192 BIRDS 



and tail are brownish. The Taha Weaver (P. taha) once 

 was rare in captivity, but during recent years has become 

 even more abundant with us than the Napoleon. This- 

 species differs from its congener in having the entire under- 

 parts black, not divided by a yellow pectoral band. 



The Red-billed Weaver (Quelea quelea) is a commonly 

 imported species. The head of the male, with the excep- 

 tion of the black cheeks and throat, is rosy pink, which 

 extends to the chest and abdomen. The back, wings and 

 tail are brownish, and the bill is bright red. Russ' Weaver 

 (Q. russi) is similar, but has the facial mark whitish instead 

 of black. This bird is considered by many to be merely a 

 variation of the typical form. 



The Madagascar Weaver (Foudia madagascariensis) 

 is black above in the male, the feathers of the back being 

 edged with bright scarlet and the head, neck and breast 

 entirely of this hue. When in full color it is one of the 

 handsomest of the weavers; It exceeds the others, if pos- 

 sible, in pugnacity, and cannot be caged with smaller birds. 



The Masked Weavers (Hyphantornis and Sitagra) are 

 yellow or olive in general, with black markings about the 

 head and throat. There are a number of species, none of 

 which is abundant Ifere. As they are less handsome than 

 most of the weavers, and no better natured, they are not 

 particularly popular among bird-keepers. 



The Waxbills include some of the smallest and most beau- 

 tifully colored of cage birds. Their songs, which are almost 

 negligible, nevertheless are delivered with a will, and their 

 dainty manners and soft, harmonious shades endear them 

 to all. With the exception of the Strawberry Finch, which 

 comes from India, all of the common species are African. 



Unlike the Whydahs and Weavers, the Waxbills do not 

 have an eclipse plumage, retaining the same colors through- 

 out the year, the Strawberry Finch being the single excep- 



