162 BIRDS' NESTS AND NESTING WAYS 



steeples, ivy-clad ruins or crags, although occa- 

 sionally using tree holes also. These latter are 

 not what one would expect to be the natural 

 breeding-place of any pigeon ; yet the stock 

 dove builds by preference in hollow trees, 

 although at times making shift with rabbit 

 burrows when nothing more suitable is handy. 

 Still less, however, would one suspect a duck 

 of such a choice ; nevertheless the golden- 

 eye nests regularly in hollow trees and often 

 at some considerable height. That gaudily- 

 coloured bird, the sheldrake, on the other hand, 

 lays its eggs in rabbit burrows, sometimes even, 

 we are told on the authority of Dresser, in the 

 earths of fox or badger, and that, too, notwith- 

 standing the presence of the original tenant ; 

 yet this is stated also by several foreign 

 authorities, who add that no disturbance of 

 peaceful relations appears to follow. 



Of the smaller birds that habitually nest in 

 holes, whether of trees, walls or the like, the 

 great tit, coal tit, blue tit and marsh tit are 

 all familiar examples ; and like other birds 

 with similar habits, are ready to take up their 

 abode in suitable nesting-boxes when these are 

 provided for them. 



As all know, several species of birds find in 

 and about our own houses convenient breed- 



