226 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



and that the bird almost invariably rises with a stick 

 at such a distance from the tree as to be able just to 

 make the nest, but that sometimes failing it alights 

 further down, and then climbs up the twigs with 

 its stick. He attributes the choice of the tall poplar 

 to ambition; but the Ahumbi has really a much 

 simpler and lowlier motive. In the rich Buenos- 

 Ayrean soil all trees have a superabundance of foliage, 

 and in the slim Lombardy poplar alone can the nest 

 be placed where the bird can reach it laden with 

 building-material, without coming in contact with 

 long projecting twigs. 



The nest of the Ahumbi is about two feet in depth, 

 and from ten to twelve inches in diameter, and rests 

 in an oblique position amongst the branches. The 

 entrance is at the top, and a crooked or spiral passage- 

 way leads down to the lower extremity, where the 

 breeding chamber is situated ; this is lined with wool 

 and soft grass, and five white eggs are laid, varying 

 considerably in form, some being much more sharply 

 pointed than others. 



The nest, being so secure and comfortable an 

 abode, is greatly coveted by several other species of 

 birds to breed in ; but on this subject I have already 

 spoken in the account of the genus Molothrus. When 

 deprived of their nest, the birds immediately set to 

 work to make a new one ; but often enough without 

 being ejected from the first they build a second nest, 

 sometimes demolishing the first work to use the 

 materials. I watched one pair make three nests be- 

 fore laying ; another pair made two nests, and after 



