Descriptive List of the Common Birds 
a narrow black semicircular bar, so that the 
lower parts of the bird have the appearance of 
a nutmeg-grater: hence one of the popular 
names of the bird. Bill dark slaty blue. 
Does not occur in N.W. F. P. or Sind. 
(Illus. G. B., p. 16.) 
78. Stictospiza formosa: The Green Munia, 
or Green Waxbill. (F. 737), J. 705), (- I.) 
This beautiful little bird, which is barely 
two-thirds the size of the sparrow, is fre- 
quently caged. The upper plumage and 
wings are light green, brighter in the cock 
than in the hen; the tail is black, the lower 
parts are yellow, brighter in the cock than in 
the hen. Bill bright red. 
Distribution : Central India and Southern 
Bengal. 
79. Sporeginthus amandava: ‘The Indian 
Red Munia, or Red Waxbill, or Lal, or Ama- 
davat. (F. 738), (J. 704), (-I.) 
Every aviary in India boasts one or two 
amadavats. 
This is a tiny little bird with a bright red 
beak and red eyes. The general hue of the 
plumage is reddish brown with patches of the 
richest crimson and some tiny white spots. 
There is more crimson in the cock than in the 
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