THE HEROISM OF BIRDS. 257 
evidently unaware of the power of the snake to propel its coiled- 
up body. I once saw a Green Mamba coiled up on a branch, and 
quick as thought, propel itself full length, and seize a bird in its 
jaws, meanwhile gripping the branch with its tail. The instant 
it seized the bird it swung head downward until the victim ceased 
to struggle. The snake then raised itself, assumed a comfortable 
position, and swallowed its prey. 
Birds, with few exceptions, have highly impressionable. and 
excitable nervous organizations, as is proven by their hot blood, 
quick circulation, fine texture brain, and intricate nervous 
system. Now, we all know how birds will mob an owl which 
ventures into their haunts during the daytime, but we never think 
of investing the owl with any powers of fascination. 
Birds recognize snakes as their enemies, and if a bird discovers 
a snake in its haunts, particularly in the vicinity of its nest, it 
instantly sets up a shrill chattering and flies and hops excitedly 
round the intruder. Its cries and actions attract its mate and 
other birds, until eventually there may be as many as a score 
around the snake. Their noisy demonstrations are sometimes so 
great, and their demeanour so threatening, that the serpent loses 
nerve and retreats, much to the relief and satisfaction of the birds 
who pursue him for some distance. 
In most cases, however, the serpent remains immovable until 
one of the birds, in the excitement of the moment, or braver than 
the rest, approaches within striking distance. 
It is quite possible, and even very probable, that a bird may 
work itself up into such a frenzy of excitement, as temporarily to 
lose the power of flight, and so fall a victim. Others, in their 
frenzy, may actually rush at the snake, particularly so if in 
defence of their homes and young. 
THE HEROISM OF BIRDs. 
I have witnessed several instances of the heroism of birds 
in defence of their eggs and young. In Natal, one hot mid- 
summer day, I lay on my back resting under the shade of a 
great forest tree. Hearing a noise above, I looked up, and high 
up in the branches I espied a pair of Sparrow Hawks near their 
nest endeavouring to beat off a Green Mamba, which was evidently 
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