38 STORIES OF BIRDS AND BEASTS 



a branch that it looks like a knot of the limb itself. 

 The Woodcock you saw that snowy day, Rap, knows 

 the protection of color and draws together for a nest 

 a- few leaves of the hue of her own feathers. This 

 nest and the bird upon it are so blended together that 

 few eyes could separate them." 



" Some birds do not make any nests, but live in holes 

 like squirrels and coons," said Rap. " Woodpeckers and 

 all those." 



"There again the home is suited to the occupation 

 of the bird," said the Doctor; "for Woodpeckers are 

 Tree Trappers, who find their food by creeping about 

 trees and picking insects and grubs from the bark. 

 What more natural than that they should have a house 

 close at hand in some tree whose wood is soft enough 

 to be hollowed out ? You see they have a bill like a 

 chisel for gouging out insects, and with this same tool 

 they make their homes." 



" Bluebirds and Wrens and Martins like to live in 

 holes and boxes, though they can't make holes for 

 themselves," said Rap. 



" Yes, the habits of many birds have changed since 

 the country has become civilized and House People are 

 to be found in all parts of it. Many birds, who have 

 always been favorites with man, and have been pro- 

 tected by him, have gradually grown less wild, or almost 

 tame, and now prefer living near houses and barns to 

 building in wilder places. The Bluebird, Martin, and 

 Wren are three very popular birds. They appreciate 

 cosy homes and are grateful for the boxes built for 

 them, though we know that before they had such 

 things they must have nested in tree holes." 



