63 Mr. R. Owen on the Nesting 



on the nest of any other species. At the same time I may add 

 that I have never seen it either building or occupied in any other 

 domestic , occupation whatever, which somewhat confirms the 

 statement aforesaid. The eggs are found most commonly in the 

 nests of the "Chorcha" and the " Cien-sonte mejicano," and occa- 

 sionally in that of the largest species of " Chatillo " [Pitangus 

 derbianus). 



8. Icterus gularis. " Chorcha.^' San Geronimo, June 8, 

 1860. Hen bird and one e.^^. 



The egg is a pale grey, blotched and streaked with very dark 

 brown. It measures, axis 1 in., diam. "7. 



Mr. Owen describes the method of taking the nests of these 

 Icteri in the note attached to the next species. 



9. Icterus mentalis. " Chorcha." San Geronimo, May 5, 

 1860. Several birds' nests and eggs. 



The materials used by this bird for its nest — and doubtless 

 the same applies to the foregoing species — vary considerably -, 

 the structure, however, is the same in all. It is a compact and 

 firmly woven nest, attached at the top to the ends of a bough, 

 its length varying from 1 to 2 feet. In some, the materials 

 used are fine dried creepers and twigs, with here and there a 

 leaf; in others, fibrous roots and the stringy centres of the 

 Maguey leaves ; while others are formed exclusively of a species 

 of Tillandsia. All are spherical at the bottom, and have a long 

 loophole at the top for the entrance. 



The eggs (Plate II. fig. 5) are like the last — a pale grey, spotted 

 and streaked with very dark brown ; on some there are marks of 

 faint lilac. They measure, axis, 1*05 in., diam. -7. 



The " Chorcha " generally nests in colonies of four or five ; I 

 have never found more together : but it not unfrequently 

 selects a completely isolated spot for its graceful, pendent nest. 

 The breeding-place is mostly chosen on the banks of rivers or 

 upon some tributary stream, over which the nest swings securely 

 in the breeze. At first I experienced some difficulty in taking 

 these nests, as they hang from the extreme points of the boughs, 

 and, being rarely less than 18 feet from the ground, are inac- 

 cessible to the climber. The only way to obtain them is to 



