PASSERINE BIRDS. 1 57 



its whole surface being either undulated, or the feathers bordered with black. Upon the breast some 

 of the individual feathers are marked with a black spot that takes the shape of the letter V. The 

 upper wing-covers are terminated by a greyish-red patch, thrown into strong relief by a black crescent 

 that divides it from the rest of the feathers. The wings are brown, edged with a yellow shade, and 

 the tail pale black, the under portion being grey, and the outer web of the exterior feathers white ; the 

 other tail-feathers, with the exception of the two middle ones, are entirely black. The male bird is 

 further distinguished from its mate by a broad band of rich carmine round the throat, which passes 

 along the lower part of its white face and neck. The eye is brown, as are the beak and legs. 



These birds are very numerous in their native lands ; they inhabit the continent of Africa from 

 east to west, avoiding the actual desert and primitive forests, as not affording the grasses and plants on 

 whose seeds they mainly rely for food. In their habits they are social, and may frequently be seen 

 flying over the country in parties that include not merely their own species, but many varieties of their 

 feathered relatives. These flocks will often alight close to the huts of the negroes, without the slightest 

 danger of repulse ; and pass the entire day in searching for food upon the ground. Should the 

 busy foragers be disturbed at their work, they rise at once to take shelter in some neighbouring tree, 

 where they while away the time by preening their feathers and singing, until the supposed danger is 

 over, when they return to the spot from whence they were driven. If attacked by a bird of prey, the 

 whole party takes refuge in some thickly-foliaged retreat, to which they also resort during the mid-day 

 heat to enjoy a siesta, thus protecting themselves from the burning rays of the sun ; later in the 

 afternoon they are again busy in the search for food. The breeding season commences in September 

 or October, the months which in Africa correspond to our European spring. In the countries watered 

 by the Nile these birds have only to dread the attacks of Falcons or Sparrow Hawks, for the natives 

 are content to frighten them from their fields of corn without wreaking further vengeance upon them. 

 It is remarkable that during the whole period of our residence in Africa we never saw one of them in the 

 huts of the natives, although the great numbers exported to various parts of the world come exclusively 

 from the tract of country watered by the Gambia. Hundreds of these " Bengalees," as they are called, 

 make the long sea voyage shut up together in a wooden cage, and but scantily provided with nourishment ; 

 yet, in spite of this treatment, and the deplorable condition in which they arrive, they speedily recover 

 health and spirits, appearing most grateful for any kindness shown to them. Few birds are more 

 attractive than this species, or better adapted for domestication ; indeed, the mutual attachment of 

 the little couples will bear comparison with that of the proverbially affectionate " Love Birds :" every 

 labour and pleasure is equally shared, the male scarcely allowing himself time for a song, so busily is 

 he occupied in cares for his pretty mate and her offspring. This amiable disposition is, however, by 

 no means exhibited in reference to other males, the little husband doing battle with all intruders with 

 such vigour and pertinacity as to render it quite impossible to keep more than one pair in a cage — at 

 least, during the breeding season. The nest is melon-shaped, and provided with a hole at the side 

 for an entrance ; it is built of grass or straw, snugly lined with wool. The brood consists of from four 

 to five eggs, dotted with small spots ; the young progeny are covered with down when hatched, and 

 should be fed at first upon the yolk of eggs, and afterwards with seeds, softened as they would be in 

 the crop of the parent bird. The breeding season commences in January, and continues until August, 

 when the feathers are moulted. 



The HOODED FINCHES (Sficrmcstes) resemble the members of the last-mentioned group in 

 the general shape of their bodies. The beak is short and thick, the upper mandible being furnished 

 with a shallow furrow, and slightly curved towards its extremity. The wings are comparatively short, 

 the first quill somewhat less than the second, which is the longest of all ; the strong tail is abruptly 



