The STEEL FINCH (_Hypochera ultramarina_) frequents the banks of the
Nile, and represents a distinct group, with one species of which
(_Hypochera nitens_) Europeans are familiar. This bird, like its
well-known relative, is distinguished by the following characteristics:
a compact body, short tufted tail, the exterior feathers of which are
somewhat rounded, and wings of moderate length, reaching half way down
the tail; the beak is short, conical, and vaulted; the nostrils are
furnished on each side with bristles of considerable length. The plumage
varies with the age of the bird or season of the year, that of the male
being black. The feathers of the _Hypochera nitens_ are shaded with
green, those of the _Hypochera ultramarina_ with bright blue. In the
female the body is light brown, the feathers being edged with reddish
yellow, the breast, belly, and under tail-covers are white, the eyebrows
of a red shade, as is a streak that passes over the head. The male bird
assumes a similar plumage during the dry season. This species measures
rather more than four inches, the wings two inches, the tail one inch and
four and a half lines.
The Blue Steel Finch is found chiefly in Dongala, spread over the whole
face of the country, inhabiting the steppes, or seeking its food in the
native villages with equal impartiality; its favourite haunts, however,
are those wells and pleasant places selected as resting-places by the
many caravans of travellers passing through their domains, the débris
from whose dinner or supper afford a plentiful repast, which is rapidly
appropriated by these elegant and industrious little creatures, who,
meantime, exhibit their graceful attitudes and attract constant attention
to their varied movements. The period of incubation extends from January
until March; the nest is built upon a tree, and is a mere heap of grass.
We are unacquainted with the appearance of the eggs. No sooner are the
young birds fledged than the whole company associate themselves with the
Fire Finches, and fall in masses upon the fields of _durrah_, thereby
drawing down upon themselves the hatred of the natives, who use every
means in their power to drive them from the spot, employing for this
purpose a contrivance similar to that we have already described in our
account of the Rice Bird. The Blue Steel Finch is never caught for
purposes of domestication, but large numbers of the Green species are
captured annually on the western coast of Africa, and exported to Europe
and America.