THE FINCHES. 87 



In this state they are almost exactly like the young of 

 another very common Munia, the Black-headed Nun of 

 English dealers (Munia atricapilla), which, when adult, 

 is rich chestnut with a jet-black head and belly. The 

 Spotted Munia is found nearly all over the Empire, but 

 does not go very high up in the Himalayas ; I have seen 

 it breeding in the compound of the Forest School at 

 Dehra Dun. Munias do not breed in company like 

 Weavers, and their nests are very different, being large 

 balls of grass, with an opening in one side, placed in a 

 bush. About half-a-dozen small white eggs are laid, and 

 in the case of the present species, at any rate, the whole 

 family, parents and children, use the nest as a dormitory 

 when the latter are fledged. This is the opportunity of 

 the wily native, who, approaching the little snuggery 

 at night, closes its mouth with a cloth and carries off the 

 inmates. 



The Nutmeg-bird, like most other Munias, has a most 

 peculiar song ; he goes through all the motions of singing, 

 with rather an extra display of energy, but hardly a sound 

 escapes him audibly to us ; no doubt, however, his mate 

 hears and appreciates his "top-notes." 



THE SHARP-TAILED MUNIA (Uroloncha acuticauda) much 

 resembles the Nutmeg-bird in size and form, but is slightly 

 smaller with a longer tail. In colour it is dark brown, 

 with the flanks and belly very pale brown, sharply con- 

 trasted ; all the feathers have pale shafts, which gives the 

 plumage a streaky appearance. The bill is black above 

 and blue-grey below. This bird in its natural state is not 

 common in captivity, but the domesticated variety bred 



