44.2 



THE CRESTED OFJOLE. 



From these colours the bird has derived the names of Golden Robin, and Fire Bird. 

 Its total length is about seven inches. 



One of the most curious and handsome birds of this group is termed the CRESTED 

 Oeiole on account of the sharp pointed crest which rises from its head. 



It is a native of tropical Ame- 

 rica, and seems to be rather a 

 familiar bird, often leaving the 

 forests where it usually dwells, 

 and making its home near the 

 habitations of man. Whether in 

 the vast woods of its native 

 land, or whether in the cultivated 

 grounds, it is always to be found 

 in the loftiest trees, traversing 

 their branches in search of food, 

 and suspending its nest from the 

 extremity of the slenderest t\^dgs. 

 It is a very active bird both on 

 foot and in the air, one quality 

 being needful for its movements 

 among the boughs while getting 

 berries, and the other for the chase 

 of the various insects with which 

 it varies its diet. 



The nest of the Crested Oriole 

 is a very elegant structure, much 

 larger than that of either of the 

 preceding species, being sometimes 

 not less than three feet in length. 

 It is always hung from the very 

 extremity of some delicate twig, 

 so as to escape the marauding 

 hand of the monkey or the dreaded 

 fangs of the snake ; and as a great 

 number of these are generally 

 found upon one tree, the com- 

 bined effect, together with the 

 busy scene of the parent birds 

 continually going and returning 

 from their homes, is remarkably 

 fine. Tlie shape of the nest is 

 cylindrical, swelling into a some- 

 what spherical form at the bot- 

 tom ; and it is found that both 

 birds take an equal share of work 

 in its construction. 

 The Crested Oriole is very beautiiully as well as curiously coloured. Tlie head, 

 shoulders, breast, and abdomen are warm chocolate-brown, and the wings are dark green, 

 changing gradually into brown at their tips. The central feathers of the tail are dark 

 brown, and the remaining feathers are bright yellow. There is also a green tinge upon 

 the thighs and the middle of the breast. Upon the top of the head there is a long and 

 pointed crest, and the horny portion of the bill is green, and, as may be seen in the 

 illustration, extends above the eye. The legs and feet arc black. The Crested Oriole 

 is larger than cither of the preceding species, being about the size of acommou 

 jackdaw. 



CRESTED ORIOLE.— Ciiciciis ci-is(d(?«. 



