GROSBEAK. 233 



We are inclined to think the above may be the Baya,* of India ; 

 said to be larger than the Sparrow, a yellow brown plumage, yel- 

 lowish head and feet, light coloured breast, and conic thick bill ; 

 that it is the most docile of all birds ; perching on its master's hand ; 

 building on the highest trees, especially Palmyra or Indian Fig Tree, 

 chiefly over the water ; supposed to feed on fire-flies, as the remains 

 have been found in the nest ; fetches and carries at command ; lays 

 many eggs, resembling pearls, which when boiled, the white is 

 transparent, and the flavour excellent ; has a lively note, but more 

 like chirping than singing. 



A.— Le Baglafecht, Buf. iii. 469. Daud. ii. 394. A. Gen. Syn. iii. 130. 



In this the irides are yellow ; the black on the sides of the head 

 rises above the eyes ; the mixture of brown and black on the back 

 less distinct ; and the greater wing coverts, quills, and tail, greenish 

 brown, edged with yellow ; the wings reach to the middle of the tail. 



Inhabits Abyssinia, and is probably a mere Variety, and not far 

 different in manners ; as it is said to make a very curious nest, with an 

 opening to that quarter from whence the least rain may be expected. 



The Philippine Grosbeak inhabits Java, where it is called 

 Manyar-kembang, and seems much to correspond both as to plumage 

 and manners with the Bengal, or last Species. 



26.— MANYAR GROSBEAK. 



Fringilla Manyar, Lin. Trans, xiii. p, 160. — Horsfield. 



LENGTH five inches. Plumage above brown, the feathers mar- 

 gined with ferruginous ; beneath yellowish white ; chin and breast 

 deeper ; over the eye a yellowish streak. 

 Inhabits Java, by the name of Manyar. 



* See an account of a nest of a bird called a Baya, under the article Tailor Warbler; 

 but it is totally of a different construction, and cannot be the same with the above. A full 

 account of the manners of the Baya may be seen in the View of Hindoostan, ii. 265. 



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