Ornithology of the Gold Coast. 
69 
138. Euplectes flammiceps (Sw.) : Sharpe, p. 62. 
Widely distributed over the Gold Coast with E.franciscanus. 
In the rainy season, from May until August, these birds 
assume the full splendour of their plumage, and affect tall 
grassy spots near swamps, where they may be seen dotting the 
long grass like rubies. 
In the dry season they are no longer to be distinguished, 
and probably assume a dull plumage, like the female. I have 
seen specimens evidently in a state of transition. 
E.franciscanus. The above notes also apply to this species. 
139. Euplectes afer (Lath.): Sharpe, p. 62. 
Seen at times in large flocks, swamps being preferred by 
them. The males are very beautiful in their full plumage, 
and when rising from the ground present a most brilliant 
appearance. 
140. Penthetria macrura (Gm.): Sharpe, p. 63. 
Extremely common on the Gold Coast and in other parts 
of West Africa, Its habits much resemble those of Vidua 
principalis; and it is frequently seen with that bird and other 
Finches in grassy places. 
141. Vidua principalis (L.): Sharpe, p. 63. 
Very numerous over the whole Guinea Coast. It is not 
very sociable as regards its own species, but very fond of at¬ 
taching itself to the large flocks of small Finches and Bengalis 
which abound in the fields of cassava and maize at certain 
seasons of the year. 
Its long tail-feathers give it a peculiar appearance in flight, 
142. Spermestes cucullata, Sw.: Sharpe, p. 64. 
Exceedingly common on the west coast, where large flocks 
of them, in company with other Bengalis and Finches, rise 
when disturbed from the long grass, on the seeds of which 
they are very fond of feeding. They are captured in some 
quantities by the natives on various parts of the coast, espe¬ 
cially at the Gambia and in the French settlements in Senegal, 
whence they are exported with many other varieties of Finch 
to Europe. 
