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.
T h e native habitat o f this species of Finch, so far as is yet known, is confined to New South W ales, 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 o f 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 M r. Gilbert also mentions
his having observed it on the low ranges to the northward o f Mo reton Bay. In its habits, actions and
economy no remarkable differences were observed from those of the other species o f the genus.
I t is usually seen in pairs or associated in small companies, feeding either on or near the g ro u n d ; the
seeds o f grasses and other annuals forming its chief supply of food.
A nest found by Mr. Gilbert was of a domed form, composed o f 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 o f the head deep crimson-red; lores and a spot on the chin b lack ; nape o f 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 o f greyish white and brown ; tail-feathers black, the two outer ones on each side
tipped with wh ite; under surface white, transversely barred with lines of brown, which are strongest on the
flanks ; middle of the abdomen and under tail-coverts w h ite ; bill b lack ; irides reddish brown; eyes surrounded
by a very narrow lash o f blackish brown; legs flesh-white.
The female differs in having the colouring o f the crown less extensive, and in wanting the black on the
chin and lores.
The figures represent the two sexes of the natural size.