THE PASSERINE BIRDS 131 



The Java Sparrow, as its name implies, is a native of Java, 

 where, like our Common Sparrow, it is a pest, committing great 

 ravages on the rice-fields. It has, unfortunately, been introduced 

 into Africa and parts of India. During latter years it has become 

 much sought after as a cage-bird, and breeds readily in confinement. 

 From these domesticated birds a white race has been raised, which is 

 highly prized. 



Though popularly called a " Sparrow," it must be remembered 

 that this bird is not really very closely related to the true Sparrows — 

 such as the House- and Tree-sparrows. 



A scarcely less popular cage-bird is the Avaduvat (Plate XXVIII. 

 fig. 2), known also as the Amaduvade Waxbill and the Tiger-finch. 

 This bird is a native of India, Cochin China, Siam, Java, and other 

 Malayan Islands, whence it is imported into European markets in 

 enormous numbers. 



The male in its breeding-dress is very beautiful, and possesses the 

 further charm of a brief but sweet song, which is said to resemble 

 a bugle-call. The female is less brilliant than her mate, being brown 

 above — though having a light patch of red on the rump — and buff- 

 coloured below. 



This bird moults twice in the year, and the male, after the breeding- 

 season, assumes the dress of the female. 



The males of this species are pugnacious little birds, and fight with 

 spirit, on which account they are kept by the natives in India to afford 

 them sport, much as cock-fighting was practised in England. 



As touching the Cardinal, we may remark that this is an American 

 species, known also as the *' Virginian Nightingale." This species 

 ranges from North America southwards into Mexico and British 

 Honduras, and is one of the Finches. Inhabiting thickets and under- 

 growth, this bird contrives, in spite of its brilliant coloration, to shun 

 observation, even when, from its rich rolling notes, its near presence 

 is assured. 



FAMILY TANAGRID^ {The Tanagers) 



This family contains a large number of species of surpassing beauty, 

 many of them indeed being among the most gorgeously coloured of 



