THE FINCH BS. 83 



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 con- 

 fined to Africa, whence some species are regularly ex- 

 ported; 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 (Steganum 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 breed. If signs of nesting are apparent, 

 insects or soft food should be supplied ; at other times the 

 ordinary canary and millet seed, &c., will be sufficient. 



