Nests in Trees 



The lining of the nest is in itself a work of art : hair 

 cow's hair for choice is arranged round the bowl of the 

 nest with almost mathematical precision. Perhaps one 

 or two birds can rival the chaffinch as architects its near 

 relative, the goldfinch, runs it close but none can surpass 

 it. The nest of the goldfinch is not unlike that of the 

 chaffinch, but it is usually placed near the end of a branch 

 and, in this position, is subjected to considerable shocks 

 during a wind. The goldfinch provides for such a con- 

 tingency by curling the edges of its nest inwards, so that 

 the eggs are in no danger of falling out. 



The long-tailed tit runs the chaffinch very close as a 

 nest-builder. Both birds use practically the same materials 

 and both are equally adept in the arts of concealment. 

 But whereas the chaffinch builds a cup-shaped nest, that 

 of the long-tailed tit is domed ; in fact, in size and shape 

 it resembles nothing so much as a large-sized cricket ball, 

 with a hole at one side for entrance and exit. Often the 

 nest is more oval than round, and sometimes even it is 

 flask-shaped. Again, nests have been found with two 

 holes, and one is recorded with a little flap over the 

 entrance to act as a door, which the birds must needs 

 open and shut each time they visit the nest. The interior 

 of this ingenious structure is always luxuriously upholstered 

 with downy feathers in such quantity that the eggs 

 literally lie in rather than on them. 



The golden oriole, which is unfortunate in being per- 

 secuted for its brilliant plumage and for its tasty flesh, 

 which is considered a delicacy, has somewhat peculiar, 

 though by no means unique, nesting habits. The first- 

 made nest of this bird is a shallow structure of grasses 

 interwoven with wool, and is usually placed near the end 

 of a branch. Should good weather favour the birds 

 during the nesting season, the nest will be left in its 

 original shallow state ; but in stormy weather the eggs, 

 having no inverted nest edge to save them as in the 

 goldfinch's building, must be protected from risk of falling 



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