HYPHANTORNIS SPILONOTUS. 437 
resemble those of H. mariquensis, but are hung from the ends of 
the reeds instead of being placed between two upright reeds as is 
generally the case with H. mariquensis. The habits of the two 
species are precisely similar and the eggs likewise vary much in 
colouring; some are blue-white, others are white speckled with 
brown.” A single specimen has been procured by Senor Anchicta 
at Capangombe and Caconda in Benguela. 
Under parts bright yellow; upper parts the same, variegated 
with black: this effect is caused by the bases of the feathers being 
black, and the edges yellow; wing and tail-feathers dark-brown, 
the former with yellow margins to the outer webs, and the latter 
tinted with yellow; collar round the neck bright pure yellow; 
head, chin, and throat black. Length, 6’ 3’’; wing, 3’ 3’; 
tail, 2’’ 3’””. 
420. Hypnanrornis sritonorus, Vig. Spotted-backed Weaver Bird. 
Sir A. Smith describes this species as inhabiting the districts 
upon the south-east coast, but not found to the westward of Kaffir- 
land, frequenting rivers, and suspending their kidney-shaped nests 
of woven grass over the water.. We have received the species from 
Kuruman, and several have been shot at Oatlands, close to Grahams- 
town. Eggs, according to Dr. Smith, blue; but Mr. Ayres (Ibis., 
1860, p. 212) says that in Natal they vary much in colour, being 
green, blue, white, and speckled white and brown. 
Captain Trevelyan has met with it near Kingwilliamstown, and 
Mr. Rickard has procured it near Hast London. It extends to the 
northward, as Mr. Andersson has recorded it from the Lake country, 
though he is not certain of its occurrence in Damara or Great 
Namaqua Land. 
The present bird belongs to the section of the Weaver Birds 
which have the sides of the head and the throat black, but the crown 
is yellow, the mantle being bright yellow, evenly spotted with 
black. 
General colour of head, breast, belly, vent, and rump, bright 
gamboge-yellow: back liver-brown, and yellowish-green variegated; 
sides of head, chin, and front of throat black; wing-feathers brown, 
edged with yellow; tail greenish-brown; bill black; feet flesh- 
colour, Length, 7’’; wing, 3” 6’’’; tail, 2’’ 7”. 
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 66, fig. 1. 
