THE FINCHES. 87 
In this state they are almost exactly like the young of 
another very common Munia, the Black-headed Nun of 
English dealers (Mumia atricapilla), which, when adult, 
is rich chestnut with a jet-black head and belly. The 
Spotted Munia is found nearly all over the Empire, but 
does not go very high up in the Himalayas; I have seen 
it breeding in the compound of the Forest School at 
Dehra Dun. Munias do not breed in company like 
Weavers, and their nests are very different, being large 
balls of grass, with an opening in one side, placed in a 
bush. About half-a-dozen small white eggs are laid, and 
in the case of the present species, at any rate, the whole 
family, parents and children, use the nest as a dormitory 
when the latter are fledged. This is the opportunity of 
the wily native, who, approaching the little snuggery 
at night, closes its mouth with a cloth and carries off the 
inmates. 
The Nutmeg-bird, hike most other Munias, has a most 
peculiar song ; he goes through all the motions of singing, 
with rather an extra display of energy, but hardly a sound 
escapes him audibly to us; no doubt, however, his mate 
hears and appreciates his ‘‘ top-notes.”’ 
THE SHARP-TAILED Munta (Uroloncha acuticauda) much 
resembles the Nutmeg-bird in size and form, but is slightly 
smaller with a longer tail. In colour it is dark brown, 
with the flanks and belly very pale brown, sharply con- 
trasted ; all the feathers have pale shafts, which gives the 
plumage a streaky appearance. The bill is black above 
and blue-grey below. This bird in its natural state is not 
common in captivity, but the domesticated variety bred 
