AMADINA MODESTA, Gowa.

Plain-coloured Finch.

Amadina modesta, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part IV. p. 105 ; and in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part I.

 

Tue 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 accom-
panying Plate.

The male has the fore-part of the head deep crimson-red; lores and a spot on ‘ue aint (Date nape of the
neck, mantle and back brown; wings brown; tertials (which are very long in this NGRIES). together with
the greater and lesser quill-feathers, having a spot of white at the tip; rump and upper tail-coverts alter-
nately barred with lines of greyish white and brown ; tail-feathers peeks the two ontier ones on each ae
tipped with white; under surface white, transversely barred vith Imes of Ce went are strongest on ne
flanks ; middle of the abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; jell black ; irides reddish brown; eyes sur-
rounded 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.