MUNIA. 181 



Subfamily VIDUINiE. 



The Vichdnce or Munias differ from the Weaver-birds in having 

 a very minute first primary and in having no spring moult. 



The Munias associate in large flocks during the winter months, 

 but they separate and are no longer sociable in the breeding-season, 

 although several nests may be found near each other. They have 

 a rapid flight. The sexes of these birds are usually quite alike in 

 plumage, and when they differ, the differences between the sexes 

 are not very great. 



The Munias construct large round nests of grass with an opening 

 at the side. The nest is placed in a bush or in a clump of grass, 

 and some species approach man and build their nests in houses, under 

 the eaves or in the trellis-work of a verandah. The eggs are 

 numerous, being frequently six or more, and they are invariably 

 pure white. 



None of the Munias are known to migrate. They feed on the 

 ground or else cling to the heads of flowering grass or corn, and they 

 consume large quantities of grain. 



Key to the Genera. 



a. Middle pair of tail-feathers narrow and 



pointed. 

 a'. Tail rounded and very slightly graduated ; 



difference between wing and tail quite 



equal to tarsus ; crown black, different 



from back Munia, p. 181. 



V . Tail wedge-shaped and much graduated ; 



difference between wing and tail much 



less than tarsus; crown of much the 



same colour as back Uroloncha, p. 183. 



c . Tail wedge-shaped and much graduated; 



tail in male longer thau wing ; colours 



green and crimson Erythrura, p. 190. 



b. Middle tail-feathers broad and rounded. 



a". Difference between outer and middle tail- 

 feathers less than tarsus; plumage 

 green Stictospiza, p. 190. 



e'. Difference between outer and middle tail- 

 feathers equal to tarsus ; plumage red. Sporjeginthus, p. 192. 



Genus MUNIA, Hodgs. 1836. 



The genus Munia contains two Indian species, which are 

 characterized by a short and rounded tail, having the middle 

 pair of feathers very narrow and pointed. The tail is shorter 

 than the wing by a distance quite equal to the length of the 

 tarsus. The plumage is chiefly black and chestnut, and the sexes are 

 absolutely alike. 



