NOA^-INDIGENOUS BRITISH BIRDS. 93 



The nest is a loose, slovenly structure, cup-shaped, 

 shallow, and made externally of twigs, dry grass, straws, 

 and leaves, and lined with feathers. Such unusual 

 materials as rags and twine are sometimes found in 

 the nest of this species, which is another proof of its 

 having adapted itself to civilization. The nest is said 

 to be thoroughly repaired and renovated before the eggs 

 for the second brcod are laid. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Purple Martin are from four to six in 

 number. They are pure white without markings of any 

 kind. Average measurement, -97 inch in length by 72 

 inch in breadth. Incubation is performed by the female, 

 but the duration of the period is apparently unknown. 



Diagnostic characters: I am not aware of any 

 character that will serve to distinguish the eggs of the 

 Purple Martin from those of allied species. 



Faniily CUCULID/E. Genus Coccystes. 



GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO. 



Coccystes glandarius [Li7i7iceus). 



(British : Very rare abnormal spring and autumn migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, April and more generally 



May. 



Breeding area: South-w^estern Pala^arctic region 

 and North-eastern Ethiopian region. The Great 

 Spotted Cuckoo only breeds in Europe in the Spanish 

 Peninsula. Elsewhere it breeds in Northern Africa 

 from Morocco to Egypt and Nubia, and northwards in 

 Palestine, Asia Minor, and Northern Persia. 



