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WHYDAH-LIKE WEAVERS.
SUB-FAMILY Viduino:.
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J ^ R . SHARPE points out tliat, in this group, the first primary is ver)- small
aucl falcate ; attenuated towards tlie end, never reaching beyond the primary
coverts, and generally falling conspicuousl}' short of the latter.
The domed nests of these birds are usually verj' cleverly constructed, and the
pleasure of sitting down and watching a pair of Waxbills or Grassfinches constructing
their future residence, is considerable ; so methodically and yet rapidly
do the little architects build up a firm and compact looking structure out of hay,
flowering grasses, and aloe fibre or rootlets, that one never tires of looking on
and marvelling at their skill.
I n the majoritj' of the genera of these birds, the eggs deposited are pure
white, and entireh' destitute of marking; so that for purposes of classification they
are practically useless; their differences are principally those of form or size, both
of which are liable to variation, due to the health or age of the parents.
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ASTRILDS OR WAXBILLS.
r j ^ H I S section, though based upon the general form, colouring, action, and song
. " admitted in purely scientific works •
^ J t . essentially a fancier's division, and therefore a necessa.^ one for the prese«;
Generally speaking the Waxbills fly in communities, often amounting to large
flocks, when not breeding; but, as the nesting season arrives they sepaLe into
pa:rs or httle bands of two or three pairs. Their nests are frequendy fi'ask-shaped
and wUh a covered passage leading into the entrance, which is placed either n
rout or at the s.de, and often directed obliquely downwards; the'outside m ena
of the n St usually consists chiefly of dry grass, but the interior is often warmly
bned with feathers, wool and other soft materials "
^ In their actions the Waxbills are particularly sprightly, and they have a way
0 jerking their tails from side to side, which gives them an alert appearance ev i
when^^feeding: their cries are sharp and shril, and several of t W singer;
«wliildd plriaanntt;s". TI t f I'S therefore not surpr i s ing that, in the aviary, they are more e-aagel rl
for grass-seed than for anything else; indeed nothing can give them g i X
pleasure, or produce more bickering and petty disputes than : large hanc! 11
various grasses in seed, unripe for preference.
In captivity Waxbills should have canary-seed, white millet, millet in the ear
and lawn-grass seed. In the summer they should always have fresh turf to peck
ver. small spiders or small insects when obtainable, green caterpillars or liv n !
ant-cocoons (wrongly called "ants' eggs") when breeding ^
^ If possible, the African species, which are rather thinly clothed, should be
wintered at a temperature of sixty degrees Fahr. ; but. where tha aiiio i t of
wannth cannot be maintained, several should be kept together in a cage ope only
front and having a warmly lined nest-box. or basket-nest, at the back ; t l y
wdl then be able to pass the winter without harm, even should the thermometer
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