_J. Gould and H. C. Richter del et lith._ _Hullmandel & Walton Imp._
]
AMADINA MODESTA, _Gould_.
Plain-coloured Finch.
_Amadina modesta_, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part IV. p. 105; and
in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part I.
The native habitat of this species of Finch, so far as is yet known, is
confined to New South Wales, where it inhabits the stony ridges
bordering the large plains. I have known it to cross the Liverpool range
and take up its summer abode in the flats of the Upper Hunter, but this
proximity to the coast is rare. I found it tolerably abundant on the
Liverpool Plains and on the banks of the Namoi, and Mr. Gilbert also
mentions his having observed it on the low ranges to the northward of
Moreton Bay. In its habits, actions and economy no remarkable
differences were observed from those of the other species of the genus.
It is usually seen in pairs or associated in small companies, feeding
either on or near the ground; the seeds of grasses and other annuals
forming its chief supply of food.
A nest found by Mr. Gilbert was of a domed form, composed of grasses,
and contained five or six white eggs, about half an inch long by
three-eighths broad.
The sexes may be distinguished by the absence of the black mark in the
female, as shown in the accompanying Plate.
The male has the fore-part of the head deep crimson red; lores and a
spot on the chin black; nape of the neck, mantle and back brown; wings
brown; tertials (which are very long in this species), together with the
greater and lesser quill-feathers, having a spot of white at the tip;
rump and upper tail-coverts alternately barred with lines of greyish
white and brown; tail-feathers black, the two outer ones on each side
tipped with white; under surface white, transversely barred with lines
of brown, which are strongest on the flanks; middle of the abdomen and
under tail-coverts white; bill black; irides reddish brown; eyes
surrounded by a very narrow lash of blackish brown; legs flesh-white.
The female differs in having the colouring of the crown less extensive,
and in wanting the black on the chin and lores.
The figures represent the two sexes of the natural size.
[Illustration: