98 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



be seen in orchards and well-wooded parks. Although 

 it migrates in flocks to and from its breeding grounds, it 

 is not in any way gregarious during the nesting season, 

 but lives in scattered pairs. As the males are said to 

 arrive before the females, this Cuckoo probably pairs 

 annually. It is not parasitic in its habits, but provides 

 for and rears its young in the normal way. The nest is 

 either placed in a tree or in a large dense bush, and is 

 carelessly and loosely made, flat and shallow but open, 

 composed externally of twigs and roots, and lined with 

 dry grass and finer roots. The male is said to keep 

 close watch in the neighbourhood of the nest, and to be 

 very jealous and pugnacious in beating off intruding 

 birds or animals. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo are from three 

 to five in number. They are without gloss, rough in 

 texture, almost like the eggs of a Heron, and of a clear 

 pea-green colour without markings. Average measure- 

 ment, 1*25 inch in length by '92 inch in breadth. In- 

 cubation appears to be performed chiefly if not entirely 

 by the female, but the duration of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : As the eggs of this Cuc- 

 koo and those of the preceding species overlap in size, 

 no character can be given which will distinguish them in 

 every case, so that they require careful identification. 

 The eggs of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo are generally 

 much the largest in size and palest in colour. 



