FOR NORTHERN INDIA 24 



observed seeking for a hollow in which to 

 nestle. The site selected is usually a small hole 

 in the trunk of a mango tree that has weathered 

 many monsoons. The birds reduce the orifice 

 of the cavity to a very small size by plastering 

 up the greater part of it with mud. Hence 

 the nest of the nuthatch, unless discovered 

 when in course of construction, is difficult to 

 locate. 



All the cock sunbirds (Arachnechthra asiatica) 

 are now in the full glory of their nuptial plum- 

 age. Here and there an energetic little hen is 

 busily constructing her wonderful pendent nest. 

 Great is the variety of building material used 

 by the sunbird. Fibres, slender roots, pliable 

 stems, pieces of decayed wood, lichen, thorns 

 and even paper, cotton and rags, are pressed 

 into service. All are held together by cobweb, 

 which is the favourite cement of bird masons. 

 The general shape of the nest is that of a pear. 

 Its contour is often irregular, because some of 

 the materials hang loosely from the outer 

 surface. 



The nursery is attached by means of cobweb 

 to the beam or branch from which it hangs. 

 It is cosily lined with cotton or other soft 

 material. The hen, who alone builds the nest 



