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Y CHAMBER BIRDS we understand

such as are kept in rooms for pleasure

and amusement, usually selected for the charms of their song or
the beauty of their plumage, although it is not to be denied that
both naturalists and fanciers are likewise induced by other causes

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INTRODUCTION

Y CHAMBER BIRDS we understand

such as are kept in rooms for pleasure

and amusement, usually selected for the charms of their song or the beauty of their plumage, although it is not to be denied that both naturalists and fanciers are likewise induced by other causes

B

to cherish these feathered creatures; their vivacity entertains him, and he delights in the study of their peculiar habits. For both purposes it is especially desirable that he should be able to distinguish the sexes, as the male is greatly preferred for his powers of song. We shall, therefore, in sketching this history of chamber birds, note particularly the characteristics which distinguish the male from the female. As all birds are not susceptible of being tamed, and do not harmonize with the attempt, the number of birds which can be enumerated in this work must necessarily fall far short of the aggregate number of the entire race.

SECTION II.-OF THE VOICE AND SONG OF BIRDS.

Every species of bird has its own peculiar notes, the variations of which conspicuously distinguish them from all other animals; they are thereby capable of communicating to each other, if not indiscriminately throughout the entire race, yet within the compass of their own genera, or, at least, of their own species, the expression of all their emotions and wants.

Any person but slightly familiar with the study of nature, is aware that the expression of fear and proximate danger is a cry universally comprehended; for if even uttered by the Wren it is understood by the Turkey, and if proceeding from the latter, the former takes alarm. Every bird that first perceives a bird of prey, excites, by its own peculiar accent of warning, the attention of all others in its immediate vicinity, guarding them to be on the alert and to conceal themselves as speedily as possible. As soon as the Titmouse utters its fearful Iss! (and this it frequently does in mere mockery, as may be observed when in confinement,) that instant the whole wood is suddenly stilled, and every bird is aroused to detect its approaching enemy, or hastens, if this warning indicates distress, to yield its succour. This is an observation which bird-catchers take a material advantage of: they construct a hut, and place in front of it an owl or other bird of prey, smearing every twig and branch in its vicinity with bird-lime, and then imitate the anxious cry of some other bird;-for instance,

that of the Jay or Pie, these being the most universally distributed-knowing that every bird, both great and small, which hears it, will flock to their protection, and thus be caught.

Equally comprehensible, if not to all, yet to the majority of birds, are the accents of joy and pleasure whereby they excite in each other similar agreeable sensations. This delight, however, is not expressed merely in the ordinary song of the bird, stimulated by which, a whole wood or aviary is sometimes observed to strike up its jubilant notes, but also by means of solitary and peculiar tones.

In the autumn and the early spring we meet with a multitude of birds, in hedges and bushes, differing considerably in genera and species, which seem to delight each other by their universal chirp. Within a chamber any noise, loud speaking, or instrumental music especially, will excite birds to sing; but in the woods and fields this has a contrary effect, for it then becomes the means of scaring them.

Very many different genera appear to have a facility of communicating together. Thus, for instance, Ravens, Crows, Daws, and similar birds, have their various calls, and approach each other when necessary,-as during their migrations. A bird-catcher may thus secure, by the call of the Yellow Bunting, either the Foolish Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Snow Bunting, or Reed Bunting. He may also capture the Mountain Finch by the call of the Chaffinch; as well as the Lesser Redpole and the Citril by the call-note of the Siskin.

Lastly, every bird is endowed by nature, if not with an aptitude for song, at least with some distinct notes whereby it can express its desires, not merely to its own, but to the opposite sex also. This is accomplished either by means of single notes, or by one or a succession of several melodies; the one is named the call-note of the bird, and the other its song. In many the callnote varies according to the varying emotion or want, in others it is uniform. Thus the Chaffinch in its migrations calls yack! yack! In the expression of joy, a solitary fink! fink! When excited by anger, a rapid fink! fink! fink! And i sorrow or

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