434 . Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the 



In Java^ in some of the towns where there were many 

 thick-foliaged trees, this species used to collect at nights in 

 flocks of thousands, making a great noise with their wings 

 as they occasionally took flight before finally resting. 



Native Bornean name " Pipit Java."] 



177. MUNIA FUSCANS, 



Munia fuscans (Cass.) ; Salvad. t. c. p. 268 ; Sharpc, 

 P. Z. S. 1879, p. 344; Briiggem. t. c. p. 461. 

 a. ^ ad. Labuan, June 17, 1886. 



[This little Munia was at one time more common in 

 Labuan than it now is, having been driven away by its larger 

 ally, which, again, in no distant future will be driven before 

 the ever-increasing hordes of Padda oryzivora. 



It is now by no means common in Labuan, where it 

 frequents the rice-fields and gardens, nesting in the fruit- 

 trees. The nest is a large ball of various grasses Avith a 

 small hole at the side, around which project the seed-ends of 

 many grasses, almost hiding the entrance. 



The eggs are five, pure white, and may be found in January 

 and other months : axis 0*6 inch, diam. 0'45. I met with 

 this species on Kina Balu up to 1500 feet. 



Native name ''Pipit itham,^^] 



178. Munia brunneiceps. 



Munia brunneiceps, Walden, Trans. Z, S. viii. p. 73, pi. ix. 

 fig. 1 (1872). 



Munia atricapilla (V.); Salvad. t. c. p. 265; Sharpe, 

 Ibis, 1876, p. 50; id. P.Z.S. 1879, p. 344; id. P. Z. S. 

 1881, p. 798. 



a. $ ad. Labuan, June 30, 1885. 



b. Ad. Labuan, Dec. 1886. 



Having recently worked out these Chestnut-and-black 

 Weaver Finches, I find that the Bornean bird is the same 

 as the Celebean one : it has probably been introduced from 

 that island. 



[One of the commonest species, found in open districts, 

 where it is ever ready to pounce on the ripening rice of the 

 natives. In some places these little pests (unless the fields 



