CRESTED CASSIQUE, OR CRESTED ORIOLE. 263 



trees in which the nest was placed. Cultivators now know better, 

 and are aware that, so far from being a foe, it is one of their best 

 friends, eating vast numbers of the noxious insects which infest 

 fruit-trees, and saving many a crop by its exertions to procure 

 food for itself and young family. 



Indeed, one of the nests has been observed to be completely 

 overshadowed by a large bunch of apples, which had grown over 

 the entrance, and had absorbed more than half the space through 

 which the bird was accustomed to enter its home. Yet, although 

 the destruction of the fruit would have been a positive conven- 

 ience to the Oriole, not a single apple was touched, and the bird 

 slid in and out of its nest as cautiously as if it were aware of the 

 value set on the fruit, and determined not to injure it. 



On the left hand of the Baltimore Oriole's nest is represented 

 a very curious structure swaying in the wind, long, purse-like, 

 and having the entrance, near the top. This is the nest of the 

 Crested Cassique, or Crested Oriole (Cacicus cristatus), and 

 the bird itself is seen clinging to the lower part of the nest. 



There are several species of Cassiques, all of which are natives 

 of tropical America, and build nests of a similar structure. The 

 Crested Cassique is the largest of the genus, equaling the com- 

 mon jackdaw in size, and its nest is larger and more striking than 

 that of any other species. It loves the tallest trees, and may be 

 seen actively traversing the branches in search of food, pecking 

 here and there in haste as it trips along, or passing from one tree 

 to another with a rapid darting flight, snapping at insects as it 

 dashes through the air. Like the preceding species, it is fond of 

 human society, and builds its pensile nest close to the habitation 

 of man, so that its customs can be easily watched. 



The bird is a handsome creature, the greater part of the body 

 being rich chocolate, the wings dark green, and the outer tail- 

 feathers bright yellow, this color being displayed conspicuously 

 as the bird flies, particularly when it makes a sharp turn in the 

 air, and is obliged to spread its tail-feathers rapidly. The beak 

 of this species is very remarkable, being of a green color, and ex- 

 tending far up the forehead. The head is adorned with a long* 

 pointed crest, from which its popular name of Crested Oriole is 

 derived. In some favored spots these birds are quite plentiful, 

 producing a beautiful effect, as the variegated plumage gleams 

 among the foliage, while the bird is engaged in its active quest 

 after food. 



