Till-: WEAVER BIRDS.* 



THE BKOAD-SHAPTEI) -WUmAII I'lXCH.t 



The Weavers are placed in a separate genus by jVf. Vieillot, and in the same family with 

 the orioles. Their bill is robust, advancing on the forehead in the form of an acute 

 angle ; it is convex above, a little compressed at the sides, entire, nearly straight, sharp, 

 and sometimes a little gibbous. The lower mandible has its edges bent inwards ; the 

 tongue is cartilaginous and fringed at the point ; the nostrils are oblong and covered 

 with a membrane. 



Jlost of these birds arc found in India or Africa. Their generic name is derived from 

 the wonderful art with which they construct their nests, interlacing them with blades of 

 grass ; in which talent they resemble some other birds, the inhabitants of far distant lands. 



Of Cuvier's genus, vidua, the whidah-bird is one of the most elegant species. In 

 organisation and in manners they are true linnets. In captivity, which they endure 

 without much appearance of constraint, they are lively and active, jumping from perch 

 to perch, and alternately raising and depressing their long tails with much vivacity. 

 They are usually fed upon grain, with the occasional addition of green herbs ; and are 

 fond of bathing in the water which is placed in their cage. Twice a year they are 

 subject to changes of plumage, which alter the appearance, of the male especially, to sucli 

 an extent, that it would be difficidt to recognise in him the same bird. The long- 

 feathers, which are his peculiar attribute, fall off towards the end of autunm, and, witli 

 the other changes that take place in his plumage, leave him little to distinguish him, 

 during the winter months, from his plainer mate. But in spring ho recovers his long 

 feathers, his more brilliant hues, and his sharp, but agi'ceable and varied note ; the 

 change being usually completed by the beginning of Jime. It is said that they live for 

 twelve or fifteen years. 



Of all the genera composing the family of Weavers, the Broad-shafted "Wliidah Finch 



• Ploeeus. 



t Vidua Paradisea. 



