THE EED-BILLED WEAA^E BIED. 



455 



colour of its plumage according to the time of year, and after the breeding season is over, 

 its head assumes a tint somewhat like that of the back. It is by no means a large bird, 

 its total length being a little more than six inches. 



One of the best known of these curious birds is the Eed-billed Weaver Bied. 



This species is common in Southern Africa, and is notable for its habit of attending 

 the herds of buffaloes in a manner somewhat similar to that of the African beef-eater, 

 which has already been described. It does not, however, peck the deep-seated grubs 

 from the hide, as its bill is not sufficiently strong for that purpose, but devotes itself 

 to the easier task of capturing and eating the numerous parasitic insects which always 

 infest those large quadrupeds. The buffaloes are quite sensible of the benefit which is 

 conferred upon them by their feathered allies, and move about quite imconcernedly while 

 serving as pasture-grounds for the Weaver Birds. 



RED-BILLED WEAVER BIRD.— Trator erythrorhnnclins. 



Another important service is rendered to the buffalo by this Weaver Bird. It is a 

 watchful and suspicious creature, and at the first intimation of danger it flies abruptly 

 into the air from the buffalo's back. The beast, who as long as the Weaver Bird 

 remained quietly on his back, continued to feed calmly, is roused by the sudden flutter of 

 the wings and raises its head to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. Should it see 

 grounds for apprehension, the alarm is given, and the whole herd dash off to a place of 

 safety, accompanied by their watchf\il feathered friends. 



This species has also been brought to Europe, and accommodates itself so well to the 

 climate that the Parisian bird-dealers are able to breed it like the canarj', though not 

 with quite such success. The general coloiir of this bird is blackish brown, variegated 

 with white on the primaries, and reddish brown below. The chin is black, as is a patch 

 on the ears, and the beak is crimson, with a dash of purple on the sides. Sometimes the 

 plumage varies slightly, and when the bird is in peculiarly fine condition and has 

 arrived at its full maturity, a roseate hue appears on several parts of the body, and gives 

 to it a very pleasing aspect. 



Among the birds which are grouped together under the title of Weavers, none are 

 more curious than those sjiecies which are popularly known by the title of Widow Birds, 

 and more rightly by the name of "WTiidah Birds. 



