The TAHA (_Taha dubia_) is of a beautiful bright yellow upon its head,
back, shoulders, upper and lower tail-covers, and hinder part of the
body. The wings and tail are a blackish brown, and all the feathers
bordered with the same tint; the rest of the plumage is black; the female
and young male during the winter months are blackish brown above and
light grey beneath, some of the feathers having deep grey shafts, while
others are edged with reddish brown. The length of this elegant little
bird is about four inches, of which only one belongs to the very short
tail. This species is a native of Southern Africa, and is seldom found
farther north than the centre of that continent. During the breeding
season it seeks refuge in the fields of corn or reeds, to the stems of
which it hangs its purse-shaped nest. In its habits it resembles the Fire
Finches, which we are about to describe.
* * * * *
The FIRE FINCHES (_Euplectes_) constitute one of the most brilliant of
all the many beautiful groups of Weaver Birds. Few sights that meet the
eye of the traveller in the regions watered by the Nile are at once so
striking and so splendid as that presented by a flock of these glowing
creatures, as they dart in masses over the green fields of _durrah_,
looking, when the sun sheds his rays upon them, like a multitude of
aerial flames, appearing and disappearing almost with the rapidity of
lightning, as they rise into the air or take refuge among the corn. The
little creatures seem quite conscious of the admiration excited by their
beauty, for they open and close their wings, turn themselves in every
direction, and pour forth their pleasant song, as if fully appreciating
the attention of a stranger.