242 ]\Ir. Guy 7^. K. Marshall on 



92. Okty(;ospiza polyzoxa. (Little Barrcd-brcasted 

 Finch.) 



I have noticed this little bird only durinf>; the winter 

 months, when it may be seen in considerable flocks in open 

 spaces abont the town. It is very tame, allowing approach 

 within a few feet ; but even then there is difficulty in 

 detecting it on the ground, owing to its protective uppcrside 

 colouring and diminutive size. It feeds on grass-seeds. 



93. Lagonosticta jAMEsoNi. (Jameson^s Ruddy Waxbill.) 

 I first noticed these pretty little birds in November 1897, 



there being a few flocks along the river and among the granite 

 kopjes close to Salisbury, but they disappeared shortly 

 afterwards. In general habits they resembled the Common 

 Waxbill. 



91. EsTRiLDA ASTRiLD. (Commou Waxbill.) 

 Occuis plentifully, sometimes in very large flocks, along 

 rivers and on cultivated lands. 



95. EsTRiLDA ANGoLENsis. (Bluc-breasted Waxbill.) 

 Though common along the Umfuli, this Waxbill is scarce 



near Salisbury, usually occurring in pairs. I have not 

 found its nest in jNIashonaland, but in Natal it builds in 

 mimosa-bushes, making a rough unlined nest of flue grass, 

 with an entrance at the side. An interesting fact is that 

 the nest is almost invariably placed in close proximity to, or 

 even touching, one or more of the hanging nests of a powerful 

 social wasp [Bel enoy aster rufi/jennis) , as though the bird 

 were aware that these would form an admirable protection 

 against many enemies. The eggs are pure white, and measure 

 15 X 11 mm. 



96. Anaplectes rubriceps. (Red-headed AVeaver.) 

 This handsome species is common about Salisbury, 



occurring in pairs in the bush, where it searches the trees 

 and bushes assiduously for insects, often hanging back 

 downward, like a Tit. It is very partial to the social spiders 

 {Stegodyphus) , and I once Avatclud a bird pecking away 

 at a spider's nest for over half an hour, during which time 



