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T Y P I C A L WEAVERS.
Plocei7ia:.
' J ' H E S E constitute a group not recognized as distinct bj' aviarists, but based
upon a well-defined structural character.
Dr. Sharpe tlius distinguislies the Vidiiwa: and Ploceina\—First primary
very small and falcate, attenuated towards the end; this first primary never
reaching beyond the primary coverts, and generally falling conspicuously short
of the latter Viduincc.
First primary large, generally obtuse at the end, and extending beyond
the primary coverts Ploceince.
That this distinction is a real one, important as an aid to classification,
cannot be questioned: it is also probable that the length of this primary may
indicate afiinity; but, as this particular feather evidently varies in length in
the same Subfamily, it is equally clear that some of the Viduinc Weavers
must more nearly approach their Ploceine cousins than others do; so that,
from the view of a student of li\dng birds, it is necessarily to be regarded
as of less importance than a total dissimilarity of habits, winter plumage,
song, &c. At the same time, this and all characters should be considered by
every bird-lover, and given their full weight : no structural peculiarity should
ever be disregarded, for he who studies facts from every point of view, will
assuredly be most capable of sound judgment.
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