4 ORIOLUS GALBULA 



between Senegambia and Damaraland, so it apparently 

 migrates from the latter country and Cape Colony, through 

 the eastern side of the continent, and according to Hartlaub 

 (Vog. Madag., 1877, p. 159), has been met with on the 

 island of Madagascar in October. When I was in Egypt 

 these Orioles were first seen on April 20, and soon became 

 plentiful in parties of five or six, all hurrying northward 

 on their migration. 



They are shy birds, and naturally keep to the thickest 

 foliaged trees they meet with, so consequently are not easy 

 to observe, but may be attracted into view by imitating their 

 loud flute-like note, which has been compared to the words, 

 "Who are you," which is an appropriate remark for these 

 birds to make, as they are very wary and careful not to show 

 themselves in dangerous company. Mr. Dresser gives good 

 figures of the adult male and female (Birds of Europe, iii., 

 p. 3G5, pi. 144) and writes : " It devours all sorts of insects 

 that inhabit the woodlands, but is especially fond of the large 

 green caterpillars which are found on the leaves of the trees. 

 It also feeds largely on berries and fruit when in season, but 

 is not more destructive in a garden than many other birds, 

 and amply repays any mischief it may do by the number of 

 noxious insects it kills. It is most partial to cherries, of all 

 garden-fruit, but will also feed on currants, and especially on 

 mulberries. 



" In Germany, where I have several times found its nest, it 

 commences nidification soon after its arrival in May, the place 

 chosen being usually in a dense wood or grove, the nest being 

 placed on the upper part of a tolerably small tree, and neatly 

 suspended amongst the smaller branches. It is always placed 

 in a fork of a small branch, the nest being basket-shaped, and 

 neatly woven to the slender branches on each side, and is 

 one of the most artistic structures amongst the nests of our 



