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THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS 



those that stand on the edge of the wood, providing they are fairly large. The 

 nest is generally close to the main trunk, and in shape more oblong than round. 

 Occasionally it is built up on an old crow's nest, and it is always so large that the 

 lono- tail of the brooding female is well within it. It is lined with rootlets, and 

 occasionally has a little moss. The young sleep with their heads resting on their 



THE SPARROW-HAWK. 



backs, and their beaks hidden in their plumage. They are so amply provided with 

 food by their parents, that eight or ten slaughtered birds may be found at a time 

 in the nest; and this slaughter goes on long after they are fully fledged. All this 

 time they are being guided and taught by the old birds, but so soon as they are 

 strong enough to hunt on their own account, they have to find hunting-grounds 

 for themselves. 



The sparrow-hawk catches birds when they are perching or on the wing, and 



