282 FOREIGN FINCHES IN CAPTIVITY. 



Finch occurs in abundance, one finds the nests at less distance apart ; 

 nevertheless, each male zealously guards his little territory. At the 

 Gold Coast I found eggs in the nests in August ; in the Carneroons 

 in November." 



Dr. Russ received this species from Jamrach, but he speaks of it 

 as being very rare. Several examples have come into the London 

 market during the last two or three years. In the fact that the male 

 builds, it approaches the Weavers. 



Illustrations from skins in the Natural History Museum. 



THE WEAVERS. 



SO called from the fact that these birds are most industrious and 

 clever architects, weaving strong and very curious nests. As a 

 rule this work is done by the males, although my experience with the 

 Orange Bishop would tend to show that the females are capable of 

 doing equally good work. In the case of the genus Ploceus the nests 

 are completed by both sexes conjointly, and if males alone are kept in 

 an aviary the nests are never completed. 



The species, both of Quelea and Ploceus are incessant weavers ; they 

 like nothing better ; even in a small cage they will plait thread, worsted 

 or hay, in and out of the wires for their own amusement. 



By scientists the Viduine Weavers are placed among the Ornamental 

 Finches, from which they are distinguished by their marked changes 

 of plumage, the multiform character of their nests, their coloured eggs, 

 and the harshness of their songs. These peculiarities do not, however, 

 serve to distinguish the Viduine from the Ploceine Weavers; which, 

 consequently, are associated by aviarists under one title. 



The season of love, in all Weaver-birds, is characterized by a 

 marvellous accession of colour in the plumage of the males; though, 

 during their season of quietude, many of them are barely distinguishable 

 from their soberly coloured wives, they now don the most brilliant 

 dress, many of the species- showing neck-ruffs, lengthened upper tail- 

 coverts, and flank plumes, which greatly add to their beauty. 



