woven with the nest ; the eggs were five in number, of 
a transparent white, spotted with large and small blotches / 
of red, and a few splashes of ash colour ; one of the eggs 
was taken, and the nest was suffered to remain, in hopes 
that a future visit might prove more satisfactory. At the 
expiration of a week we again repaired to the spot, but 
found the nest had been forsaken ; another nest was dis- 
covered of a similar fabric, with the eggs corresponding ; 
in this nest were eight eggs, about the size of those of the 
Blue Titmouse, but rather longer. 
This beautiful species feeds on insects and s^eds, particu- 
larly those of various species of aquatic grass, also on the 
pupa of such insects as retire to the heads or flowers of 
rushes and reeds. Thej are generally found, except during 
the breeding season, in small flocks of six to ten birds ; their 
call is a sharp chirp, repeated two or three times ; they are 
shy, and one we caught alive refused all sustenance, and 
perished. 
The length of this bird is about six inches and a half ; 
breadth nine inches and a half; weight half an ounce. 
Bill nearly half an inch long, slightly curving ; irides rufous 
yellow ; the two middle feathers of the tail the longest, the 
other feathers gradually becoming shorter as they approach 
the outside ; legs deep black. 
The female has none of the black feathers on the sides of 
the head, is more dusky on the under parts, and is duller 
coloured than the male. The young resemble the female 
during the first year. 
