COMMON CUCKOO. 



distributed, being found in districts of almost 

 every character. In choosing the nest for the 

 reception of its eggs, it has been remarked, that 

 those of insectivorous birds chiefly have been 

 selected ; at the same time, some of the Fringil- 

 lidse are also recorded, and in the south-rthe 

 variety of species, whose nests are thus used, are 

 much greater ; for, in the north of England, and 

 in Scotland, where the skirts of a high pasture or 

 muirland are chiefly frequented, the Common 

 Pipit, Antkus pratensis, is almost invariably 

 resorted to. The borders of a county, such as we 

 have mentioned, interspersed with natural wood 

 and brush, is a favourite resort for the Cuckoo, 

 and he may be seen flying low over the ground 

 or bushes, uttering at the same time his call, and 

 occasionally resting on some twig or eminence, 

 still calling and swinging himself round with out- 

 spread tail, as if to attract attention. It is also 

 remarkable, that he is almost always attended by 

 some of the Pipits, commonly called the " Tit- 

 ling," who flutter around, or follow after in his 

 flight with noisy notes, impelled by some instinc- 

 tive feeling, either to attract observation, or of 

 distrust at his appearance in their vicinity. The 

 yotmg bird we see endowed with a remarkable 

 feeling to get rid of its companions in the nest, 

 which is continued, it is said, for twelve days, if 

 after which time it has been unsuccessful in its 

 efforts, it remains quiet and at peace with its 

 neighbours. In its form, it is also said to be 

 provided with a peculiar depression between the 



