The MAGPIE FINCH (_Spermestes cucullata_) is a small bird, about three
and a half inches long, the length of the wing being one and a quarter
inches, and that of the tail thirteen lines. The plumage upon the upper
part is a deep glossy brown, which is darkest upon the head and neck,
and extends as far as the breast; the under part of the body is white;
the rump, upper and lower tail-covers, and the sides of the belly are
streaked with greyish white and dull black, and still further ornamented
with a large dark shining patch of metallic green, situated upon the
sides of the breast; the wings and tail-feathers are uniformly black, the
under side of the quills being of a bright grey; the iris is brown, the
upper mandible black, the lower mandible whitish, and the feet black. The
Magpie Finch is an inhabitant of the countries in the vicinity of the
river Gambia, but of its history when in a state of freedom we are quite
ignorant.
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Slight and uncertain as is our knowledge of the AUSTRALIAN FINCHES, it
would be impossible for us to pass them unnoticed, for what trifling
information has been acquired respecting them shows them to be as
remarkably distinguished by their beauty or peculiarity of form as
are most of the animal and vegetable productions of that "land of
contrarieties;" many of them, indeed, vie with the American Tangaras in
the gorgeousness of their plumage.
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The REED FINCHES (_Donacola_) are recognisable by their short thick beak,
which bulges out at its base, and has the ridge much elevated; the wings
are comparatively short, their three first quills being longer than the
rest; the tail is short and rounded, the two exterior feathers being of
equal length; the tarsus is long, and the plumage striped and banded,
with a dark tint on the upper part of the body, its under portion being
similarly marked, but with a lighter shade.