132 OUR RARER BIRDS 



they had made then- nests. They were conveying the grain 

 away to their nest ; but the Wrynecks, w^hich were common 

 enough in the beautiful oasis adjoining, had found them out 

 and were eating them in thousands. I may also mention 

 that here, in Africa, in its winter quarters, it is very fond of 

 frequenting the rough stems of the date palms, and often 

 perches on them and quietly waits for insects to fly past, 

 when it flutters out and secures them. It is a very silent 

 bird in winter. I have never heard it utter its wxll- known 

 summer cry, but its usual clicking call-note sounded repeat- 

 edly from the date palms and pomegranate trees. It is just 

 as wary here as in England, and seldom allows a near 

 approach. 



It is not improbable that the Wryneck pairs for life, and 

 that the young birds of the previous season mate some time 

 before their arrival in this country. I saw them in pairs in 

 Northern Africa, previous to their departure for their summer 

 haunts, and it is certain they arrive here in England already 

 mated. The Wryneck's breeding season is in May, and its 

 nesting -site is somewhat varied in character. It takes 

 possession of a hole in the forest trees, or in the trees of the 

 orchard, or not unfrequently in a hole in a decayed stump in 

 the woods, or even in the hedges by the wayside. Here, for 

 instance, is a tall holly stem, blighted and fast crumbling 

 away before the wintery storms. It is surrounded with 

 perennial branches, the clump of hollies having closed up 

 round it as if to hide and shelter it in its old age. In a hole 

 in this stump a ]3air of Wrynecks have made their nest for 

 several seasons. The entrance is well concealed by the 

 surrounding foliage, which affords the shy birds that ample 

 cover which they love, especially during the season of repro- 

 duction. Let us examine it closely. By breaking aw^ay the 

 outside wood, which is little stronger than paper, we are able 

 to reach the cavity which contains the nest. It is about 



