Ormthologij of the Cape Verde Islands. 281 



When placed in a tree the nest is domedj but when in a 

 hollow of the ground it is an open compact structure, and 

 often lined with feathers. The eggs are four, rarely five, in 

 number ; in each clutch they are of a fairly uniform colour, 

 with the exception of one, which is invariably lighter than 

 the rest. In size, markings, and coloration they correspond 

 with those of the Tree-Sparrow {P. montanus\ 



The adult plumage is not attained till the second year. 

 The immature male resembles the adult female, but its 

 upper parts and the stripe over each eye possess a decided 

 rufous coloration, while the black on the chin and throat is 

 a shade or two darker. 



ESTRILDA JAGOENSIS. 



On Nov. 17th, while on Sao Nicolau, we took a nest of 

 this species. It was placed between the upper stems of a 

 young orange-tree, domed like a Sparrow's, and composed of 

 very fine freshly-plucked grass. The eggs, four in number^^ 

 are white, and measure 0""6x0"'45. 



All the specimens we obtained on Santiago were caught at 

 night by natives, who used to invade the strips of fish-cane 

 where these birds roosted and dazzle them by means of a 

 bright lantern. These birds are very partial to shady pools, 

 which they frequent, at intervals, throughout the day. 



Adult female. Like the male [supra, p. 85), except that 

 the eye-stripe is less extensive, the under tail-coverts are 

 light brown flecked with black, and the tail dark brown. 



Young female. Greneral colour of the upper parts greyish 

 brown, with faint traces of bars, shading into a rufous tinge 

 on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Little or no rose-red 

 on the breast and belly, which are washed with pale greyish 

 buff, becoming brighter on the flanks and under tail- coverts, 

 the latter flecked with brown. 



Al.iEMON ALAUDIPES. 



The love-call of the male during the breeding-season has 

 the ring of a clarion in it, and can be heard at a great 

 distance. At this call, uttered three or four times in rapid 

 succession, the female comes to his side, and he then shoots 



SER. VII. — VOL. IV. u 



