50 BRITISH BIRDS 5 EGGS. 



pair make their nest in a fissure of the rock, or among the 

 loose rough masses at the base ; the nest is constructed of 

 moss, and the eggs, four in number, are of a greenish-blue 

 colour, without spots. (PL VI. fig. 29.) 



THE GOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolus galbula. Although 

 this species has been known to breed in Britain, the in- 

 stances in which it has done so have been few ; and indeed 

 its visits to this country are by no means frequent. A spe- 

 cimen of the nest brought from the Continent, which we 

 once saw, was a lengthened and suspended structure, and 

 of the materials employed in its formation, wool constituted 

 a considerable proportion. Usually the nest is composed of 

 dry grass, roots, and wool, and is lined with similar mate- 

 rials, of a finer texture. The eggs, when blown, are of a 

 clear and glossy white, relieved with black or dark purple- 

 brown spots ; one which we recently saw, had a tinge of pink 

 at the thicker end, and the spots of a deep purple or red- 

 dish brown. The food of this species consists of insects 

 and berries, and it is very partial to cherries. Its song is 

 said somewhat to resemble that of the Missel-Thrush, but 

 to be less musical. (PI. V. fig. 19.) 



