My Dear Sir

I have thrown together an observation or two which may prove amusing, but I trust you will not deem it worth while even to acknowledge the receipt of this communication.—

I have had a further illustration in my aviary of the objection male birds entertain towards any others, which in the nuptial plumage, are colored in the same manner.—as themselves.¹

The Spiza cyanea is in the breeding plumage a beautiful blue bird, The Spiza ciris has this color confined to the head only.—²

My Spiza cyanea, generally a very quiet bird, attacked the Spiza ciris, & completely scalped his blue head.—³

The Ciris however survived although it appears the skull is exposed, he even resumed his song after a few days, & afterwards remained unmolested

I was at the Zoological Gardens several days lately, & saw what I believe you are aware of, six young of the New Zealand Shelldrake, Tadorna Variegata,⁴ these all had the black head of the male bird, & were in all respects similar, they are however at this time beginning, at least the