PASSERINE BIRDS. 



165 



colour, and the outer web of the exterior tail-feathers are light grey, striped with a deeper shade. In 

 other respects this bird resembles the Grey species ; both are alike in their size, which does not 

 exceed four inches. 



The whole of Southern and Central Africa is graced by the presence of these beautiful creatures, 

 the " Little Pheasants " generally occupying such parts as are thickly wooded, and flying about the 

 country in small flocks, perching when in need of rest upon the bushes, from which they descend to 

 seek for seeds- upon the ground. These birds are extremely common in Natal, where we are told they 

 devour great numbers of winged termite ants, pursuing them in the same manner as that practised by 

 the Flycatchers. The nest of the Astrilds has been described as melon-shaped, and closed at the top ; 



DETACHED NEST OF MALE GOLD-FRONTED WEAVER BIRD 

 ( Oriolimts icUrocepJuilus). 



NEST OF ASTRILDA, 

 FROM SENEGAL. 



it is placed in beds of high grass, and built of fine leaves or stalks stoutly woven together, and 

 hanging loose about the exterior. The eggs, four or five in number, are carefully tended by both 

 parents, who sit alternately. As far as we can ascertain, the Pheasant Finches do not migrate, but 

 may be found living for years in the same districts. In disposition they are very attractive, and this, 

 combined with their beauty and rather pleasing voice, will account for the large numbers that are 

 captured and exported to Europe. 



We are now about to enter upon a description of one of the most remarkable groups of African 

 birds, the strange forms of whose very varied nests are no doubt familiar to many of our readers. It 

 would be difficult to imagine a more beautiful sight than that presented by a settlement of these most 

 artistic WEAVERS, their nests hanging not singly, but by dozens, from the branches of a tree, which 

 is generally selected with a view to being in the immediate vicinity of water. So strong and firm 

 is the work of the little architects that the rain and blasts of years will not shake their abodes from 

 their foundations, and it is by no means uncommon to see a tree thickly covered with the con- 

 secutive labours of many generations, and literally bending under the weight of tiiese curious and 

 elegant constructions. The central and western parts of Africa are particularly resorted to by these 

 birds, also long accounts are given us of their abundance in Java and Madagascar. 



