Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 2, 1891.djvu/406

 350 a root, dòvy, an enemy, probably from some superstition connected with it.

With regard to the Warblers, Bulbuls, Babblers, and other allied birds, we have at present no information in the department of folk-lore; some of their names, however, are descriptive of their vocal powers, and others of their appearance and habits. Thus, one of them is from a root meaning "well delivered" or "recited"; another is "Beautiful eyes"; while several mean "Watchman", or "Spy". Our present folk-lore knowledge is equally defective with regard to the Shrikes, Flycatchers, Butcher-birds, and Nuthatches, although much that is interesting might be said about their habits.

The beautiful little Sun-birds have already been referred to as being mentioned in many fables and stories in connection with other feathered creatures; they seem to be regarded as melancholy birds on account of their plaintive little note; while their beautiful plumage is referred to in some of their names.

In the central regions of Madagascar no bird is more frequently seen in considerable numbers during the hot season than the brilliant little scarlet Fódy, or Cardinal-bird. The male bird only takes on this bright colouring during the pairing season, the hen being as soberly coloured as a sparrow, as is also her mate during the colder season. These little birds—that is, the males—are most pugnacious, and in the months of October and November pass the time in fierce conflict for the possession of the hen-birds, who appear to be far less numerous than the males. Being so plentiful and conspicuous, it is not to be wondered at that the Fody—at least, the male bird, or Fòdilàhimena, as they call it (that is, "Red-male-fòdy")—has long attracted the attention of the Malagasy, and is frequently alluded to in their folk-tales, proverbs, and children's games. Of the first of these classes of native wisdom one or two examples have been already given in speaking of other birds; of the proverbs referring to this bird, the following may serve as specimens: