PER CHING-BIRDS 



141 



graduated, with the two middle pairs longest of all. This bird, which approximates 

 in size and colour to a reed-warbler, is dark brown above with a greenish rump, 

 and rusty brownish white below, the under tail-coverts being yellow, and the throat 

 white with a dark brown streak. Its 

 cup-like nest is constructed mainly of 

 grass and fibres, and placed in low 

 bushes; while the eggs, in their 

 purplish brown blotches and streaks, 

 recall those of the buntings. In the 

 wagtail group (Motacillidce) the ex- 

 clusively Ethiopian genus Macronyx, 

 characterised by the yellow or red 

 colouring of the under-parts, is repre- 

 sented by several species ; among them 

 is the Cape wagtail (if. capensis), of 

 the southern districts, a bird rather 

 larger than a crested lark, and of 

 somewhat similar colouring above, 

 but with an orange and black-edged 

 throat. 



The so-called sociable grosbeak 

 (Philetcerus socius) belongs to the 

 weaver-bird group, Ploceidce, one 

 section of which is peculiar to 

 Ethiopia. The sociable species is 

 chiefly noteworthy on account of its 

 breeding-habits, the huge nest, which 

 is constructed with a roof of straw, 

 being the work of some three hundred 

 pairs of birds. In shape and size 

 recalling a hay-cock, this remarkable 

 structure is usually built in thorn- 

 trees, with the entrance on the lower 

 surface, so that it also serves as a 

 protection against wind and rain. 

 These nests, which are constantly 

 being repaired, are stated to last for 

 years. In appearance and colour the 

 cocks resemble sparrows, but the hens 

 are paler. To the same family 

 belongs the striped finch (Amadina 

 fasciata), a tropical species with its 

 plumage coloured a mixture of 

 reddish brown and black, the cheeks and chin of the cocks having a broad red 

 stripe, and the margin of the upper half of the beak being festooned. Somewhat 

 smaller is the so-called lesser magpie (Spermestes cucullatus), a species also con- 



LONG-TAILED SUN-BIRD. 



