212 
Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall on 
92. Ortygospiza polyzona. (Little Barred -breasted 
Finch.) 
I have noticed this little bird only during the winter 
months, when it may be seen in considerable flocks in open 
spaces about the town. It is very tame, allowing approach 
within a few feet; but even then there is difficulty in 
detecting it on the ground, owing to its protective upperside 
colouring and diminutive size. It feeds on grass-seeds. 
93. Lagonosticta jamesoni. (Jameson's Ruddy Waxbill.) 
I first noticed these pretty little birds in November 1897, 
there being a few flocks along the river and among the granite 
kopjes close to Salisbury, but they disappeared shortly 
afterwards. In general habits they resembled the Common 
Waxbill. 
94. Estrilda astrild. (Common Waxbill.) 
Occurs plentifully, sometimes in very large flecks, along 
rivers and on cultivated lands. 
95. Estrilda angolensis. (Blue-breasted Waxbill.) 
Though common along the Umfuli, this Waxbill is scarce 
near Salisbury, usually occurring in pairs. I have not 
found its nest in Mashonaland, but in Natal it builds in 
mimosa-bushes, making a rough unlined nest of fine grass, 
with an entrance at the side. An interesting fact is that 
the nest is almost invariably placed in close proximity to, or 
even touching, one or more of the hanging nests of a powerful 
social wasp (Belenogaster rufipennis ), as though the bird 
were aware that these would form an admirable protection 
against many enemies. The eggs are pure white, and measure 
15 X 11 mm. 
96. Anaplectes rubriceps. (Red-headed AVeaver.) 
This handsome species is common about Salisbury, 
occurring in pairs in the bush, where it searches the trees 
and bushes assiduously for insects, often hanging back 
downward, like a Tit. It is very partial to the social spiders 
(Stegodyphus ), and I once watched a bird pecking away 
at a spider's nest for over half an hour, during which time 
