BIEDS OF EGYPT. 153 



parently, been able to identify the species, which he fancies 

 must belong to the genus Euplectes, as Antinori has heard that 

 it is found in spring near Jaffa in bright plumage. If it 

 should be a Weaver bird, this will be, as Von Heuglin 

 justly remarks, a curious circumstance, as extending the 

 range of the genus Euplectes into the Palsearctic region. 



The following is Antinori's description : — " Very small 

 the whole of the upper surface of the body chestnut-olive, 

 underneath of an ochreous-isabelline colour ; wings dusky ; 

 tail-feathers blackish, the side ones terminating in a yellowish- 

 grey spot ; bill black ; feet horn-colour. Size of Amadina 

 ultramarina." 



123. ^GioTHUS RUFESCENS (Vieill.). Lesser Bedpole. 



I include this species on the authority of Riippell, but 

 I think it is highly probable that it is not met with in Egypt ; 

 for Von Heuglin observes that he never found it in any part 

 of North-eastern Africa, and I myself know of no instance of 

 its capture there. 



I have not given a detailed description of this well-known 

 bird. It may briefly be said that it is like the Common 

 Linnet, but is much smaller, with brighter crimson on the 

 forehead and breast, and having a white belly, with stripes 

 on the flanks and no white on the tail. This diagnosis will 

 serve for the recognition of the species should any one meet 

 with the bird in Egypt. 



Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 194. 



