PEKCHTNG-BIRDS. 131 



of Jamaica and other allied species build their domed nests in low trees 

 or bushes where wasps have constructed their paper nests. The object 

 of the bird is evidently to secure a position rendered safe from intruders 

 by the presence of these formidable insects^ with whom a league of 

 amity is established. 



Family XXXIV. Tanagrid^. Tanagers. 



These brilliantly coloured nine-primaried birds of the New World [Case 80.] 

 are closely related to the Finches, but may generally be distinguished 

 by possessing a notch towards the end of the upper mandible. Some are, 

 however, very closely related to the Finches, others to the Coerebida and 

 Mniotiltidm. About three hundred and fifty species are recognised, many 

 of which are well known on account of their gorgeous plumage, remark- 

 able even among the richly coloured birds of South America. The 

 most striking forms belong to the genera Chlorochrysa (2534-5), 

 Calliste (2Bli3-bi),Rhamphoccelus (2561), and Pyranffci (256b-l) ; some 

 of which are frequently imported as cage birds into Europe. 



Family XXXV. Ploceid/e. Weaver-Finches. 



The Weaver-Birds are nearly related to the Finches, but may be [Case 81.] 

 distinguished by possessing ten primary quills. They form a somewhat 

 numerous family of brightly coloured birds, distributed over the African, 

 Indian, and Australian regions. The trivial name is derived from the 

 skill shown by the typical members of the family in weaving their 

 remarkable nests, which are most ingeniously calculated to ensure the 

 safety of their young. Numerous examples of their architecture will be 

 found exhibited in the case. Many species have two seasonal plumages, 

 a fact which is especially noticeable in the males. In winter they are 

 mostly dull-coloured and striped with brown, but in the breeding- 

 season they are richly coloured, as in the species of Heterhyphantes 

 (2636), Hyphantornis (2638-40), and Ploceus (2641 ), while some develop 

 long ornamental tail-feathers [Penthetria (2585), Chera (2586), and 

 Vidua (2584)). 



Two subfamilies are recognized, the Viduina, in which the first 

 primary is very small and falcate, and the Ploceina, with the first 

 primary large and obtuse. 



To the first section belong the Viduas or Whydah-birds {Vidua prin- 

 cipalis (2584) and Chera progne (2586)), remarkable for their habit of 

 soaring during the breeding-season. Rising to a considerable height, 

 they hover in the air, with long arclied tail and flapping wings, and 

 presently descend with great velocity. With these ai'e associated many 

 well-known and attractive smaller forms frequently kept as cage-birds. 



