THE ORIOLES. 





THE GOLDEN OKIOLE.* 



The generic characters of the orioles consist in the increased strength of the beak 

 beyond that of tlie more tyjjiral llirushes, the shortness of the tarsi, and the length of the 

 wings, to which may bo added the universal prevalence of a rich golden yellow, consti- 

 tuting the ground colour of the males ; while the females are of a didl greenish yellow, 

 inclining to olive. These birds live almost exclusively in trees and thickets, and are 

 generally migratorj^ assembling together iu flocks previous to their departure. At other 

 times they reside in pairs, and weave a beautifid pendent nest at the extremity of the 

 branches of fall and loafy trees. Their food consists of soft fruits, diff(-renl kinds of 

 berries, and inscct.s. Tlicir liiglit is rapid and direct, and as they flit along, their golden 

 plumage opened to the sun, exhibits to the best advantage their sjilendid colouring. Tlie 

 genus (•()ni])r('h(!nds tliat bciuitiful I'yuropean bird, the golden oriole, and eight or nine 

 well-niarkc^d species besides i'rom Africa and India. 



This bird is common, during the sunimer months, in France, Italy, and, indeed, all 

 the southern provinces of Europe. In England it is rarely seen. Its foOd consists of 

 cherries and otlier garden fruits, as \vv\l as wilil Ijei-ries, and insecis with their larviu. 

 Its favourite resorts are groves, or chai'ds, plantations, and wood parks. 



The golden oriole builds a purse-like nest of fibres and grasses, iirl fully woven together, 



* Oriolus Gnlbula. 



