11 APRIL 1931, Page 16

A RED BIRD IN THE GREEN PARK.

The following query has reached me about a mysterious bird that has baffled many observers :-

" Can any of your readers interested in ornithology elucidate a mystery which has puzzled those of us who work in the neigh- bourhood of the Green Park For the last three months there has been a beautiful vermilion coloured bird, about the size of a small blackbird, which seems to roost with the sparrows flying about. We have noticed it for the last three months and wonder what kind of bird it is. Have any of your readers seen it ? "

It seems certain that the prodigy must be an escaped cage- bird ; but what bird ? That it consorts with sparrows, who are not fond of interlopers, is a second marvel.

W. BEACH THOMAS.