The BAND-BIRD, or COLLARED FINCH (_Amadina fasciata_), well known in
seaport towns, is the species we have selected for special description,
as being a worthy representative of its race. Its beak is extremely
strong, and nearly as high and broad as it is long; the upper mandible is
somewhat flattened at its origin, and the ridge arched from the forehead;
the lower mandible is very wide; the wings are of middle size, and the
three first quills of nearly equal length; the tail is short, and rounded
at its tip. The plumage is brown, spotted with a lighter shade, and
prettily marked with black; the tail black, tipped with white. The entire
length of this elegant little creature does not exceed five inches,
the wing two and a quarter inches, and the tail one and three-quarter
inches. The coat of the male bird is of a beautiful brown, darker upon
the back, and lighter on the under part of the body, its whole surface
being either undulated, or the feathers bordered with black. Upon the
breast some of the individual feathers are marked with a black spot that
takes the shape of the letter V. The upper wing-covers are terminated
by a greyish-red patch, thrown into strong relief by a black crescent
that divides it from the rest of the feathers. The wings are brown,
edged with a yellow shade, and the tail pale black, the under portion
being grey, and the outer web of the exterior feathers white; the other
tail-feathers, with the exception of the two middle ones, are entirely
black. The male bird is further distinguished from its mate by a broad
band of rich carmine round the throat, which passes along the lower part
of its white face and neck. The eye is brown, as are the beak and legs.
These birds are very numerous in their native lands; they inhabit the
continent of Africa from east to west, avoiding the actual desert and
primitive forests, as not affording the grasses and plants on whose
seeds they mainly rely for food. In their habits they are social, and
may frequently be seen flying over the country in parties that include
not merely their own species, but many varieties of their feathered
relatives. These flocks will often alight close to the huts of the
negroes, without the slightest danger of repulse; and pass the entire
day in searching for food upon the ground. Should the busy foragers
be disturbed at their work, they rise at once to take shelter in some
neighbouring tree, where they while away the time by preening their
feathers and singing, until the supposed danger is over, when they
return to the spot from whence they were driven. If attacked by a bird
of prey, the whole party takes refuge in some thickly-foliaged retreat,
to which they also resort during the mid-day heat to enjoy a siesta,
thus protecting themselves from the burning rays of the sun; later in
the afternoon they are again busy in the search for food. The breeding
season commences in September or October, the months which in Africa
correspond to our European spring. In the countries watered by the Nile
these birds have only to dread the attacks of Falcons or Sparrow Hawks,
for the natives are content to frighten them from their fields of corn
without wreaking further vengeance upon them. It is remarkable that
during the whole period of our residence in Africa we never saw one of
them in the huts of the natives, although the great numbers exported to
various parts of the world come exclusively from the tract of country
watered by the Gambia. Hundreds of these "Bengalees," as they are called,
make the long sea voyage shut up together in a wooden cage, and but
scantily provided with nourishment; yet, in spite of this treatment, and
the deplorable condition in which they arrive, they speedily recover
health and spirits, appearing most grateful for any kindness shown to
them. Few birds are more attractive than this species, or better adapted
for domestication; indeed, the mutual attachment of the little couples
will bear comparison with that of the proverbially affectionate "Love
Birds:" every labour and pleasure is equally shared, the male scarcely
allowing himself time for a song, so busily is he occupied in cares for
his pretty mate and her offspring. This amiable disposition is, however,
by no means exhibited in reference to other males, the little husband
doing battle with all intruders with such vigour and pertinacity as to
render it quite impossible to keep more than one pair in a cage--at
least, during the breeding season. The nest is melon-shaped, and provided
with a hole at the side for an entrance; it is built of grass or straw,
snugly lined with wool. The brood consists of from four to five eggs,
dotted with small spots; the young progeny are covered with down when
hatched, and should be fed at first upon the yolk of eggs, and afterwards
with seeds, softened as they would be in the crop of the parent bird. The
breeding season commences in January, and continues until August, when
the feathers are moulted.
* * * * *
The HOODED FINCHES (_Spermestes_) resemble the members of the
last-mentioned group in the general shape of their bodies. The beak
is short and thick, the upper mandible being furnished with a shallow
furrow, and slightly curved towards its extremity. The wings are
comparatively short, the first quill somewhat less than the second,
which is the longest of all; the strong tail is abruptly graduated; the
plumage is black upon the upper part of the body, white underneath, and
very harsh, the whole coat being usually marked with band-like lines. The
upper mandible is dusky, the lower somewhat paler. One of the best known
species belonging to this group is