Catalogue of the Birds 



[Jan. 



Genus AMADINA, Swains. 

 Sub Genus ESTRELDA, Swains. 



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

 neah (the female), H. 



This pretty little bird is far from being conimon 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 speeds, buds, 

 &c. I have seen it only once or tVA ice in the Deccan, in the neighbour- 

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

 Mysore. Mr. Elliot saysj It is common in Dbarwar, particularly in 

 the sugar-cane fields, along with Spermestes Malacca. Though 1 have 

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

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

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

 caught in ^reat 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 kept by the natives), and that it will contirjue the 

 combat till blood is drawn on one or both sides. Length 4 1 inches; 

 wing 2 ; tail 1^ ; tarsus rather more than \ an inch ; bill to front xoths. 



Sub Genus SPERMESTES, Swains.— Lonchura, Sykes. 



The next four species most probably belong to Swainson's genus 

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

 thura, by their slightly acuminated tail. 



172 — S. nisoria, Temm. P. C. 500-2. — Loxla pnnctida7'ia, Auct.? — ■ 

 Sing baz or sheeti haz, "H.— Chesnut throated Jinch. 



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

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

 small parties of 4 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 w^ooded spots, near large towns in the tableland. It 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, blate blue ; irides dark brown. Length 4i j 

 wing 2TVths; tail 1^; tarsus yoths ; bill at front yoths. 



