356 OUR RARER BIRDS 



they dislike the light of day, and naturally breed in situations 

 which are their daily haunts. 



It remains now for us to notice a group of birds in which 

 the female is much less conspicuous than the male, and which 

 build a covered nest. The gay little Eedstart is a good 

 instance. The female of this species is dull indeed in 

 comparison with the male, yet the young are reared in holes 

 in walls, trees, or rocks ; but I can assert from personal 

 observation that the bright-plumaged male assists largely in 

 the duties of incubation. The Pied Flycatcher and the 

 Wheatear are further instances. There are several possible 

 explanations of these interesting facts. The domed or 

 sheltered nest may be for the purpose of shielding the 

 sitting-bird and its charge from cold, or rain, or from some 

 special enemies. It must also be borne in mind that the 

 eggs of these birds are remarkably conspicuous, and must be 

 concealed from view in a covered nest. 



We will now leave the birds themselves and confine our 

 attention to their wonderful and beautiful homes. These 

 structures have long been regarded as one of the most 

 convincing proofs of an instinctive power a power which is 

 popularly supposed to be almost supernatural, of spontaneous 

 origin, and nearly infallible. Such a belief ought to be 

 supported by incontestable facts ; but little or nothing can be 

 brought forward in its favour, and the evidence in support of 

 blind Instinct being solely employed in the fabrication of 

 birds' nests is not supported by one particle of proof. I do 

 not for one moment deny the existence of such blind Instinct 

 in some cases the promptings of reflex and unconscious acts ; 

 but so far as birds' nests are concerned, no powers are revealed 

 in their fabrication beyond those which we ourselves possess 

 in a higher or lower degree. A young Duck taking to the 

 water as soon as it is hatched, or a nestling Plover crouching 

 motionless to the earth at the approach of danger, are good 



