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474 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
pretty little Finch is common at Lake N’gami and in the neighbour- 
hood of the Okavango River; but I do not think that it is found 
either in Damara or Great Namaqua Land. I have heard occasionally 
of immense gatherings of these birds; but usually they are found 
in small flocks seeking on the ground for their food, which consists 
almost entirely of the seeds of grasses. On the 2nd of February, 
1867, I found in Ondonga a nest of this species in a palm bush 
about six feet from the ground; it was constructed of grass, and 
had no internal lining; the eggs were five in number.” 
Senor Anchieta has met with the species at Biballa, where it 
is called “ Kaxexe.” 
Above grey-brown; ramp, tail, and under parts, with the 
exception of the centre of the body, which is white, verditer-blue. 
Length, 4’’ 6’”” ; wing, 1’’ 11”’; tail, 1’ 10”. 
466. UrmaInruus Granatinus (Linn.). Grenadier Waxbill. 
Estrelda granatina, Layard, B, 8. Afr. p. 199. 
Sir Andrew Smith found this species between the Kiegariep and 
Kurrichane, and we have received it from Mr. T. C. Atmore from 
Griqua Land. Writing from the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres says :—“ The 
first of these pretty birds which I met with I shot in the Mariqua 
district, amongst some very thick cover; and I afterwards found 
them plentiful all along the Limpopo: they are generally in pairs, 
but sometimes three or four may be seen together. All the Hstrelde 
are pretty nearly alike in their general movements, and eat similar 
food.” 
Mr. Frank Oates obtained the species at Tati, and Mr. T. E. ' 
Buckley also procured it in the Matabele country. Mr. Ayres states | 
that it was not uncommon along the Limpopo, but he fancies that 
it does not range beyond the Tatin River. 
Mr. Andersson observes:—* This species is not uncommon in 
Damara Land, but is more abundant further north, and also at Lake 
N’gami. It congregates in small flocks and feeds on little seeds, 
which it seeks upon the ground.” 
Chestnut; cheeks a well-defined and beautiful violet; front and 
rump blue; throat, vent, and tail black; bill red. Length, 6”; 
wings, 2’ 2'”’; tail, 3’”. 
According to Mr. Andersson, the iris is red, and the naked ring 
round the eye is usually red also, but sometimes of a greyish drab ; 
wal 
