On the weaver bird (Ploceus baya: Blyth), in Ceylon.

Abstract

The sub-family Ploceince, or Weaver Birds,—by reason of their singular and interesting habits, and the wonderful ingenuity displayed in the construction of their nests,—may be said to rank foremost in the great family of Fringillidae; and differ, in company with another interesting section, the Munias (Estreldinae),from others of the finch tribe, in having a minute first primary. The weaver birds, which are inhabitants of tropical Asia and of parts of Africa, are represented in the former region by only one genus, Ploceus, of which there are four species, — Ploceus baya (Blyth), P. striatus (Blyth), P. Bengalensis (Linn.), and P. Philippinus.