The Ouail Finch.



171



the fallen seeds. If disturbed they rise suddenly, with a curious

metallic chirp, fly a short distance and settle again directly on

the ground without first perching on bushes or weeds. As a

rule their flight is rapid and direct, but they sometimes rise with

their usual sharp cry and fall again on the spot from which they

rose.”


In the Ibis for 1878 (p. 297) Mr. T. Ayres gives an account

of the nest of this species, as follows :—“ The nest was a very

rough structure, placed on the ground amongst the grass and not

easily seen, from its being composed of dead blades of grass ; it



was lined with a few coarse feathers, and in shape was much like

the nests of some of the Sunbirds, with a projecting eave over

the entrance, but all very rough. The eggs were five in number

and pure white; length, 0.54; breadth, 0.47.”


Mr. Guy Marshall, quoted by Capt. Shelley, writes from

Salisbury, in Mashonaland : “ I have noticed this little bird only

during the winter months, when it may be seen in considerable

flocks in open spaces about the town. It is very tame, allowing

approach within a few feet; but even then there is difficulty in

detecting it on the ground, owing to its protective upper side

colouring and diminutive size.”


It is much to be hoped that when the new Bird-house is



