6i



(Hyphanturgus olivaceus), which is a common Southern species,

is said “ to build indiscriminately over the driest spots, or over

water.” The .Eastern form of the Black-headed Weaver

( Hyphantornis nigriceps) occurs in Natal ; but if it takes after its

relative //. viclanocephalus I would not care to have it. The

Western form is extremely spiteful and liable at any time to kill

the smaller species by one blow of its powerful beak ; indeed my

male of //. melanocephalus killed seven or eight Orange and

Napoleon Weavers in this manner a little over a year ago. The

Spotted-backed Weaver (//. spilonotus) also occurs in Natal,

in Grahamstown, King William’s Town, etc. The Black-fronted

Weaver (//. velatus), which is very destructive to cereals in

Natal, is frequently imported ; like most of its kind it builds its

nest among reeds : my specimen spends its days in quarrelling

with the Black-headed bird.


As soon as the Orange River is crossed a very striking

species becomes abundant,—the White-browed Weaver ( Plocei-

passer mahali) which would be well worth importing; it builds in

mimosas and is said to be a most melodious songster—a marvel

among the usually harsh-voiced Weavers !


Of the so-called “ Bishops,” the well-known Grenadier

Weaver ( Pyromelana oryx) is said to be not uncommon ; but

local, though distributed over the whole colony, frequenting only

swampy places on the banks of rivers where it suspends its nest

among the flags.


The Yellow-shouldered Weaver ( Pyromelana capensis) and

its smaller race ( P. xanihomelas) are found in many parts of

S. Africa, the larger and best known form being common near

Grahamstown. I have never purchased this bird because I saw

how aggressive it was in Mr. Abrahams’ bird-room.


The Taha Bishop (Z 3 . taha) is allied to the well-known

Napoleon Weaver and is very destructive to cornfields : it is

found commonly in marshy places and ditches, among the reeds,

from the Modder River to Potchefstroom.


The Red-billed Weaver ( Quelca quelea) is already so freely

imported, and so cheap, that it is hardly a fit subject for the

private importer. Of the Whydah-birds the Ultramarine-finch

is also hardly worth importing, for the same reason ; but the

well-known Long-tailed Whydah ( Chera progne) is still far too

little imported ; it is common in many parts of S. Africa and

could easily be obtained in numbers by the negro children. The

Red-collared Whydah ( Vidua ardcns) is said to be common near



