9^ FOREIGN FINCHES IN CAPTIVITY. 



Waxbills or Grassfiiiches constructing their future residence, is con- 

 siderable ; so methodically, and yet rapidly, do the little architects 

 build up a firm and compact looking structure out of hay, flowering 

 grasses, and aloe fibre or rootlets, that one never tires of looking on 

 and marvelling at their skill. 



In the majority of the genera of these birds, the eggs deposited 

 are pure white, and entirely destitute of marking ; so that for purposes 

 of classification they are practically useless ; their differences are prin- 

 cipally those of form or size, both of which are liable to variation, due 

 to the health or age of the parents. 



ASTRILDS OR WAXBILLS. 



THIS section, though based upon the general form, colouring, 

 action, and song of the tiny birds so-called, is one not admitted 

 in purely scientific works; but is essentially a fancier's division, and 

 therefore a necessary one for the present Work. 



Generally speaking, the Waxbills fly in communities, often amount- 

 ing to large flocks, when not breeding; but, as the nesting season 

 arrives they separate into pairs or little bands of two or three pairs. 

 Their nests are frequently flask-shaped, and, with a covered passage 

 leading into the entrance, which is placed either in front, or at the 

 side, and often directed obliquely downwards; the outside material of 

 the nest usually consists chiefly of dry grass, but the interior is often 

 warmly lined with feathers, wool and other soft materials. 



In their actions the Waxbills are particularly sprightly, and they 

 have a way of jerking their tails from side to side, which gives them 

 an alert appearance even when feeding: their cries are sharp and 

 shrill, and several of them sing very prettily. 



In their wild state Waxbills feed on seeds of various grasses and 

 other small wild plants. It is, therefore, not surprising that, in the 

 aviary, they are more eager for grass-seed than for anything else ; 

 indeed nothing can give them greater pleasure, or produce more 



