BAYA SPARROW. 



367 



accident which fortunately leaves the breeding months un- 

 disturbed, as it generally occurs during the rainy season after 

 the dried grass has absorbed a vast quantity of moisture. One 

 of the wonders of these prodigious nests is that the birds should 

 be able so easily to find their way to their own particular home. 

 Of all the hundreds of holes with which these nest-cities are 

 frequently pierced, one is as like as possible to the other, yet 

 notwithstanding this similarity tlie inmates glide in and out 

 without any hesitation. 



BAYA SPAKKOW. 



On turning to Asia we likewise find many admirable nest- 

 builders. Among these the Baya, or Toddy Bird, is one of the 

 most curious. In shape it resembles the sparrow, as also in the 

 brown feathers of the back and wings ; the head and breast are 

 of a bright yellow, and in the rays of a tropical sun have a 

 splendid appearance when the birds are flying by thousands in 

 the same grove. They make a chirping noise, but have no 

 song ; they associate in large communities, and cover clumps of 

 palmyras, acacias, and date-trees with their nests. These are 



