My Whydahs — Past and Present. 
37 
I think that the reason for this side to side movement of 
the head may be either that the bird is keepini;' a look out for 
large enemies that might destroy liini, or that the song is sung 
in defiance of males of the same species, as when a cock crows a 
challenge to other cocks, and the challenger is keeping a sharp 
U^ok out for any rival who may come to question his right to his 
own particular piece of hedge or even for his mate. 
(Jr, at the beginning of the mating season he may be 
keeping a sharp look out for the arrival of a hen which is 
attracted by his song. 
It is desirable that the distribution of the Cirl Bunting in 
the British Islands should be brought up-to-date, as my impres- 
sion is that it is found in more places than it used to be, but it 
may Ite that more observers are recognising this bird. 
T'erhaps some of the members of our Society will write 
aiid tell us of districts where they know this bird is to be found. 
C-^-f^^ 
My Whydahs — Past and Present. 
By S. W illiams, F.Z.S. 
During the past fifteen years it has been my good fortune 
to possess several species of this charming family. 
My first was the Paradise W'hydah (Stegantira paradisea ) . 
which could be then j)urchased for about 2/6 each, and so on 
until the year 1915. This was, of course, when it was out of 
colour. At this period it is a buff and brown bird with black 
line on the head. .\,s the breeding season approaches the 
change is wonderful ! The head, beak and wings become black, 
and a collar of rich mahogany-brown meets on the 
breast and runs down until it fades away in the buf^ish-white 
of the breast and abdomen. From the ordinary tail two long 
shaft feathers grow which sometimes reach a foot in length, and 
also two shorter ones shaped like fans, to the ends of which a 
thin, hair-like growth is attached. When in full plumage this 
male is very handsome. The hen has no eclipse plumage and 
remains just a sober buflfish colour. Although I had six males 
together in the aviary they agreed very well, and did not molest 
smaller birds. 
