CHAPTER V 



DENIZENS OF THE FOEEST 



This is a large group presenting divers forms, and includes 

 some of the loveliest as well as some of the strangest of 

 South African birds. 



In this chapter are included all the dwellers of forest and 

 bush, excepting those that find a place under more special 

 headings, such as "Friends of the Agriculturist," "Bird 

 Architects," &c. 



CANARIES AND SEEDEATERS 



To the group belong most of the Family Frvngillidce 

 amongst which the majority of the native songsters are 

 found ; as these birds are perhaps of more general interest 

 than any other in the group, we will treat of them first. 



It is quite a common belief amongst Europeans fresh 

 from the old countries that South Africa possesses no 

 song birds worthy the name. This is wholly incorrect, for 

 although there is no Skylark or Nightingale, South Africa 

 possesses quite an array of good songsters. 



The first, and probably favourite songster of the Family 

 is the Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis), the male of which is 

 of a greenish-yellow colour on its upper surface, with the 

 rump regions of a brighter yellow and the under surface of 

 a golden yellow. The female is browner on the back and 

 paler below. Length, 5\ inches. It is a common resident 

 in most districts of the Cape and Natal, but in the Orange 

 Free State and Transvaal it is ud common and " local." 

 This bird has a fine sustained song of sweet full notes, the 

 quality of which varies, however, in individual members. 



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