142 DENTIROSTRES. 



The nest_, generally liidden in a tliick bush, is formed 

 of moss and wool, lined with hair. The female lays 

 from four to six eggs. 



The typical species — 



The Alpine Accentor {Accentor lilpinus), inhabits the 

 Alps and Pyrenees, where it selects for its retreat the most 

 unfrequented places in those wild mountains. In the 

 patois of the regions it frequents, it is called Pegot or Pee, 

 which means an idiot, and its claims to the name seem 

 fully justified by its remarkable stupidity. These birds 

 never leave their native mountains except when their 

 desolate abode is swept by some storm or tempest, to escape 

 from which, they precipitate themselves into the valleys, 

 hide in the rifts of the rocks, or take refuge among the 

 bushes, where, eitlier from fright or simplicity, they even 

 become the sport of children, who amuse themselves by 

 killing them with sticks. On the summits of the moun- 

 tains they may be seen by the adventurous pedestrian 

 sitting in pairs upon the ground, or climbing among the 

 rocks with the assistance of their wings. The approach 

 of man does not seem to frighten them, neither will tliey 

 take the trouble to get out of his way. These bnds run 

 like ])artridges or quails, and do not hop like the rest of 

 their tribe. They make a circular nest, composed of moss 

 and grasses, m the cleft of some rock, and always with 

 a southern aspect. The female lays five or six eggs. 



