46 Mr. Gr. L. Bates— Field-Notes on the 
1350. Melanopteryx nigerrimus. [Eyeleso, or Evindi 
Nga/a.] 
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908,, p. 350. 
Ploceus nigerrimus Reich. V. A. iii. p. 50. 
The note already published (‘ Ibis/ 1908, p. 350) gives in a 
few words nearly all that I can say of the habits of these birds. 
The Bulu often call them by the same name as Hyphantornis 
cucullatus , or “ Nga’a,” and for distinction “ Evindi ” [i.e. 
“ black") “Nga'a." The reason for applying to two birds 
of such different appearance the same name is evident when 
one knows their habits. The two species not only build 
nests exactly alike and in the same situations, but often 
mingle their nests together in the same colony. Moreover, 
the females and the young males of the two are much alike, 
and the two species live on the same farinaceous food, and 
have muscular stomachs or gizzards, while the other Weavers 
of the same size found here live mostly on insects. While 
the other Weavers build solitary nests, a pair in a place in 
an inconspicuous situation, and never go about in flocks, the 
present species, like Hyphantornis cucullatus , is seldom seen 
except in flocks, and builds in colonies in conspicuous places 
about villages. From seeing these birds in life it would 
seem natural to me to put them and Hyphantornis in the 
same genus, as the Bulu do, and not in the same genus with 
Sycobrotus, &c. 
No. 2000. I mm., sex ? Bitye, R. Ja, Oct. 25, 1906. 
Stomach full of insect bits. 
No. 2349. $ ad. Bitye, March 17, 1907. Small ova in 
ovary. Stomach not muscular, containing black scales. 
Iris whitish ; feet dark (not quite black). Length of 
culmen 18 mm. 
No. 2411. <$ imm. Bitye, March 30, 1907. Stomach 
(non-muscular) containing insect bits. Iris yellowish white. 
Nos. 2829, 2830. S ? ad. Bitye, Oct. 29, 1907. Both 
shot by a boy “ in ejak The stomachs of both contained 
insect bits, mainly grasshoppers. Both had the iris whitish, 
and the feet dark or black. Length of culmen of male 
18 mm., of female 16 mm. 
