84 



THE FAEMEE, S FOES 



It is gregarious in habits and a great fruit thief, but feeds 

 largely on caterpillars and insects. It builds in krantzes, 

 laying three to five blue-green eggs marked with a few 



Pig. 43. — Red-wing Starling at nest. 



red-brown blotches. It has a peculiar whistle which is 

 emitted while the bird is flying. 



WEAYER-BIRDS 



Amongst the Weaver-Birds (Ploceidce) there are several 

 species of gregarious habits, which do a large amount of 

 damage to the ripening grain crops. These are notably 

 Qnslea quelea (Pink-bUled Weaver), which is easily recognised 

 even in winter by the pink colour of the bill — the Eed 

 Bishop-Bird [Pyromelana oryx), and the Long-tailed Widow- 

 Bird {Diatropura procne). 



