The DINEMELLI BUFFALO WEAVER BIRD (_Textor Dinemellii_), as the third
member of this group has been called, is a native of Abyssinia. This
species is white upon the head and lower portion of the body; the mantle,
wing and tail covers are chocolate colour, each feather being edged with
a lighter shade; the shoulders, rump, and tail-covers are marked with
small scarlet spots; the bridles are black, the beak a dirty deep blue,
the feet dark blue. The body measures about seven inches, the wing four
inches, and the tail two inches.
* * * * *
All the foregoing varieties of Weaver Birds resemble each other in their
mode of life, and must certainly be reckoned as the most remarkable
members of their family, for though Finches, they have many features in
common with the Thrush, and their nests resemble those built by Magpies
rather than such as are made by other Weaver Birds. The three species we
have mentioned alike frequent pasture land, keeping as much as possible
in the immediate vicinity of the herds of buffaloes, upon whose backs
they perch, to obtain the ticks that form their principal nourishment;
they may constantly be seen around these huge creatures, to whom they
not only render this service, but warn them of the approach of danger.
Strangely enough, these birds confine their attentions entirely to the
buffalo, whilst their constant companion, a species of Buphaga, renders
the same service exclusively to the rhinoceros. The Black Weavers are by
far the least numerous members of this trio, their settlements rarely
including more than about eighteen nests, which are built upon some large
tree, and are remarkable for their size, if we consider the dimensions
of the bird by which they are constructed. The nests, which have a very
beautiful exterior, are formed of slender branches and twigs; those of
the Garat Mimosa being frequently employed, in spite of the thorns with
which they are armed; these materials are woven carelessly together, and
the whole fabric, some three or four feet in diameter, is so lightly
constructed that the eggs are often visible through the sides of the
nest. The interior is lined with delicate fibres and grass, the entrance
being an opening large enough to admit a man's hand at one end, while at
the other is a hole so small as to allow nothing larger than the birds
themselves to pass through. We learn from travellers in Africa that the
nests of this species are occasionally found of a much larger size than
those described, some measuring from five to six feet in length, and
four to five in breadth and height; these enormous structures, however,
are not occupied as a residence by one family, but are joint property,
some containing as many as from three to eight distinct nests, in each
of which may be seen the three or four white eggs, spotted with brown,
that constitute the brood. As may well be imagined, the noise and bustle
around one of these compound nests must be heard to be appreciated;
indeed, the vicinity of a settlement is unmistakably proclaimed by its
busy and loud-voiced proprietors. The Black Buffalo Weaver Bird breeds
at very various seasons of the year, the time depending on the part of
the continent that it inhabits. Its flight is hovering, very light, and
produced by a slow motion of the wings, which at each stroke are raised
high towards the back. When upon the ground it runs with ease, and is
most adroit in its movements among the branches of the trees to which it
resorts.