BIRDS. 



571 



name being chosen, I suppose, on account of the babbling propensities 

 of the bird." 



The nesting habit of the cow-bird is much different from that of the 

 hang-birds. This form, like the cuckoo of Europe, is a parasite. It goes 

 around and lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, being especially fond 



Fig. 471. — Great crested cacique (Ostinops citrius). 



of thrusting its progeny upon the care of some of the warblers. While 

 most of the birds are fond of their young, the cow-bird, as one might say, 

 puts hers out to nurse. The young bird, when it hatches, monopolizes the 

 care of its adoptive parents, and quickly thrusts its foster-brothers out 

 of the nest. Sometimes, however, the birds refuse to be imposed upon. 

 When the mother finds the strange egg in her nest, she proceeds to put in 



