The ABU-RISCH (_Hedydipna metallica_) represents a group recognisable by
their slightly-curved beak, scarcely equalling the head in length; their
comparatively short wings, in which the second, third, fourth, and fifth
quills are of equal length; and their wedge-shaped tail, the two centre
feathers of which are usually considerably prolonged. The male is of a
metallic green on the head, throat, back, and shoulder-covers; the under
side is bright yellow, a line upon the breast and the rump have a violet
sheen; the quills and tail-feathers are blackish blue, the eye brown, and
the beak and feet black. The back of the female is of a light olive-brown,
and her under side sulphur-yellow; her quills and tail-feathers have
light edges. The young resemble the mother, but are of a paler hue. The
length of this species is six inches, of which three and a half belong to
the centre tail-feathers, the rest do not exceed thirteen and a quarter;
the wings measure two inches and one-sixth. The Abu-Risch is met with
in all such parts of Africa as afford it the shelter of its favourite
mimosa-trees, upon and around which it may literally be said to spend its
whole existence. Early in the morning, and towards the close of the day,
it usually perches quietly among the branches, and only displays its full
vivacity during the noontide heat, when it flutters rapidly from blossom
to blossom, in search of food, singing and chirping briskly as it flies
in cheerful companionship with its almost inseparable mate. The song of
the male is pleasing, and accompanied by a great variety of gesticulations
and attitudes, calculated to exhibit his crest and plumage in all their
varied beauty to the admiring gaze of the female, who usually endeavours
to imitate her partner, but, owing to the comparative dullness of her
colours, with a far less imposing result. In Southern Nubia the breeding
season commences in March or April. The nest, which is variously formed,
is neatly and skilfully woven with cotton-wool and similar materials, and
lined with hair or spiders' webs. This pretty little structure is usually
suspended from the end of a branch, at no great height from the ground,
and is entered by an aperture at the side, frequently so situated that the
leaves of the branch overhang and shade the entrance hole. Both parents
work busily in constructing this snug apartment for their young, and have
seldom completed their labours in less than a fortnight's time. The eggs,
which are oval in shape, and white, are incubated by the female alone.
* * * * *
The FIRE HONEYSUCKERS (_Æthopyga_), the Indian representatives of the
above group, are recognisable by the comparative thinness of their short
but distinctly curved beak. In their wings the fourth quill exceeds the
rest in length; the tail is wedge-shaped at its sides, and furnished with
two long and slender feathers in its centre. The plumage of the male is
enlivened by brightly-tinted stripes on the cheeks, while that of the
female is sombre, and almost of uniform tint.