TYPES OF NESTS OF BIRDS. 



241 



dead and growing reeds, in water a foot or more in depth. The nest is 

 a mass of black, decayng material, intermingled with which is some green 

 material of the season. This mass of rubbish is anchored among the 

 reeds, generally forming a low mound projecting about four inches above 



Fig. 21. Nest and Eggs of Wright's Flycatcher, Einpidoriax -wrighln. 

 Photo by M.J. E. 



the water, and measuring from eighteen to twenty-four inches across at 

 the surface of the water. The cavity is very slight, and generally con- 

 tains a lot of loose stringy material like that in the nest, which can be 

 hastily scratched over the eggs to conceal them when the owner leaves 

 them. 



