192 H.W.James 



birds left these parts. The usual number of eggs is four, 

 but I found one nest containing seven. 



Diatropura procne (Long-tailed Widowbird). — In 1917 a few 

 of these birds were seen near Mortimer in the Cradock 

 district. As far as I can ascertain this is the only record of 

 this species having been seen in either district. 



Amad'ma erythrocephala (Red-headed Weaver Finch). — This 

 species is common throughout both districts. I have kept 

 this species under careful observation and I am quite con- 

 vinced that in these parts it never builds its own nest, but 

 uses the deserted nest of Passer melanurus and sometimes 

 Sporopipes squamifrons. A friend of mine found it using 

 old nests of Ploceus velatus. I have frequently followed up 

 birds carrying nesting material, and have invariably found 

 that this was to be used to renovate an old nest. The usual 

 nesting months are May, June and August, but I have also 

 records of eggs taken in November and December. 



Estrilda astrild (Common Waxbill). — A common species in both 

 districts chiefly in the winter months. I have not yet found 

 it nesting in either district. 



Lagonosticta rubrkata (South African Ruddy Waxbill).— This 

 species appears at irregular intervals in the Cradock district 

 being plentiful some years. 



Oriygosplza pol^zona (Quail Finch). — This little bird is very 

 common in both districts. I have taken nests in the months 

 of November, April and August. 



Ne'isna dufresnet (Swee Waxbill). — This bird is now rare in 

 the Cradock district, although common a few years ago. I 

 have not observed it in the Tarkastad district. 



Vidua Serena (Pin-tailed Widowbird). — Common throughout 

 both districts. 



Passer melanurus (Cape Sparrow). — This bird is very common 

 in both districts. It nests practically all the year round. 



Alar'ia alario (Mountain Canary). — This pretty little songster is 

 very common in both districts. It is found in large flocks 

 and does a lot of harm to ripening grain. The neat cup- 



