220 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



Snakes, too, also inveterate nest-robbers, some of them living 

 almost exclusively on young birds and eggs, are effectually de- 

 barred from entering the nests, so that the parent birds need not 

 trouble themselves about either foe. Although they may repose 

 in perfect safety, undismayed by the approach of either snake or 

 monkey, they never can see one of their enemies without scolding 

 at it, screaming hoarsely, shooting close to its body, and, if possi- 

 ble, indulging in a passing peck. Such a scene is depicted in the 

 illustration, where Weaver Birds of several species have united 

 in their attacks upon a monkey that is endeavoring to rob a nest, 

 and has met with a suitable fate. 



We will now proceed to examine the several species, together 

 with their nests and general habits. 



Our first example of the African Weavers is the Red-billed 

 Weaver Bird, one of the most plentiful of its kind. Its scien- 

 tific name is Textor erythrorhynchus, and it is remarkable for at- 

 tending the buffaloes wherever they go. Should the buffalo be 

 driven from any locality, as is often the case when civilization be- 

 gins to make its mark on a country, the Red-billed Weaver Bird 

 also disappears, and is only to be found in those parts of the land 

 where its huge associate can live in security. 



The reason for this peculiarity is, that the bird finds the greater 

 part of its food upon the buffalo, catching and devouring the va- 

 rious parasites and insects which always accompany these animals. 

 Wherever the buffalo exists, there the Weaver Bird may be seen, 

 flitting about the animal as unconcernedly as if it were carved out 

 of wood, perching on its head and pecking among the hair, set- 

 tling on the massive horns and leaping at passing flies, while ever 

 and anon it makes a dash along the back, digs away at the thick 

 hide, and presently sits quietly on the buffalo, eating something 

 which it has just secured. 



The buffalo has very good reason to encourage the presence of 

 its feathered allies, for not only do they free it from the trouble- 

 some insects, but they are always vigilant, and serve to detect dan- 

 ger. As soon as the bird perceives, or fancies that it perceives, 

 any thing that is suspicious, it ceases from feeding, and looks anx- 

 iously about. Should its suspicions prove correct, the bird flies 

 in the air with the peculiar whirring sound that is indicative of 

 danger, and which is known to the buffalo as well as to itself. 

 As soon as the signal of danger is thus given, the buffalo dashes 



