VENTRILOQUIAL AND IMITATIVE POWER OF BIRDS. 73 



in every song interjected the long plaintive call of the 

 woocl-pewee. The effect was unique and surprising. 



To those interested in the psychical or reason devel- 

 opment of birds, this subject possesses increased interest. 

 It is quite generally conceded that birds are not only 

 the most interesting, but in some respects the most 

 highly organized, especially in form, color, voice, and 

 power of locomotion, of any of the so-called lower 

 animals. In some directions, too, they are the most 

 intelhgent. Not only does their heredity count for 

 much, but tli«ir experience is a large factor in shaping 

 and modifying their manner of life. Many of them 

 are quick to take advantage of any extraneous circum- 

 stances by wdiich their conditions may be bettered. 

 How many cases come under our notice in which cause 

 and effect plainly enter into their calculation. Several 

 species throw out sentinels to guard against surprise, 

 and these have signal notes w^ell understood by all. 

 They learn to avoid localities that are extra dangerous, 

 and often gather in large numbers where safety is 

 assured. They profit both by experience and example, 

 often modifying their nesting habits, and adopting new 

 methods for protection. What subterfuges our native 

 birds make use of to mislead and bafiie larger birds of 

 prey. On the contrar}^, the English sparrows, mostly 

 denizens of villages and cities, and not often having 

 been exposed to the dangers that beset the birds of 

 forests and fields, fall an easy prey to the smaller hawks, 

 owls and shrikes that occasionally find their way among 

 them. They know well enougli how to avoid the 



