A. Morrison—The Genus Sporophila



71



Habitat. —Guiana, Columbia, Peru, and Amazonia.


References. —Neunzig, 240. Butler, 145. Bird Notes , vol. vi, p. 62.


This is by far the prettiest Sporophila that I have seen and it is

in every way a most delightful little bird. It was first imported privately

in 1906 but this year a good many have been imported. The price is

fairly high, but even so the bird is well worth it. It is a hardy bird and

in disposition resembles the Reddish Finch. It is said to be a pretty

songster, but as I have only possessed a hen, I cannot vouch for the

accuracy of the statement


Natterers Finch (S. pileata)


Male.— Above, pale brown mottled with blackish, rump tawny

brown ; crown, nape, and lores black ; under parts pale reddish,

darker on the sides and flanks ; centre of abdomen white ; wing feathers

blackish edged with pale brown ; inner primaries white at base of outer

webs forming a white patch ; tail feathers dark brown with paler edges

and whitish tips ; legs and feet greyish brown ; bill black.


Juvenile Male and Female. —I can find no description.


Plate.—Ibis , 1871, plate 1 (male).


Habitat. —S.E. Brazil.


References.—Ibis , 1919, p. 83. Russ, 570


In the Ibis mentioned above Mr. Blaaw gives an interesting account

of a male of this species which he bought in 1911 in Santos and brought

home to Holland with him. It possesses an interesting eclipse plumage

when the black cap and reddish under parts are replaced with plain

buff colour, the bill becoming brown. It is a fine songster but appears

to be excessively vicious with other birds.


In addition to the twenty-one species given already, Russ mentions

the following though they are not known to have been imported :

Sporophila hypoxantha,


S. cinnamonea,


S. nigrorufa,



S. telasco,

S. bicolor.



