THE WIDOW FINCH. 309 



respect from the rest. The number of tail-feathers is 

 thus founcl to be twelve, as in the other Finches, and 

 consists either of four long feathers and eight short 

 ones, or when the number of long feathers is reduced 

 to two, of ten equal feathers in addition. This latter 

 circumstance would alone be sufficient to prove the 

 justice of M. Vieillot's conclusion, which is now admit- 

 ted by M. Cuvier, who formerly professed the contraiy 

 opinion. In one remarkable species, however, the 

 twelve equal feathers of the tail appear to be inde- 

 pendent of six elongated coverts by which it is shaded. 



These birds have much of the manners, as they have, 

 with the exception of the peculiar structure of their 

 tails, all the organization, of the Linnets. In captivity, 

 which they endure without much appearance of con- 

 straint, they are lively and active, jumping from perch 

 to perch, and alternately raising and depressing their 

 long tails with much vivacity. They are usually fed 

 upon grain, with the occasional addition of green 

 herbs ; and are fond of bathing in the water which is 

 placed in their cage. Twice a year they are subject to 

 changes of plumage, which alter the appearance of the 

 male especially to such an extent, that it would be 

 difficult to recognise in him the same bird. The long 

 feathers, which are his peculiar attribute, fall off towards 

 the end of autumn, and with the other changes that 

 take place in his plumage, leave him little to distinguish 

 him during the winter months from his plainer mate. 

 But in spring he recovers his long feathers, his more 

 brilliant hues, and his sharp but agreeable and varied 

 note ; the change being usually completed by the 

 beginning of June. It is said that they live for twelve 

 or fifteen years. 



The male of the present species in his summer dress 

 is throughout of a brioht black, with the exception of 

 the back of the neck, which is half surrounded by a 



