520 



REPTILES AND BIKDS. 



those on the fore part of the head very short. The wings, when 

 closed, reach to within an inch of the end of the tail ; hence its flight 

 is easy and sustained ; while the form of its feet is equally well 

 adapted for hopping on the ground and perching among the branches. 

 It is a shy, solitary bird, and is approached with great difficulty. In 

 the countries where it is a constant visitor it arrives in May, and 

 departs in August ; but while it arrives singly, on its return migration 

 it travels in parties composed of families. It frequents by preference 

 the borders of woods on the banks of watercourses ; especially where 



Fig 237. The Mina Bird. 



large trees, such as oaks and poplars, are to be found, in which it 

 builds its nest. The bird is common in the South of France. It 

 lays from four to six eggs, and during incubation feeds on the larvae 

 of insects and caterpillars, and is especially fond of such fruits as 

 mulberries, cherries, and figs. This gives a delicious flavour to their 

 flesh, which causes it to be much sought after. The Oriole will not 

 live in confinement 



The Mina (Gracula musica, Fig. 237) has been assigned to various 

 families. Swainson places it among the SturnidcR, Gray in the sub- 

 family of Graculince, under the family of Con'idce. However, we 

 prefer to put it here. They are sought after by the Orientals in 

 consequence of their impudent and amusing habits, and the facility 



