THE ICTERIC ORIOLE. 143 



Description Construction of their nests. 



THE ICTERIC ORIOLE. 



THIS bird is also a native of Carolina and Ja- 

 maica; and in size is somewhat less than a black- 

 bird. It feeds on insects ; for the purpose of 

 killing which, the Americans keep it in their 

 houses. It hops about like the magpie ; and has 

 also many other gestures of that bird. Albin 

 assures us, that in all its actions it resembles the 

 starling ; and adds, that sometimes four or five 

 of them will unite to attack a larger bird, which, 

 after they have killed, they eat in a very orderly 

 manner, each chusing his part according to his 

 valour. In a wild state, they are so fierce and 

 bold, that when disturbed they will attack even 

 man ; but when introduced into our society, they 

 are said to be easily domesticated. 



The nests of these birds are constructed in a 

 cylindrical form ; several on the same tree, and 

 suspended from the extremity of the branches, 

 where they wave freely in the air. In these situ- 

 ations they are far out of the reach of such ani- 

 mals as would otherwise destroy the young. 



THE WEAVER ORIOLE. 



THIS bird is found in Senegal, and some 

 other parts of Africa. Two females having been 

 brought from thence and kept together in a 



