LV 



BALTIMORE ORIOLE; FIRE BIRD; HANG NEST; HAMMOCK 



BIRD 

 507. Icterus calbula 



The male Baltimore Oriole is beautifully marked, 

 with his head, throat, back and wings black, and his 

 breast and belly of a rich orange color. The female is 

 smaller than the male and in her the brilliant markings 

 are replaced by olive brown. The length of these birds 

 is from seven to eight inches. The eggs, from four to six 

 in number, are white splotched with dark brown. 



The Baltimore Oriole has an extensive nesting range, 

 and migrates to South America, departing for the South 

 during the early fall months. With the full development 

 of the elm and cottonwood in May, we may expect this 

 bird with its suit of black sleeves, yellow vest and black 

 hat. When the Oriole arrives the certainty of winter's 

 departure becomes a fixed fact and we may plant garden 

 seed and put out the tender house-plants with no fear 

 of frost. 



The Oriole is a bird of neighborly and friendly traits, 

 rarely disturbing other birds and submitting meekly to 

 any intrusion on its premises. The presence of Orioles 

 should be encouraged, as they are great destroyers of 

 insect pests. 



The nest is so securely fastened with twine, grass 

 and plant fibres to a high-swinging limb, that of an elm 

 by preference, that no ordinary storm can tear it from 

 its moorings ; no marauding cat or other enemy can get 

 to it. Rocked by every passing breeze the babies are 

 secure and free from the usual dangers to young birds. 

 The deep sack-like nest is so constructed, with the en- 

 trance near the top, that it is rare indeed that a young 

 bird falls to the ground, even though the supporting 

 bough may be storm-tossed. 



Both male and female are wise, diligent and skilled 

 weavers, and work together at the loom while forming 



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