16 OUR IRISH SONG BIRDS. 



imitates the surroundings in the structure of her nest ; it 

 is beautifully silvered over with lichen if on the branch 

 of a tree thus covered. In the centre of a hawthorn she 

 gilds her handiwork with scraps of paper, so that the 

 whole structure to a casual eye appears a tangled mass 

 of bloom. 



Thirdly, Silence. Silence is the forte of birds such as 

 the Willow Wren and the Whitethroat when they leave 

 their nests, threading cautiously their way from their 

 treasure, and almost, one might say, on tiptoe ; whilst 

 at a safe distance they are garrulous enough. 



Fourthly, Alluring Motions. See how the Sandpiper 

 endeavours to concentrate all our attention upon herself, 

 reeling and tumbling as if inviting us to the chase. So, 

 too, the Lapwing, with apparently broken wings and 

 mournful cries, endeavours to tempt us far from her 

 lowly nesting-place on the dreary moor. 



Fifthly, Pugnacious Motions. These are to a great 

 extent necessarily restricted to their natural enemies, 

 whilst against man they must, of course, be a failure. 

 The Missel Thrush is a fine type of this protective 

 instinct ; the Magpie, nay, even the Sparrow-hawk, 

 often fares badly when pitted against this gallant 

 antagonist. The Ring Ousel will even dash fearlessly 

 into the face of a man should he approach her nest with 

 its priceless contents. The Titmouse, too, will not 

 spare the prying schoolboy, but will often cause him to 

 remember the prowess of the well-known " Billybiter." 



Sixthly, Deceptive Motions. The Lark, descending 

 from the sky, darts suddenly downwards to the nest, 

 as we suppose ; but not so, but at a safe distance from 

 it, pursuing the rest of her way on foot. The Whinchat 

 and Starling act much in the same way. 



