WEAVER-FINCHES 
Phceidae 
This is a large family of small birds, superficially very 
like the finches and bunting^s but distinguished by certain 
structural diflferences. Several members of the genus Munia 
are very common in Singapore but these do not display the 
same skill in the construction of their nests as does the 
common weaver-bird (Ploceus passerinus htforiunains) which 
is., however, not at all common in Sinj^apore and can only be 
accorded passing notice. For the greater part of the year both 
sexes are dull insignificant-looking birds, in size and gent-rai 
appearance not unlike the hen sparrow of English towns. The 
upper parts are brown with copious dark streaks and the under- 
parts very pale unifonn brown or buff. The male, however, 
has a more resplendent dress which he wears in the summer, 
but loses again at the autumn moult. In this plumage the top 
of the head is bright yellow and the chin and throat are very 
dark brown. 
The bottle-shaped nest composed of very closely woven- 
grass is suspended (by the ^^neck") from a twig and although 
apparently insecure, swaying in the breeze, it is almost im- 
possible to detach the nest from its supports without tearing 
it to pieces. 
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