NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



Distribution. — Western side of South Africa to the Zambesi 

 regions. 



Habits. — Small family parties of half a dozen, or pairs, are 

 usually seen in the scattered open bush-veld. The nest is 

 round and loosely made of grass, and lined with feathers. It is 

 usually placed in a thick thorny bush. Clutch, 3 ; eggs pure 

 white ; size, 0.72 by 0.50. 



These waxbills breed in midwinter and in summer. 



Taha Bishop Bird {Pyromelana taha). (Vol. I., p. 207.) 



Description. — Male in breeding plumage : bright golden- 

 yellow above, including the crown. Collar round neck and 

 entire under surface velvety black. Iris brown. Bill black. 

 Feet pale brown. 



Lengthy 4-25 ; tail, 1.60 ; wing, 2.40. 



Female is brown streaked with black. Wing edged with 

 yellow. Male in winter plumage resembles the female. 



Distribution. — From Natal and Orange Free State to the 

 Limpopo. 



Habits. — In autumn these birds may be seen in large flocks. 

 They breed in small parties in the reeds in the midst of marshes, 

 in vleis, and on the borders of streams. The nest is of fine grass 

 attached to three or four reeds. Eggs, 4 to 5 ; glossy white, 

 speckled with dark brown or black ; size, 0.73 by 0.52. 



Black and Yellow Bishop Bird (Pyromelana capensis). 

 (Vol. I., p. 207.) 



Description. — Male in breeding plumage : head, neck, and 

 under parts of body glossy black. Lower portion of back and 

 rump brilliant golden-yellow, the feathers being fluffy and 

 elongated. Shoulder of wings and wing coverts golden-yellow. 

 Tail black. Iris dark brown. Bill black. Feet pale brown. 



Lengthy 7-00 j tail, 2.80 ; 



80 



