw was absolut ly pur y llow , with y s , but as a rule t h e e ye s are o f t h e natural colour —white
— t h e e e with a black pupil and plumag , although y llow
e e e e w e e altog th r at a littl distanc , sho s on clos insp ction
e t h e e faint trac s of dark markings abov , and a wash of
- gre e n be low . Th e blue ce re and che e k spots are as
- e e bright as in natural coloure d birds . Blu Budg rigars
e e e ee e e t h e e hav v n b n obtain d in two instanc s , par nts
a e e e e h ving b n y llow on s .
1 66 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
t h e e e e fo r e f about London str ts in a cag , and a p nny e e
’ will pull out a small sh e e t of prophe cy conce rning one s “ I r e future . a gu from t h e fortune s told m e by Budg e
ri ars e 7 9 g that I stand a good chanc of living till , but
’ t h e i e e e e m e as b rd onc mad a mistak , and gav a lady s fortune , I am harasse d by doubts as to the ir re liability
- as prophe ts . Our skilful native bird trainers could
probably do som e re markable things with the se birds
e e sinc th y show such docility .
THE O E L RI S .
The se are a family of ve ry pretty and active Parrots which live on fruit and t h e hone y and polle n of
flowe rs . To enable the m to gathe r t h e last article of die t the y have rathe r long tongue s with a brush - like t h e v e . e are e tip , with which lick up th ir food Th y v ry
t h e e le swift on wing , and much mor nimb than ordinary
t e O t e e h . h Parrots among boughs n ground th y hop ,
inste ad of waddling like Parrots in ge ne ral . The ir bills
’ are not quite so short and strong as Parrots bills usually
are e are e e e e e e mischie v , but th y n v rth l ss rath r spit ful and
e e e ous with oth r birds , although naturally unabl to bit
. e e e e e so hard Th y n v r hav cr sts , and usually Show
r e re e e a g e at d al of d in th ir plumage . A p culiar strong
e e e e e e e sm ll th y hav mak s th m unsuitabl as indoor p ts , and it is also a disadvantage that the y must be fe d
e t c . e on soft food , such as milk sop , soft fruit , , as lik all
e are e e . such birds th y v ry dirty in a cag This is a pity ,
e are e e e w e as th y most tam and p ttabl birds , sho ing th ir
e e e aff ction mor lik a puppy than a bird , by tumbling 1 67 THE LORIES .
’ and rolling about and playf ully biting the ir own e r s
fin gers .
e e e e e i be e If k pt in a cag , th r for , th s Should as larg as
e t h e be let e possibl and bird should out to hav its bath ,
ar t of which it is ve ry fond . Fits e h e chie f cause of
e e e e e e e t h e e d ath among th s birds , and pl nty of x rcis b st
be e e pre ventive . No sour food Should giv n und r any
t h e e circumstance s . On whol a big aviary whe re othe r strong soft food- e ate rs are ke pt is t h e be st place for
'
o e . e e are e L ri s Many sp ci s import d into India , but here w e e t h e - can only notic two , both of gre e n backe d
- e k o e e o r L o ri u t s sharp tail d group nown as L rik ts q e . Th e tiny Short - taile d Bat - Parrots (L oriculus ) are calle d L o riq uet s in t h e F auna of British I ndia but this is not
o e t h e e e t h e e c rr ct , as birds although f ding in sam way ,
e - e e hav not brush tongu s , and do not b long to th e Lory
. e e e family Mor ov r , sinc a Parrot with a sharp tail is
e e e t h e e e call d a Parak t , corr sponding t rm Lorike e t
e be e e t h e - e L r ought sur ly to r strict d to sharp tail d o l es .
Th e te rm Bat - Parrot is also an e xce lle nt name fo r t h e
Lo-ricu li e e are , as th s birds unique in sle e ping hung up
o ne e t h e e by foot , lik Bats among b asts . ’ FOR STE N S LORIKEET (Trichoglossus This e e e t h e sp ci s , a nativ of island of Sumbawa , was , in my
e t h e e tim , about most num rously importe d Lory in
T e e . u Calcutta h fig r (Fig . 1 ) and brie f de scription on Plat e VII will give a sufficient ide a o f it ; a band across t h e e e e t h e e b lly is purpl as w ll as h ad , and t h e pale c o llar
o f e o f r e e . h e n are is a light shad g n Cock and alike ,
t h e are e e e and young , I b li v , similar . This handsom e 1 68 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRD S .
e e e and e e ee and liv ly bird do s w ll in captivity , has v n b n
e th e C e th e e e br d in alcutta Zoological Gard n , ggs b ing
- laid in an ordinary pige on box .
e e e e th e e A still b tt r Lorik t , Blu Mountain Lory of Australia (Trichoglossus swainsoni) is o ccasionally im ’ e e F rst e e e o n s . e e port d , and much r s mbl s It has , how v r ,
t h e e e e e e e e t h e h ad and b lly int ns viol t inst ad of purpl ,
re d e e t h e e t h e br ast shading into y llow at sid s , and tail hi much longe r . T s bird will eat see d as we ll as soft
t h e e e e e food , and is asi st to k p of all Lorie s . * THE HARLE 'UIN LORIKEET (Trichoglo ssus ornatus)
Ce e e To ian t h e from l b s , Buton , and g Islands , is
e live lie st and gaye st o f all t h e Lorie s imported . Th arrange me nt of his colours may be gathe re d from t h e
4 t r figure on Plate VII (Fig . ) h e e d bre ast is barre d with t h e e e . e e are purpl , and collar is bright y llow Th r also some ye llow markings o n t h e gre e n of t h e uppe r back
Th e e e are e th e o f th e e . and b lly s x s alik , as is always
case with Lorie s . Th e gre at activity and brilliant colours of this bird make it a very striking orname nt for an aviary and an
- t h e e e e . intere sting cag bird As mal , at any rat , is of
“ e be a ve ry amorous d scription , it would probably not difficult to bre e d t h e specie s in captivity in so favourable
a climate for the se tropical birds as India pre se nts .
THE COCKATOOS .
re e - e e The se a larg short tail d Parrots as a rul , always w ith some sort of a cre st and with t h e plumage chie fly
o r re e red e . e white , black , g y , vari d with and y llow Th y
6 THE COCKATOOS . 1 9
are -e e e e e e are im grain at rs , v ry asy to k p , and many
‘ e e e e are e or port d into Calcutta , wh r th y usually chain d
e b cage d . An aviary would hav to e very strong to hold
e e e e e e are th m , as th y hav most pow rful b aks , which th y
r t o use . e e e e are e always bu ning As , th r for , th y rath r o t h e o f t h e e e w fin e ut e of scop pr s nt ork , I shall con my r e marks to t h e only small and long -taile d me mbe r of t h e family which be ars much t h e same re lation to t h e big Cockatoos as t h e Parake ets do t o t h e big short -taile d
r Par ots . THE COCKATIEL (Nymphicus no cce Th e
e e e e o f be e e g n ral shap , siz and colours this bird may gath r d
t e . Th e h from t h e figure (Fig . 2) on Plat e VII spot on
e - e e ch e k is bright orange re d and is pr se nt in both s xe s .
t h e e e ffe t h e e t h e se x But f mal di rs from mal , which is
e t h e e t h e e e e figur d , in having r st of h ad oliv inst ad of
e t h e e e e t e y llow , and in having sid f ath rs of h tail barre d
e e with black and y llow , inst ad of plain black as in t h e
. Sh e e e e cock is thus v ry asily distinguishabl , and t h e
o f se e e e e h e r young both x s r s mbl at first .
Th e form o f t h e Cockatie l is particularly sle nde r and
ae e gr c ful , and this is w ll shown by its ve ry close and n e at
e . be looking plumag It is , as might e xp e cte d from its
e e long wings , a strong and grac ful fli r , and more active
t h e e - on ground than most Parrots , b ing a ground fe e de r in
e A its nativ country , ustralia . The re it is oft e n calle d t h e
e o f t h e re d t h e e e Jo y on account patch on ch ks , like ’ ” e a clown s d corations . Th e name Jo e y is also
e t h e e e e e e t h e appli d to Ros lla , pr sumably b caus , lik e Biblical Jos ph , it has a coat of many colours . 1 0 7 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
Th e Cockatie l has be e n for many ye ars much e xporte d
e e E e from Australia , and is a gr at favourit in urop , as it bre e ds mor e fre e ly than any othe r Parrot e xce pt t h e
c a e be Budge rigar . It n ge n rally had also in Calcutta at
e e e e e e e a r asonabl pric , and is qually r ady to br d in captivity the re a solitary h e n will e ve n lay in a cag e . In t h e Calcutta Zoological Garde n a pair bre d in a small aviary whe re the y had for companions a pair of African Spott e d Pige ons (Co lumba guinea) and an English Song
t h e e t h . O e e h e e Thrus f latt r th y took no notic , but mal
t h e e e was constantly attacking Pig ons , although th y
e e e e e e o ff e w r twic his siz , and asily b at him with th ir
t h e wings . This was while sitting and re aring was going on ; whe n t h e young Cockatie ls came out fle dge d t h e
e e e e e e e k e d o ne e Pig ons had th ir r v ng , and p n arly to
e de ath . Anothe r pair of Cockatie ls in anoth r compart me nt showe d the mse lve s ve ry unfrie ndly to a pair of R e d - cre ste d Cardinals confin e d with the m ; so that t h e t e m
e r e e e e e p of th s birds is vid ntly not trustworthy in B ngal , whe re te mp e rs ge n e rally are apt to give way on a slight
E t h e e t h e e strain . In ngland Cockati l has r putation of
e t h e e e o f c an e b ing g ntl st all Parrots , so that it saf ly be ke pt with t h e smalle st Finche s . A young mal e Cockatie l take n from t h e n e st and re are d
e e et w e by hand mak s a d lightful p it ill l arn to talk , and b e come so tame that it can be let out to fly about in t h e
A e t o t h e e t h e e e . e e op n ltog th r , n xt Budg rigar , Cockati l
e e o f o ne is t h e most d sirabl all aviary birds , and is of
e are a y e e thos which practic ll c rtain to giv satisfaction , and
e t h e e e so e min e ntly suit d for b ginn r in aviculture .
E AND A Y IRDS GARD N VIAR B .
e t h e t h e e e birds giv young grain almost at onc , m re ly
e e e e e e k ping it in th ir crops till th y hav got nough of it .
e e e t Grain of various kinds is , as v ryon knows , h e
e o f e e favourit food most Pig ons , but as th y cannot always
et e e at e o f e e f g it , th y a good d al gr n food and a e w small W e . e e e e are snails as ll A good many Sp ci s , how v r , fruit
e e e e r . e e e e at rs , and n v r touch g ain Th s hav stout r be aks
e t h e -e and short r shanks than grain ating Pige ons .
e are e use e Pig ons strong fli rs , and th ir powerful wings
n e e e We in fighti g , th ir b aks b ing so ak , although the y can do e ach o the r a good de al o f harm with the m if t o o e e . e e e clos ly confin d For , in spit of th ir r putation
e e e e are e e e e e for g ntl n ss , th y Inv t rat fight rs in a p tty
n . e e naggi g way To birds oth r than th ir own family ,
e e e are e e . e how v r , th y usually quit harml ss This mak s
e e e e e be th m v ry d sirabl as aviary birds , for th y can
ke pt with birds Of othe r familie s smalle r than the mse lve s .
fi ar e e e e e n e e e e e Th y br d v ry r adily in con m nt , and asi r to manage than any othe r birds ; both pare nts sit and
e e t h e e e no e e e e . f d young , and n d sp cial food wh n br ding
e e t c ase s e e It is , how v r , in mos almost impossibl to t ll t h e t h e h en e e e cock from , as th ir plumag is xactly Simi lar ; t h e young are rathe r diffe re nt in many case s . Th e actions of t h e cock whe n courting are ve ry inte re st ing and diffe r much in t h e different groups .
r u are Pige ons a e not us ally migratory , and most numerous in a hot climate ; the re are many wild sp e cie s f b o f W ew e e e e . in India , hich only a can notic d h r In
t e e e e e addition to h common dom stic Pig on , which is d sc nd e d from th e wild Blue Rock Pige ons of Europe and 1 7 3 THE PIGEONS .
a livia and interrnedia th e O e India (Columb ) , nly oth r
e are do me sticat e d Pige on is ke pt in India . Dov s known as F akhta in Hindustani and Ghugha in Bengali . THE COLLARED TURTLE - DOVE OR TAME RING-DOVE ( Turtur Th e wild stock of this ve ry we ll- known pet bird appe ar to be t h e Turtur roseoyriseus of North a e e - e East Africa . It is a gr c ful , rath r long tail d , bird ,
e e e e a bout a foot in l ngth , of a pal d licat fawn colour ,
e t h e back t h e e t h e with a black cre sc nt on of n ck , and root
’ half of t h e tail - fe athe rs black unde rn e ath ; t h e tips o f
t h e - e e are e t h e all but e c entr tail f ath rs whit , and pinion
l Th e e e e e re d e e e qui ls drab . y is d p with whit y lids , and t h e le gs crimson in old birds and light pink in
e e e young on s , which hav hardly any collar , and notic ably
l - du l and cloudy looking plumage . There is a pure white
e in t h e e e e re d vari ty , which y is y llow with a pupil , and t fl- e e o f h e be ak e sh colour d inst ad black . Now and the n
be e e e also , birds may s n of a pal r fawn than usual , with
e on t h e ne c k e t h e drab inst ad of black and und r tail ,
e - and e - e e e e and Whit pinion quills sid tail f ath rs . Th s would appear to be a cross betwee n t h e white and colour e d e e . r m vari ti s , and Mr Ez a te lls e h e has bre d similar
. e e e . e birds in this way But in a cas wh r Mr J . Bathgat
e e e e h e n t h e cross d a young fawn mal with an old r whit ,
u e e i - yo ng w r ord nary fawn coloure d birds . This dove
e e e e e e do s w ll ith r in a cag or in an aviary , but , lik all e Dov s , can only take prope r e xercise and Show itse lf o ff
e e . e e e e e in a larg spac In ith r cas , it br ds more fre e ly
e e - e e n o n i e than any oth r cag bird , k pi g lay ng and r aring
young continually. 1 7 4 A ’ G RDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
O e e e be e v rcrowding , how v r , must guard d against , or ’ t h e birds will spoil e ach othe r s app e arance by conti nual fighting .
Th e e e e e mal wh n courting , inflat s his n ck and bows
t h e e e e t h e to f mal , dragging his clos d tail on ground , and ” e in e e - - m utt r g a not lik coo kur roo , which to e is ve ry
e e e e pl asing , though som p opl find it painfully monotonous , as t h e bird coos a gre at de al e ve n whe n not playing up t h e e e . Sh e e to f mal also coos , at any rat whe n
e . hi e e e e alon T s D ov also has a nasal laughing not , utt r d
e e e e e e t h e wh n v r it s ttl s on a p rch , and also by male wh en pursuing t h e fe male be fore h e se ttl e s down to coo
r t h e to h e . At such time s h e hops inste ad of walking in
wa t h e t h e t h e usual y, and runs last laugh into first coo in
e most ridiculous way , trying to say two things at onc Th e ge ne ral Shape and courting positions of t h e wild Turtle - dove s are ve ry Similar ; the y may also ofte n be se e n to fly up straight into t h e air for a fe w yards and
e e com sailing down again with wings and tail outspr ad , a very pre tty feat which t h e dom e stic bird practically
e e e e e e e n v r has a chanc of p rforming , although I hav s n a very tame old cock I had in England do it whe n I le t
e s e e e him o ut in t h e open . But l tting out bird lik th s would be too risky an e xperiment in India . THE WILD RING-DOVE (Turtur risorius ) be ars a ve ry
e e e e th e e e y gr at r s mblanc to tam bird , but is consid rabl
r e e e e da k r in colour , b ing drab inst ad of pal fawn running into pinkish gre y on t h e he ad and ne ck . It is about t e e e e e h e sam siz , but slightly mor d licat in form , and altoge the r certainly looks as if it might we ll be t h e
6 1 7 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e e e e set o ff y s b ing larg and int ns ly dark , in many
e re e e . e e e cas s by dark g y y lids In som sp cim ns ,
e e t h e e e ar Th e are e e e . e e how v r , y lids pink f t d p
’
e re d e e e are . purpl , not or crimson as dov s f t usually
e be e e This Dov cannot call d v ry common in India ,
h e e e e e thoug it is wid ly spr ad ov r that country , and xt nds t h e e . to Burma , China , and Philippin s It is also found
t h e Andamans e e e ' in , but is v ry rar in C ylon I have only se en it wild myse lf in D ehra Dun— a re markably good place for Dove s ; and I introduc e it he re as a particularly de sirable aviary bird . Th e unique colouring o f t h e cock make s him most orna
t h e e e e e e e t h e e e e me ntal , and diff r nc b tw n s x s mak s
e e e it e asy to s l ct a tru pair , thus doing away
T e with t h e le ading difficulty in bre e ding Dove s . h Re d spe cie s is a particularly free bre e de r w e had a pair in t h e Calcutta Zoological Garde n which bre d succe ssfully in a large cage much le ss than six fe et
e e a e e e t h e squar , which th y sh r d with oth r Dov s of
e e lot e ' same and other sp ci s , and a of oth r birds It
t h e e has also bre d in London Zoological Gard n , and
e e would be much appre ciat d by amat urs in England , where it is ve ry rare as ye t . To pe ople who dislike t h e monotonous and pe netrating
e e t h e e e coo of most Dov s , but admir family n v r
l ss be e e e e . t h e e , this bird may confid ntly r comm nd d
e e e It can only e xpre ss its amorous f lings by mutt ring ,
e i which may not b romantic , but is not annoy ng to a third party 'I once had a cre am -coloure d male of
e e e me e e e e . u ; this sp ci s , which Mr R tl dg gav xc pt 1 THE PIGEONS . 7 7
e e e e for its pal gr y h ad , it was almost an xact min iature of t h e dom e stic bird . Like most Turtle
e t h e Re d e ee e e dov s , Dov s ms to br d at almost any
e t h e e e a re e e e p riod of y ar , but its ggs not p rf ctly pur
wi - e e e . whit , but tint d th cr am colour THE SPOTTED DOVE (Turtur suratens is ) is t h e opposite
t h e Re d e e e of Dov as r gards proportions , having a d cid e dl y long tail and short wings . It is a little smalle r
t h e - than Ring dove . Its colouring is not ve ry e asy t o
e e e e t h e e e h ue d scrib , but quit unmistakabl ; g n ral is
e t h e e e e e pinkish , running into gr y on h ad ; th r is a larg black patch dotte d with white on t h e back of t h e
e t h e i are e h n ck , and w ngs and back drab , spott d wit pinkish fawn - colour ; t h e four ce ntre tail -fe athe rs ar t e n h e e e . brow , r st mostly black with whit tips Cock
h e n are e e t h e are e and xactly alik , but young v ry dull
e e an and brown , without any black and whit tipp t d
w e e e th e e i t h e sho ing m r ly trac s of pr tty mottl ng on wings .
- Th e e ye lids in o ld birds are pink re d .
e e e This Dov is found all ov r India and C ylon , and as far e ast as Manipur in Burma it is re plac e d by t h e Malay
e e Turtur ti rinus e e Spott d Dov ( g ) , which rang s ast to
l e Ce e e . e e e l b s This sp ci s is l ss fu ly and distinctly spott d ,
re e e e e e and has dark g y y lids , but oth rwis is v ry il sim ar . Th e Indian Spotte d Dove is t h e common Dove about
f e - e Calcutta ; it is a amiliar gard n bird , quit common e e t h e e e e e v n in town , and v ry tam , v n coming on to
e . O saw o ne e e e v randahs n my own , I of th s Dov s attack
ff e r fl o e e e d . and bu t a C ow , which ignomini usly b for it
F, GAB 1 2 1 7 8 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e e e e e e e Lik oth r Dov s of this typ , it br ds at all tim s of
t h e e . e e be e e e y ar It s ms to a v ry quarr lsom bird , and
e be e e se t - two may oft n s n having a vigorous to , spring
e e e t e ing up and buff ting ach oth r in h e air . Its not is
e e e e e e . e in thr syllabl s , but rath r hard to d scrib Lik
e e e e e e e e e e e oth r Dov s , this sp ci s r v ls in h at I hav s n th m at mid- day In May sunning the mse lve s on t h e grass
Turtur camba ensi THE LITTLE BROWN DOVE ( y s ) . This
e t e e e e e t h e - e pr tty li tl Dov r s mbl s Ring dov in form ,
t e n e e but is only about inch s long , and v ry dainty and
e e e . e e grac ful in app aranc Its g n ral colour is brown ,
e t h e e e e t h e ting d with pink on h ad , n ck , and br ast ;
is e e e are th e e t h e be lly whit , and th r usual whit tips to
- Th e e e w Side tail feathers . n ck is mottl d ith black in a ve ry characteristic manne r . This Dove is common throughout t h e Indian Pe nin
t h e e t h e e e d e sula from bas of Himalayas , and xt n s w st to Arabia . But it is not found in Lowe r Bengal or in
t h e e e . e C ylon , and is rar on Malabar Coast It is a v ry
e e e e tam bird , coming fr ly into gard ns , and has a parti
larl e c u y pr tty soft laughing coo .
Z - Chalco ha s indica e THE BRON E WING DOVE ( p p ) , call d
Ram hu hu Ra hu ha e o f e g g or j g g in B ngali , is a bird som
e e e t h e e - e what diff r nt typ from Turtl dov s , with a quite
e e e short tail , and standing high r on its l gs than Pig ons
— e e e e . gen rally som what lik a Partridg , in fact In colour t h e male is pinkish - chocolate with metallic
e - e e e e e e bronz gr n wings , a gr y cap , and whit for h ad and e ye brows ; t h e e ye s are large and dark ; t h e bill bright
- red t h e e e . coral , and f t dark crimson
1 8 0 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS . two broods in this time ; it builds a n e ate r n e st than
e e - o e e e most Dov s , and lays cr am c lour d inst ad of whit e ee e ab o vo ggs , thus k ping up its distinctn ss . Spe cimens
t e be t e can of n bought of h Calcutta de ale rs . * THE CRESTED D OVE (Ocyphaps lopho tes ) is a native of
e e e e e and Australia , and fr qu ntly xport d both to Europ
India . In size and ge ne ral form it re se mbl e s t h e tame
- e e e Ring dov , but has a long r tail and l gs , and a long
e e . e e e e i point d cr st Its g n ral plumag is gr y , runn ng into dull pink down t h e side s of t h e ne ck t h e back and wings are e w brown barr d ith black , and with broad white
e e - e t h e e e t tipp d purpl bronz bands on latt r , much lik h e
- T e - . h e e e are wing bar of a duck long cr st f ath rs black ,
t h e e e e and tail black , gloss d with purpl and tipp d
Th e e e are e e e . e with whit y s orang with pink y lids , and
- e h ar t h e fe e t coral re d . Th cock and en e e xactly alike , but t h e young are much dulle r and have no gloss on t ar e e e e t h e e h e wings . The y e fl dg d and l av n st and fly
e ui e t h e e t h e about wh n q t small , only about half Siz of pare nts .
mi t h e e e e n This , to my nd most b autiful and int r sti g of
e a e e e all Dov s , is most xc ll nt aviary bird ; but , though
e e e e e e e e it will liv and br d w ll v n in a small aviary , n ds a
e e e e . be e larg spac to Show its lf prop rly If this giv n , it will be found far more live ly and active than Dove s ge ne r
r i e ally , unn ng almost as quickly as a Partridg , and flying
l rin e . h e e rapid y , though with a whi r g nois W n s ttling , it
e e u t h e j rks up its tail perpe ndicularly . Wh n co rting e h n
e e e il e also , it r cts and spr ads its ta , and , slightly xpanding it s e e h er th e m b autiful wings , pursu s with ost absurd 1 8 1 THE PIGEONS .
courte sie s and a not very musical coo . So strong and rapid
t e r e t h e e e e on h wing is it , that if tu n d out in op n , I f l sure it would be e stee me d by Sportsme n as a use ful minor
- game bird . f t h e Th e last Pige on I shall de al with is a re pre se ntative o
e e - e e be autiful group of gr n Fruit Pig ons , so charact ristic of t h e warm re gions o f t h e o ld world . THE HURRIAL (Crocopus phoenicopterus ) is about as
e e e in e big as a common dom stic Pig on , but stout r mak ,
t h e e e . with wings , tail , and l gs short r Its bill is stout
’ e and strong for a Pige on s . Its plumag is soft and e xtre me ly be autiful t h e ge ne ral colour b e ing a ye llowish
e e e e t h e e e gr n , b coming almost y llow on n ck and br ast ; t h e e e t h e o f t h e e und rparts b low this , back h ad , a collar
o t h e e t h e e nd o f t h e are e e . r und n ck , and tail , Fr nch gr y
e e e e t h e w t h e Th r is a narrow y llow strip across ings , and thighs are ye llow ; at t h e b end of t h e wing is a lilac
- - l T e bufi t . e one e h e h patch , and a and ch stnut und r tai
- e e e t h e t h e e e are e bill is bluish whit , gr nish at root f t orang
e t h e e e e f r T e o e . y llow , and y s blu with an out r ring d h e h e n e e t h e e is v ry lik cock , but slightly small r and usually with le ss of t h e pale purpl e on t h e wing ; but th e se xe s are e not asy to distinguish in this spe cie s .
t h e e e e o f e This , common Gr n Pig on B ngal and Burma , is found e astwards as far as Siam to t h e we st it e xte nds along t h e base of t h e Himalayas to t h e
e e e t h e e Jumna , but in North rn India it m ts South rn Hurrial (Croc opus chlo royaster) of t h e Indian Pe ninsula
e . and C ylon This bird , in its typical form , is all
e e - e e e w re t h e e gr nish y llow b n ath , sho ing no g y on b lly ; GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
o n t h e e e e ee t h e e e oth r hand , th r is no gr n on for h ad and
t h e t h e e e e . e e root of tail , h ad and tail b ing all gr y Wh r t h e e e e e e e e e e two kinds m t th y app ar to int rbr d fr ly , as any numbe r of int e rme diat e sp e cime ns occur and as t h e e xtre me forms only diffe r in t h e points o f colour I have
e e e e e e be e e e m ntion d , th y can p rhaps b tt r call d local vari ti s
e than r ally distinct sp e cie s .
e e re e ar e e e e a Th s G n Pige ons e sociabl birds , b ing g n r lly s ee n in flocks ; the y fe e d only o n fruit which is small
e e nough to swallow whol , such as banyan figs , and so
are not de structive in gardens like most fruit - eating
e e e e e e birds . Although not rar , th y asily scap notic , as the ir plumage matche s t h e foliage of tre e s so be autifully
that they are almost impossible to se e . The y ve ry
e e t h e e e e e e s ldom com to ground ; ind d , th r is a nativ story that t h e Hurrial is so proud o f ne ver tre ading t h e vulgar e arth that it carrie s a twig in its fe e t when it
e ' e e com s down to drink If it is r ally proud , it c rtainly
be e o f e e t h e r e e must asham d its app aranc on g ound , wh r
e o t h e it walks awkwardly lik a Parr t , not with dainty
e . t h e e tripping gait of ordinary Pig ons Among branch s ,
e e e e e how v r , it mov s grac fully and asily , and is so strong in t h e fe e t that it can re ach over till its he ad is point e d pe rpendicularly downwards whe n it de sire s to pick a
e fruit b elow its p erch . Hurrials build scanty open n sts
e i e t h e e lik ord nary Pig ons , and lay two usual whit
e . e e ggs In courting , th y do not mak so much fuss as
e e e e e e e Pig ons in g n ral , m r ly stooping , xpanding th ir tail
and mo v ing it up and down . The ir note is not in t h e
e e e e e e l ast lik a coo , b ing a modulat d whistl , and th y
C H APTE R V I II .
MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS .
AVIARIES .
THE be st place in which to ke e p and study birds is
e undoubte dly a garde n aviary . In such a building th y
e e e e e e e e s m v ry cont nt d and happy , liv long and fr qu ntly
e e e e e e e t h e br d , and giv v ry littl troubl daily att ntion to fe e ding and a we e kly cle aning be ing all that is absolute ly
e e r quir d . Such an aviary should consist of two portions a e e e e e e e e t h e be e e p rf ctly sh lt r d hous , wh r birds can s cur from hot sun , rain , and driving wind ; and an outdoor e e i e - e e nclosur of w r n tting , in which th y can bask and e e c e e e x r is at pl asur .
Th e e e e e b st way of making such an aviary , wh r faciliti s e o ff w e - e o ne e nd xist , is to partition ith wir n tting of a
e t h e e e e north v randah on ground floor , and outsid to r ct a
t h e e masonry platform as high as v randah floor , on which should be place d one of those iron structure s sold
- e e e e e as plant house s . Whe n this has b n n tt d ov r t h e e e e e birds can go in and out as th y pl as , and th y and their own e r can e njoy t h e She lte r of t h e ve randah to ge the r whe n t h e we athe r is obj e ctionabl e o ut - o f- doors . ’ 1 8 5 MAN AGEME NT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS .
Of course such an ide al arrange me nt is often i mpossible . Whe n the re is no room in t h e compound for an outdoor ” e - e n - ul be e flight , a wir n tti g bow window sho d mad to ’ e t h e e nd t h e e e proj ct from birds of v randah , if possibl ,
e e e e t h e e e e e e as compl t xposur to l m nts , wh n th y wish
e e . e e it , is most b n ficial for birds Som Parrots , for instanc , w e t e e e ill only bath in h e rain . If th r is no suitabl
e t h e e a e t h e plac in v r ndah , but pl nty of room in
e be compound , a small octagonal hous should built
e t h e w e e n t h e outsid , and ir flight arrang d rou d it ;
e be e o n t h e e hous should op n north sid , and its roof
e e e t w ll thatch d to se cur coolne ss . Or h e house may be w e built against a north wall , and a long ir plant
e . fl hous put in front of it But house and ight Should
be e e e e t o always on a masonry platform thr f t high , e e xclud damp and ve rmin .
Th e wire - n etting also should n e ve r be more than an
in e - inch m sh , and for birds smaller than a Pige on half inch
e e m sh is n ce ssary .
Th e be e e flight should turf d and plant d with shrubs ,
are e which b st in pots .
MOVEABLE VERANDAH CAGES .
e e are e e a a e hi e Th s oft n call d vi ri s , but t s t rm is be st
e e t h e e e e e r strict d to fix d structur s d scrib d above . Cage s
’ e e e are e e e lik th s v ry conv ni nt , and birds of a Sparrow s
e e e e e e . e ar siz or l ss liv v ry w ll in th m Th y e ge nerally , e e e how v r , mad far too small . The y should ne ve r be les s
e e e e e e than thr f t v ry way , and should always be support e d on e ee e e hi c l gs thr f t gh . Th e roof s hould be able d o r 1 8 6 D GARDEN AND AVIARY BIR S .
r m o f o f e py a idal , and always wood , not n tting, so that t h e
ma be e e e e e e birds y not t rrifi d by n mi s abov the m . If
e m e e e e t h e e - e b e v r in ‘ ar v ry troubl som , wir n tting should
e t h e e e doubl , two lay rs b ing ke pt an inch apart by corks
e e e e e fix d b tw n at int rvals . Upright wire s should ne ve r
be e e , are e e e e e e mploy d as birds n v r r ally saf b hind th se ,
be but may torn through .
CAGES FOR SINGLE BIRDS .
e e be Th s should always oblong , so as to allow of two p erche s be ing put in a good distanc e apart and on t h e same le ve l ; in this way t h e bird can get good e xercise
- ar by hopping to and fro . Bird cage s e usually crue lly small a bird t h e size of a Canary re quire s a square foot of
T e S e e . h e pac , and oth rs in proportion floor of all cag s
e e e e e should hav a mov abl tray to facilitat cl aning , and t h e perche s should be re move able for t h e same r e ason .
PERCHES .
e e are e e Th s oft n put in in a v ry haphazard way , but
e e e e e e car in th ir s l ction is we ll re paid . For larg aviari s
e o f e e e natural branch s tr s or bamboos , with pl nty of
w are th e - e e . e t igs , b st For move abl e aviary cag s branch s
e t h e h e be e e also do w ll , if door of t e cag larg nough to put the m in ; t h e door of any cage should always b e
e i e . big , and clos d by sliding , not with h ng s A row o f woode n hat - pe gs fixe d up against th e side make s an e xce ll e nt set of pe rche s for an aviary or large
e e e e e e cage . In ith r of th s som perch s should always
1 8 8 Av IARY GARDEN AND BIRDS .
Many birds like to sle e p in hole s ; miniature pige on boxe s and e ve n cocoanut She lls— as opposed to husks
e e will suit th s .
CLEANING .
e e e e be Cag s , wh th r larg or small , should cle an e d daily
and have t h e floor - tray cove re d with dry sand or e arth ;
t h e fi ve ry ne grave l which can be colle cte d from roads
afte r a showe r is very good .
e e e be e e o ut e Aviari s n d not cl an d so oft n , though if
t h e e nd be e c e indoor in a v randah , a daily l aning is
Th e e i b be st . b dding in an av ary should e thick if not
e e e be o f e e e r n w d daily , and may sand , mould , d ad l av s ,
- e e e e t h e or saw dust . D ad l av s will amus birds and come
in handy for t h e garde n aft er . No aviary should be
e e e e e e are ke pt long r than a w k uncl an d , unl ss shy birds
bre e ding in it .
Th e e e e e flight will , of cours , not n d cl aning , but may r b e turfe d wh e n t h e g ass is ge tting thin . Onc e a ye ar all av i arre s and large cage s should be whit e
Al l e e e - washe d inside . p rch s and n sting boxe s should be
e e e e e e be e r mov abl , though s cur ly fix d , so as to cl ane d
at this time or ofte n e r .
- FEEDING AND DRINKING VESSELS .
e l e e e are e For aviari s and arg cag s shallow op n pans b st , T — proportion e d to t h e size of t h e Inmate s . h e wate r pan should be large as t h e birds will bathe in it ; it should
z e fin lfif e d d o n t h e un be , so that th y can good footing g _
t h e fl. o r of it In outdoor aviary it Should be place d on 1 8 9 MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS . t h e turf in t h e flight ; in a ve randah cage on a sod o f turf put in purpose ly ; t h e splashing of t h e birds will ke e p t h e grass fre sh for some time . Food- pans should have t h e e dge s flange d ove r to ke e p t h e birds from throwing t h e food about ; an e name lle d
wi t h e e e e e e e e e iron spittoon , th c ntr mov abl pi c r mov d ,
- ar make s an e xce lle nt fe e ding dish . If mice e trouble
e in - are som an outdoor aviary , and no ground birds
e t h e - e be e e k pt , food dish s should put on littl tabl s , or
flw - - w o r hung up in ire e baske ts . Food ve sse ls should be
- e put indoors . Food or wate r v sse ls should n e ve r h e
e e e i . stood dir ctly und r a p rch , to avoid foul ng
e e t h e w e - v e s In small cag s for singl birds , food and at r
e be e e e s ls Should always plac d insid , not outsid , as is
e - e som e time s don e with Europ mad cage s . Th e re ce ptacle s
be e e e e e should littl cups , h ld in plac by a p g pass d through t h e handle s which are put be twe e n t h e wire s of
Th e e e - e e t h e cage . Chin s mad cups with curv d side s
r m o nt h are e e e e . and a nar ow b st , as pr v nting wast A ’ cage - bird s bath should be give n to it in a se parate large r
e e e e e e t h e e e e v ss l v ry morning b for cag is cl an d out , to avoid me ss .
FO OD AND WATER .
e e be e dail Th s should always look d to y without fail .
' Th e wate r is be st r e n e we d in t h e afte rnoon as we ll as t h e e e e e morning , as birds oft n lik to bath twic a day ,
e and much njoy cle an wate r . Se e d-e ating birds are of course fe d on various kinds of
e grain if larg r than a Mynah , paddy and corn of similar 1 90 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e be e as e e e e siz may giv n , w ll as mill t and canary s d as a tre at . For birds smalle r than a Mynah t h e small e e t h e e e s ds will form stapl food , but such larg r grains as the y are found able to e at may also be give n as a t e . e e h e e chang Thus , v n littl Munias can husk paddy ,
w rll f and Canarie s appre ciate a e w oats . Fruit - e ating birds can b e fe d on plantain and othe r
e e - - e e fruits , vari d with br ad and milk sop , boil d ric and
- fl e e e satc o o ur e v g tabl s , and (gram ) mad up into a crumbly
e are e e e paste with wate r . As th y gross f d rs and apt to e t t h e e o f e e e e t g too fat , mor th ir natural fruit di t th y g t - h e e e e e . e e e b tt r th y will liv Ins ct ating birds , if small r
be fe d satc o e than a Mynah , should on work d up into a
e w e e - e e crumbly past ith gh and hard boil d e ggs . The s
e e e e e e e e small Sp ci s r quir liv ins cts constantly , and th r is a class of profe ssional maggot - bre e d e rs and grasshoppe r catche rs in Calcutta who live by fe e ding Shamas for the ir owne rs . ’ Ins e ct - e ating birds of a Mynah s size or large r can
e f t h e e o ne b e d on scraps from tabl cut up , much as would fe e d a dog o r the y may be give n a standing dish of boile d
w e e satc o e ric e mixe d ith chopp d raw m at , or work d into a crumbly paste with this . Cockroache s and
be e e e e e cricke ts will suitabl ins cts to giv th s ; and Jays ,
e e t c . e e e e Magpi s , , n d d ad mic and young Sparrows
are as ofte n as the se can be procure d . Shrimps ve ry t good for all inse ctivorous birds large e nough to e a the m .
AS e e eat a matt r of fact , many ins ctivorous birds also
e e e e and n d fruit , Starlings and Thrush s for instanc ;
h e e Th e and the se are naturally by far t e asi st to kee p .
AND AV IARY GARDEN BIRDS .
e i e e e w l giv n to b rds which hav not had it of lat , or th y il
e e e e e . tak too much , which oft n caus s th ir d ath
e e e e h en- e e Lim is n d d by birds wh n laying , in ord r to
t h e e - e e e r e . form gg sh ll , and is b n ficial to bi ds at all tim s Th e be st form in which it can be supplie d to small birds
-fish e be e e e is cuttl bon , which can obtain d from a ch mist , or picke d up on t h e be ach if o ne happe ns to live n e ar t h e “ ” Th e e e se a . bon which is brittl and spongy , should be e e e e e e t h e i s cur ly fast n d up by a wir in r ach of b rds , _ which gnaw it with gre at ple asure . Plaste r rubbish from old house s is als o use ful .
- e e e Rock salt is r lish d by Dov s and Parrots , and a lump may be ke pt constantly in the ir re ach .
ARING B E YOUNG BIRDS .
e e e t h e e e e This is v ry troubl som , as littl things r quir such fre que nt fe e ding ; litte and oft e n b e ing t h e
e be e e me thod to follow . Th y should not tak n for r aring
Th e till c ove re d with fe athe rs and n e arly re ady t o fly . young of inse ctivorous birds of t h e smalle r and more de licate kinds are b e st re are d on white ants and small
e r t h e e e - -satc o e grasshopp s ; of larg r , on gg and past and
- -mi h a e e e e e bre ad and lk , with w t v r larg ins cts com to
T e e e -e e e e be fe d e hand . h young of s d at rs n d to on past
e e e e and sop like thos of ins ctivorous birds , not b ing abl
A e to dige st hard se e d till fle dge d . small pair of forc ps is
fo r e e w in e e th e be st thin g f ding young birds ith ; fail g th s , a quill toothpick with t h e “ tip rounde d o ff answe rs ve ry
e be e . we ll . Drops of wat r must not forgott n Hand
e e e a e re are d birds generally b com d lightfully t m , and o r 1 9 MANAGEMENT CAPTIVE BIRDS . 3 may in some case s be allowe d comple te liberty whe n able
T e t h e e to look afte r the mse lve s . his of cours is v ry be st
f e not e e o e a e . way k ping t m birds , though oft n possibl
BREEDING .
All that can be done fo r bre e ding birds is to get tru e pairs and put the m into roomy quarte rs with suitable
e a n sting accommodation , and to supply food as n tural as
‘ t h e e e nat urall e e e e e e . e v possibl Th n if sp ci s is a fr br d r ,
e . e e e e o ne succ ss will follow As a g n ral rul , mor than pair o f t h e same sp e cie s should not be put up fo r bre e d
t h e e e ing in sam aviary , and th ir companions Should not b o f l e birds ne arly re ate d spe cie s .
e t h e e e are e e e di ul Wh n s x s alik in plumag , it is v ry ffic t to pick out a true pair but as a gen e ral rule male s have large r and particularly longe r he ads and bills than fe male s ; and this slight diffe rence of feature is all one t has o go by . Inse ctivorous birds and many Finche s will ofte n only fe e d the ir young on live food ; and most Finche s eat and
e e i r quir soft food wh e n re ar n g young . It ne e d scarc e l y be e e e no t be e add d that br ding birds should disturb d , or looke d at .
- TAMING WILD CAUGHT BIRDS .
A ne wly -caught bird should be place d in a cage
e e cover d all ove r but not so as to dark n it . Var ious kinds of se e d and fruit Should be stre wn o n t h e floor if it
e e -e e and ec e e insec t i is a s d at r , d apitat d ins cts if it is
v o rous . e t o ee if let e It will soon b gin f d alon for a day ,
E R 3 , GA 1 1 94 E GARD N AND AVIARY BIRDS .
e - e e t h e e and th n , if it is a soft food at r , ins cts and fruit
be e wi e t e T can mix d th soft food to g it us d to this . h e pe rch Should run from e nd to e nd in a cage use d for
e t h e e e taming birds , so that , wh n front is uncov r d
t h e e e ne i as bird ats w ll , it always looks its ow r n t e h e e e e h e e . fac , and s s that f ds it Thus it will
e e e e e t e acquir som confid nc , and soon g tam if not incautiously approache d or frighte n e d .
HANDLING BIRDS .
e - d e e Most ordinary cag bir s , lik Finch s or Parrots ,
be e e t h e e e e should h ld g ntly by n ck , this b ing pass d
e e e t h e e e e b tw n for and middl fing rs with a small bird , t h e body lying in t h e palm of t h e hand . In this posi
t e e e e e h . tion bird is quit h lpl ss , and cannot hurt its lf In handling Parrots care must be take n to ge t a good
t h e w e t o e e t h e hold , or bird ill manag bit ; a cloth ov r
e be e t h e hand is use ful . Dov s must tak n in hand bodily the ir n e cks are too Sl e nde r and de licate to hold the m by e spe cially conside ring t h e stre ngth of th e ir wings use d in
’ be e e e e re sistanc e . If it d sir d to op n a bird s b ak to
be e e et c . mak it swallow food , , this should don by prizfling t h e e e t h e e at it ope n at Sid n ar root , with som blunt
t h e e e formid instrume nt ; or bird , if not poss ss d of a ’
be u e e e . able be ak , may ind c d to bit on s hand Birds
be e Should ne ve r be handl e d or caught if it can avoid d , but if tame e nough to be touche d the y much e njoy havin g
e e be e the ir he ads tickle d . If th y hav to caught in a larg
“ cage o r aviary a hand - ne t should be use d ; or a quite
e e small bird may be douch d with wat r ,
1 9 6 A E AND A A IR G RD N VI RY B DS .
T THE BEST BIRDS o KEEP .
For a good large outdoor aviary the re is nothing
. to beat a colle ction o f large inse ctivorous and fruit -e ating
— e n e e birds Jays , larg My ahs and Babbl rs, Lori s , Bar
e e tc . e e are all e e e . b ts , ; and th s asily k pt on Simpl food
Fo r e th e a small v randah aviary , such birds as
e e e Budg rigar , Java Sparrow , and P kin Robin , will c rtain ly give satisfaction ; all the se thre e can be ke pt toge the r
Six T in a space about fe e t square . h e Budgerigar and
Java should bre e d we ll in such a home . Ve ry small
e e e are t h e birds , suitabl for cag s only a yard squar ,
e e e n e . Avadavat , Japan s Munia , Z bra Fi ch , and Silv rbill The se may be associate d with Canari e s in a small
b e e re e - e t h e . e aviary If it d sir d to b d good siz d birds ,
e e e e e e e Collar d and Cr st d Dov s , Ros lla Parak t , and
e be e e fo r e . Cockati l , will found suitabl t nants a larg aviary Fo r song t h e Shama and Pe ko are most to be re
t h e e e e h e e comme nde d to b ginn r , unl ss is satisfi d with
Canarie s .
TRANSPORT OF BIRDS .
It may ve ry we ll happe n that an amate ur in India may
e e e e e wish to se nd o r take som birds hom , and I hav b n care ful t o indicate which spe cie s are rare e nough the re to
se a e e be be worth shipme nt . For transport birds n d not
allowe d so much room in the ir cage s as is ne ce ssary in
e t h e e t h e case o f a perman nt habitation , though mor
e e e be o f space the y have t h e bette r . Th s cag s Should
t h e e e t h e , e box patt rn , wir d only in front and should hav e th e a - for a floor a wicke r grating abov dr w tray , as this MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS . is a cle ane r arrange me nt than t h e sande d tray wh e n
e e e spac e and time are limite d . Of cours in this cas som
r - g ave l should be supplie d in a food pot . Gre e n food Should also be occasionally give n to birds on b oardsh ip
e e e to de licate ins e ctivorous . Sp ci s it is usually possibl
be e e . e to giv cockroache s as liv food If non can had , p e lle ts o f mince d washe d raw me at should be give n
e e be e . occasionally , but not too lib rally , l st scouring caus d Th e large r inse ctivorous spe cie s are much hardier in this
e e are e e . r sp ct , and asy to manag Of cours e t h e be st time t o take birds home is in t h e hot we athe r ; but too much he at in t h e Re d Sea is a
’ e e t h e i e disadvantag , though not so dang rous as w nt r s cold furthe r on . Birds on boardship are usually looke d afte r by t h e
e w h o o f e be e butch r , should cours propitiat d by a sub
st ant ial t e f e o n — i tip . As h e charg o fr ight birds h — 85 . r t h e P . O at all e ve nts is o ne pound pe ordinary
e e e siz d cag , it is obvious that a singl bird is not worth
e e a e e - e taking hom , unl ss d cid d rarity or a much priz d t pe .
200 X INDE .
PAG E .
Ha e w a o - o n e 28 M na n e r , g ld fr t d y h , ju gl Ho ne - e e 1 1 4 M n a e y suck r , purpl y h , pi d Ho ne - e e o w - e a M na t h e y suck r , y ll br st y hs ,
e d .
Ho o o e E o e an Ne n a e p , ur p sti g pl c s N n a e Pe i an H o o o e In an g , p , di i hti g l rs Ho o o e t h e N a o o n In an p s , ig htj r , c mm di Hurrial t a t h e Nig h j r , Nut me g bird O o e a - e a e ri l , bl ck h d d O o e In i an o e n ri l , d g ld Ja a a o w O o e t h e v sp rr ri l s ,
Ja a - e a e y , bl ck h d d Ja e Pa a e e o o - e a e 1 60 y , blu r k t , bl ss m h d d Pa a e e o o n Indi an 1 r k t , c mm 5 7
K n -C o w Pa o t h e 1 65 i g r rr ts ,
n fi- Pa e ne 8 3 1 5 6 7 5 K e w e e as e i g sh r , hit br t d ss ri birds , , , fi Pe o 1 8 K in sh e rs t h g , e k Pe e K o e l rch s 1 8 6 Phe asant cro w 1 52 P e o n t h e 1 1 L a e e g , 7 rk , cr st d i s P t h e 1 5 L a t h e , 0 rks , ipits P a e n a 1 20 L im e itt , B g l L o P t a t h e 1 1 9 i thrix i t s , ’ L o e e F o rst e n s rik t , L o e e H a e n Rat - rik t , rl q ui bird L o e t h e Re a ng o f yo n ri s , ri u g birds R ing - do ve
Rin - o e w Ma e a ian g , gpi , Austr l d v ild M a e o o n In an R o n C na gpi , c mm di bi , hi Ma e re d - e e R o b n o o n In an gpi , bill d blu i , c mm di Ma e R o e e e ngo bird ll r , Burm s M n e o - e R o e In an i iv t , sh rt bill d ll r , di o n - C ine e R o e a M cki g bird , h s s ll M n a a - a e u i , sh rp t il d M na an Sa y h , b k lt na B rah m in Sat - a My h , y bh i M na - e a e Se e t o n o f y h , g ey h d d l c i birds
r ' na S e n o w My h , hill hrik , pipi g cr M na o e S e o w n y h , h us hrik s , br X 201 INDE .
e t h e S e t h e , hrik s , Thrush s
- Tit Indi an e S a a he a e d , g y ibi , bl ck d r Tit e o w - e e e S n H a a an , y iski , im l y ll ch k d t e S a b e -w n e , h iv , lu i g d Tits an o o f b Sha ma Tr sp rt irds e - e e S a o w e e o , o a p rr , tr Turtl d v c ll r d Spe ctacle bird S a n t h e Ve e in n t rli gs , ss ls , dr ki g S n b t h e Ve e e e n u irds , ss ls , f di g Sw a o w o e ll , h us S w al o w a e Wa a e l , stri t d gt il , gr y Swa o w t h e Wa a a e e ll s , gt il , l rg pi d Swa o w w e - a e Wa a t h e ll , ir t il d gt ils , Sw o e Wa e t h e ift , h us rbl rs , Swi a Wa e ft , p lm t r Swi t h e We a e e n a fts , v r , B g l We ave r bird a n w - a b 1 9 3 We a e Ma a a a T mi g ild c ught irds v r , d g sc r a o b 3 5 We a e a e T il r ird v r , stri t d H a a an w i l n 62 W e -e e Thrush, im l y h st i g hit y o an e - e a e o n 64 W a Pa a i e Thrush, r g h d d g r u d hyd h , r d s e a e a in 1 6 Wo o e e o e n - ba e Thrush , str k d l ugh g dp ck r , g ld ck d w i e - e e au n 1 7 Wo o e e t h e Thrush , h t cr st d l ghi g dp ck rs ,