THE FINCHES. 83 



over, but the wings and tail are of a streaky brown, and 

 there is a black stripe along each side of the face. This 

 brilliant little bird makes a fine addition to an aviary, 

 but should be kept with strong companions, as he may 

 show the vicious Weaver temper. The nest is round, 

 not of the remarkable shape of that built by the Indian 

 Baya Weaver. 



The Whydah-birds are not found in India, but are 

 confined to Africa, whence some species are regularly 

 exported ; they are allied to the Weavers, the males, like 

 cock Weaver-birds, losing their beauty of plumage after 

 breeding. One species can often be had in Bombay. 



THE PARADISE WHYDAH (Steganura paradisea)* This 

 species is, when " out of colour," about the size of a 

 Canary, and not unlike it in shape, with a rather small 

 bill ; its plumage is pale brown with dark streaks, the 

 crown of the head being black with a few broad streaks 

 of a light colour. The hen is always like this, but the 

 cock, when in full summer plumage, is a very different 

 and most remarkable bird. His tail becomes about twice 

 his whole length of body, and droops in a graceful curve, 

 the long feathers being also very broad. The plumage 

 turns to a velvety black, with the exception of the neck, 

 which is chestnut, and of the belly, which is white. 

 Altogether, he has a very distinguished appearance, and 

 it is amusing to see him, when on the ground, arching his 

 big tail to keep it out of the dirt. The Paradise Whydah 

 is a harmless, hardy, and long-lived bird ; but, from the 

 size of his tail, he is not suited for a cage, though a great 

 acquisition in an aviary, where he may be induced to 



