PERCHING-BIRDS. 131 
of Jamaica and other allied species build their domed nests in low trees 
or bushes where wasps have constructed their paper nests. The object 
- of the bird is evidently to secure a position rendered safe from intruders 
by the presence of these formidable insects, with whom a league of 
amity is established. 
Family XXXIV. Tanacripm. Tanacers. 
These brilliantly coloured nine-primaried birds of the New World 
are closely related to the Finches, but may generally be distinguished 
by possessing a notch towards the end of the upper mandible. Some are, 
however, very closely related to the Finches, others to the Cwrebide and 
Mniotiltide. About threehundred and fifty species are recognised, many 
of which are well known on account of their gorgeous plumage, remark- 
able even among the richly coloured birds of South America. The 
most striking forms belong to the genera Chlorochrysa (2534-5), 
Calliste (2548-53), Rhamphoceelus (2561), and Pyranga (2565-17) ; some 
of which are frequently imported as cage-birds into Europe. 
Family XXXV. Puroceip#. Weaver-Fincurs. 
The Weaver-Birds are nearly related to the Finches, but may be 
distinguished by possessing ten primary quills. They form a somewhat 
numerous family of brightly coloured birds, distributed over the African, 
Indian, and Australian regions. The trivial name is derived from the 
skill shown by the typical members of the family in weaving their 
remarkable nests, which are most ingeniously calculated to ensure the 
safety of their young. Numerous examples of their architecture will be 
found exhibited in the Case. Many species have two seasonal plumages, 
a fact which is especially noticeable in the males. In winter they are 
mostly dull-coloured and striped with brown, but in the breeding- 
season they are richly coloured, as in the species of Heterhyphantes 
(2686), Ayphantornis (2688-40), and Ploceus (2641); while some develop 
long ornamental tail-feathers such as Vidua (2584), Penthetria (2585), 
and Chera (2586). 
Two subfamilies are recognised, the Viduine, in which the first 
primary is very small and falcate, and the Ploceine, with the first 
primary large and obtuse. 
To the first section belong the Viduas or Whydah-birds (Vidua prin- 
cipalis (2584) and Chera progne (2586)), remarkable for their habit of 
soaring during the breeding-season. Rising to a considerable height , 
they hover in the air, with long arched tail and flapping wings, and 
presently descend with great velocity. With these are associated many 
well-known and attractive smaller forms frequently kept as cage-birds, 
K2 
[Case 80. | 
[Case 81. | 
