The following is mentioned as a variety.
The Chinese Grosbeak (Brisson’s Ornithology, III., page 235, No. 7), with the head, throat, and front of the neck black, the upper part of the body red brown or chestnut, the wings and tail similar to the one above.
I have seen this bird in a room several times, and have always regarded it as a male, on account of its song, and because, after moulting, its plumage returned unaltered, not becoming either white on the breast or black at the vent.
Edwards, who has represented it in his 355th plate, has added a female, which he kept in the same cage, and which was improved by its companion. The upper part of its body was grey brown, the sides of the head and under part of the body pinkish, or rather blush colour, the wing and tail feathers blackish, the feet flesh-colour.
The blackness of the wings and tail makes me suspect that this female belongs to another species; its attachment and familiarity prove nothing. We know, in fact, that nearly all granivorous birds hold communion together, and mutually caress each other with the bill.
Observations.—The Malacca Finch comes from the East Indies: it is very gentle, confiding, and lively. Its voice is strong; its cry, “tziapp,” pronounced in a loud clear tone. Though its song is somewhat nasal and rather noisy, it is not disagreeable.
Its food, when in confinement, is hemp and canary seed, which I have known preserve it for a long time in good health.
THE SNOW BUNTING.
