Aves. 221 



It lays its eggs in the nests of smaller birds. The eggs, 

 being larger than those of the owner of the nest, receive 

 the most heat, and are likely to hatch first and prevent the 

 development of the rightful heirs ; thus the usurper suc- 

 ceeds. Our cuckoo builds its own nest and should not be 

 confused with the English cuckoo, whose bad reputation is 

 sometimes transferred to his American namesake. 



