Ornithology of the Gold Coast. 69 



138. EuPLECTEs FLAMMiCEPS (Sw.) : Sharpc, p. 62. 

 Widely distributed over the Gold Coast v^ith E.franciscanus. 

 In the rainy season, from May until August, these birds 



assume the full splendoiir of their plumage, and affeet tall 

 grassy spots near swamps, where they may be seen dotting the 

 long grass like rubies. 



In the dry season they are no longer to be distinguished, 

 and probably assume a dull plimaage, like the female. I have 

 seen specimens evidently in a state of transition. 



E.franciscanus. The above notes also apply to this species. 



139. EuPLECTES AFER (Lath.): Sharpe, p. 62. 



Seen at times in large flocks, swamps being preferred by 

 them. The males are very beautiful in their full plumage, 

 and when risiug from the ground present a most brilliant 

 appearance. 



140. Penthetria macruea (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 63. 

 Extremely common on the Gold Coast and in other parts 



of West Africa. Its habits much resemble those of Vidua 

 principalis ; and it is frequently seen with that bird and other 

 Finches in grassy places, 



141. Vidua principalis (L.) : Sharpe, p. 63. 



Very numerous over the whole Guinea Coast. It is not 

 very sociable as regards its own species, but very fond of at- 

 taching itself to the large flocks of small Finches and Bengalis 

 which abound in the fields of cassava and maize at certain 

 seasons of the year. 



Its long tail-feathers give it a peculiar appearance in flight. 



142. Spermestes cucullata, Sw. : Sharpe, p. 64. 

 Exceedingly common on the west coast, where large flocks 



of them, in company with other Bengalis and Finches, rise 

 when disturbed from the long grass, on the seeds of which 

 they are very fond of feeding. They are captured in some 

 quantities by the natives on various parts of the coast, espe- 

 cially at the Gambia and in the French settlements in Senegal, 

 whence they are exported with many other va,rieties of Finch 

 to Europe. 



