Finches. 2 1 7 



made another entrance-hole at the top of the opposite 

 side; this weakened the nest, and it gave way and 

 fell to the ground, which disheartened them so much 

 that they did not attempt to weave again. In October 

 the beautiful plumage of the male was replaced by the 

 dull brown colouring of the spring. Both birds lived 

 peaceably with the Canaries, taking but little notice 

 of them generally, but if affronted, punishing the 

 offender by suddenly swooping down and jumping 

 upon him. They had a harsh kind of croak, and the 

 male did not sing. The RED-HEADED WEAVER 

 (Ploceus erythrops) is a common cage bird also, but it 

 is not in any way remarkable. 



The BISHOP BIRDS form another family of Weavers 

 (Euplectes), sometimes called " Fire Weavers " or " Fire 

 Finches." They are distinguished by their splendid 

 plumage during the breeding season : rich velvety 

 black with bright red or yellow being the prevailing 

 colours. Not only does the colour, but also the tex- 

 ture of the feathers change at that time, the plumage 

 becoming more soft and glossy. In their natural 

 condition this lasts about four or five months ; in 

 captivity it varies both in duration and brilliancy, 

 depending on the light and air they get, as well as on 

 the food provided for them. The common BISHOP 

 BIRD (Eiiplcctes ignicolor), the ORANGE or CRIMSON- 

 CROWNED WEAVER is a splendid bird when in full 

 plumage : the forehead, sides of the head, chin, and 



