NATURAL HISTORY. 



283 



Sub-family d. Icterincc. 

 ICTERUS. (Gr. "I 





Baltimoms, the Baltimore Oriole. 



The STARLINGS comprise many genera, among which the 

 PENSILE ORIOLES of America are the most interesting. These 

 birds build, or rather weave, a fabric not unlike loose cloth, 

 composed of hemp or flax. This nest is of the singular form 

 represented in the engraving, and the entrance is at the side. 

 In all probability this singular formation is for the purpose of 

 keeping out the Black Snake, who is constantly on the look- 

 out for young birds. The parent Orioles often attack the 

 snake, and compel him to retreat. 



The plumage of the male when full grown is very brilliant. 

 The head, throat, and back are black, the under parts are 

 orange, the breast vermilion. A band of orange passes over 

 the shoulders, and the tail is orange and black. The length 



