THE FINCHES. 83 
aviary, but should be kept with strong companions, as 
he may show the vicious Weaver temper. The nest is 
round, not of the remarkable shape of that built by the 
Indian Baya Weaver. 
The Whydabh-birds are not found in India, but are con- 
fined to Africa, whence some species are regularly ex- 
ported; they are allied to the Weavers, the males, like 
cock Weaver-birds, losing their beauty of plumage after 
breeding. One species can often be had in Bombay. 
THE ParapisE Wuybau (Steganura paradisea).* This 
species is, when ‘‘out of colour,’’ about the size of a 
Canary, and not unlike it in shape, with a rather . 
small bill; its plumage is pale brown with dark 
streaks, the crown of the head being black with a few 
broad streaks of a light colour. The hen is always 
like this, but the cock, when in full summer plumage, is 
a very different and most remarkable bird. His tail 
becomes about twice his whole length of body, and 
droops in a graceful curve, the long feathers being also 
very broad. The plumage turns to a velvety black, 
with the exception of the neck, which is chestnut, and 
of the belly, which is white. Altogether, he has a very 
distinguished appearance, and it is amusing to see him, 
when on the ground, arching his big tail to keep it out of 
the dirt. The Paradise Whydah is a harmless, hardy, and 
long-lived bird; but, from the size of his tail, he is not suited 
for a cage, though a great acquisition in an aviary, where he 
may be induced to breed. If signs of nesting are apparent, 
insects or soft food should be supplied ; at other times the 
ordinary canary and millet seed, &c., will be sufficient. 
