THE WHIDAH BIRDS. 335 



captuiingand eating the numerous parasitic insects which always infest those large quadrupeds. 

 The buffaloes are quite sensible of the benefit wliich is conferred upou them by their feathered 

 allies, and move about quite unconcernedly while serving as pasture-groimds for the A\'eaver 

 Birds. 



Another iniportiint service is rendered to the buffalo by this Weaver Bird. It is a watch- 

 ful and suspicious creature, and at the first intimation of danger it flies abruptly into the air 

 from the buffalo's back. The beast, who, as long as the AVeaver Bird remained quietly on his 

 back, continued to feed calmly, is roused by the sudden flutter of the wings, and raises its 

 head to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. Should it see grounds for apprehension, the 

 alarm is given, and tiie whole herd dash oft' to a jjlace of safety, accompanied by theii' watch- 

 ful feathered friends. 



-'zMMm 



tiji^^'^ii^^i^^ 



RED-BILLED and ALECTO WEAVER BIRD.— Tc/Mr dlnemelli and alecio. 



Tills species has also been brought to Europe, and accommodates itself so well to the 

 climate that the Parisian bird-dealers are able to breed it like the canary, though not with 

 quite such success. The general color of this bird is blackish-ln'own, variegated with white 

 on the primaries, and reddish-brown below. The chin is black, as is a patch on the ears, and 

 the beak is crimson, with a dash of purple on the sides. Sometimes the plumage varies 

 slightly, and when the bird is in peculiarly fine condition and has arrived at its full maturity, 

 a roseate hue appears on several parts of the body, and gives to it a very pleasing aspect. 



Among the birds which are grouped together under the title of Weavers, none are more 

 curious than those species which are popularly knoAvn by the title of Widow Birds, and mora 

 rightly by the name of Whidah Birds. 



