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Foreign Finches in Captivity.
found in small flocks, seeking on the grovind for their food, which consists almost
entirety of the seeds of grasses. On the 2nd Februar}', 1887, I found in Ondonga a
nest of this species in a palm bush about six feet from the ground; it was constructed
of grass, and had no internal lining; the eggs were five in number."
" Senor Anchieta has met with the species at Biballo, where it is called " Kaxexe."
Dr. Rtiss, in his " Fremdländischen Stubenvögel" gives several interesting
accounts of the rearing of Red eared Waxbills in confinement by his deceased friend
Mr. Leuchfeld ; but I cannot, unfortunately, spare the space to repeat them here. One
item, however, is of importance to any fancier who may desire to breed the Cordonbleu
;—Mr. Leuchfeld found that, at first, the old birds would only use living ants'
cocoons, as food for their young ; but these were difficult to obtain ; he therefore
powdered up yolk of egg as finely as possible and mixed it with the living food and
from accidentally but repeatedly tasting the latter, the parents were gradual^ coaxed
into using it by itself ; the result being a decided success.
Illustration from living examples and skins belonging to the author.
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