2S Catalogue of the Birds [Jan. 



Genus AMADINA, Swains. 



Sub Genus ESTRELDA, Swains. 



171. — E. amandava. — Fringilla amandava, L. — Lai (the male), Moo- 

 neah (the female), H. 



This pretty little bird is far from being common in the South of 

 India. I have seen it in greatest abundance on the top of the Neil- 

 gherries, where it frequents meadows and bushy ground, but frequently 

 also enters gardens, and is considered destructive to various seeds, buds, 

 &c. I have seen it only once or twice in the Dei can, in the neighbour- 

 hood of well wooded towns. It is said to be common in some parts of 

 Mysore. Mr. Elliot says, " It is common in Dharwar, particularly in 

 the sugar-cane fields, along with Spermestes Malacca. Though I have 

 never myself observed it in the Carnatic, I am informed it is met with 

 in some districts, especially about Arcot, and that ii builds its nest 

 of well woven grass, attaching it to a stalk of rawula. It is 

 caught in gieat quantities in certain parts, and kept in cages with the 

 next and other species. It is said to fight with great courage (for 

 which purpose it is kppt by the natives), and that it will continue the 

 combat till blood is drawn on one or both sides. Length 4 J inches; 

 wing 2; tail 1£ ; taisus rather more than £ an inch ; bill to front Toths. 



Slb Genus SPERMESTES, Swains.— Lohchura, Sykes. 



The next four species m<>>t probably belong to Swainson's genus 

 Spermestes, though they are probably aberrant species, leading to Ery- 

 thura, by their slightly acuminated tail. 



172 — 5. ?ii*oria, Temm. P. C. 500-2. — Loxia pnnctularia, Auct.? — 

 Sing baz or sheen lax., H.— Ckesnut throated Jinch. 



I hive hitherto only found this pretty species on the Neilgherries, 

 frequenting long grass and bushes, and feeding on various seeds in 

 small parties of 1 or 5. I am informed, however, that it is met occa- 

 sionally in various parts of the country, as in Mysore, and some of the 

 more wooded spots, near large towns in the tableland. Ii is enume- 

 rated both in Mr. Elliot's and Colonel Syke's catalogues. The upper 

 tail coverts have a strong yellow tinge, and a glistening waxy sort of 

 lustre. Bill and legs, blare blue: irides dark brown. Length 4* j 

 wing 2 T Vthsj tail 1£; tarsus fVhs . bill at front T Vhs. 



