riiK KMiii:i!i/,\ ri'.coui- 



211 



A delight till \(iluiii(' might ho written on tlie wonders of hirds' nosts ; the exquisite 

 structure of some of them, and their adaptation to comfort and concealment. In these 



THE EMBERIZA PECORIS. 



snug receptacles the eggs are deposited and hatched. Then the pai'cnt-birds forget their 

 own safety and wants, in protecting and providing for their helpless nestlings. So 

 ardent is the love that struggles within them that the timid at once become brave ; for 

 only lot the bird of prey, the cat, the dog, and, in some cases, even man ajiproach 

 that cozy abode, and the foe is attacked and followed with angry cries. Nor does it 

 cease imtil the little ones can sport gaily on the wing, and amply provide for their 

 own wants. 



But what if there is no instinct of nest-building ? Then the bird takes possession of 

 olie it cannot make. Such is the course of the Emheriza jJfcoris. This bird li^os in 

 flocks, near cattle. The most remarkable trait in its habits is, that it deposits its eggs 

 in strange nests, Hke the cuckoo, with which we are so well acquainted. The nest of 

 which it is represented as taking possession of, is that of the Sj/lvia wnfim. The head 

 of the Emheriza pecorh is of a violet-black; the neck is of a gray-brown. The female 

 bird will be observed above, the male beneath. The species, as yet, has been found only 

 in America. 



V2 



