Birds of a Feather 



~l^"T"OTHING is more characteristic of 



^y autumn than the assembling of birds 

 -"*- ^ in companies, sometimes of vast extent. 

 Each consists, usually, of birds of a single sort 

 only, whence the proverb as to " birds of a 

 feather." 



This familiar fact illustrates one trait of 

 birds that is seldom recognized, and it is very 

 pleasing the sociability which arises from a 

 sympathetic nature. 



It is true that various advantages may come 

 from the flocking of some birds during migra- 

 tions, and that necessity may account for other 

 assemblages, yet in most cases, at any rate 

 among the smaller songsters, birds seem to de- 

 light in the company of their kind and in asso- 

 ciation with other kinds simply for the sake 

 of it. 



That hordes of water-birds throng about 

 ^ 186 5 



