THE TAILOR BIRD. 65 



lined with horse-hair, and supported between 

 two leaves on a twig. These leaves placed 

 longitudinally on each other were stitched in 

 that position, from the points to rather more 

 than half way up the sides with a strong thread ; 

 this was spun from the raw cotton by the bird, 

 leaving the entrance to the nest only at the 

 upper end, between the stalks of the leaves, 

 where they joined the branch of the tree. 



When migrating, the flight of the Baltim^ore 

 oriole is performed high in the air, above the 

 tops of the trees, and sometimes, when the sun 

 declines, they alight singly among the branches 

 to feed or rest. 



Their song consists not unfrequently of eight or 

 ten loud full clear notes, is extremely melodious 

 and pleasing. Their movements differ materially 

 from those of other birds. They may be seen 

 clinging by the feet around a stem in such a 

 way, as to require the full extension of their 

 legs and bodies, in order to reach some insect. 

 Again they move curiously sideways for a few 

 steps; or, gliding with elegant and stately 

 motions, are seen with their blended glossy 

 plumage and vermillion-tinted breasts, glittering 

 among the leaves. They resort in the summei 

 season to ripe fruits, such as strawberries, cher- 

 ries, mulberries, and figs for food. 



Deserving of enumeration, from the pecu 

 6* E 



