The Waxbill Family. 101 



THE AVADAVAT WAXBILL, Estrelda amandava (illus- 

 trated at Fig. 35), is a common Indian bird, also 

 known as the Tiger Finch. It is about the same size 

 as the Grey Waxbill, but is subject to numerous 

 changes of plumage, not only at different ages, but at 

 different seasons of the year. It is decidedly a more 

 delicate creature than the African Waxbills, but should 

 be fed and treated as advised for them. 



When in full plumage the male is a handsome little 

 fellow, resplendent in bronze and gold, and plentifully 

 speckled with white spots; the female is grey, and 



FIG. 35. THE AVADAVAT WAXBILL. 



does not change colour, but when the male is in undress 

 he resembles his partner in a general way, only that 

 his costume is a trifle darker than hers. 



One great drawback these little birds have namely, 

 they are very apt to become bald and otherwise 

 featherless; and when this happens, I have never known 

 the plumage to be reproduced. 



Some I had for a long time used to build nests 

 freely, but never laid, and I believe it is very rare for 

 the Avadavat to breed in this country. 



