536 



NESTS OF BAYA AND TAILOR-BIRD. 



trees. The greater number of them have a somewhat hemi- 

 spherical form, resembling a little round basket; and their 

 interior is lined with moss and down (fig. 277). 



705. But sometimes the arrangement is much more com- 

 plicated, so as to avert some particular danger, or to answer 

 some special purpose. Thus the nest of the Baya, a little 

 Indian bird allied to our Bulfinch, has the form of a bottle ; 

 and it is suspended from a twig of such slenderness and flexi- 

 bility, that neither monkeys, serpents, nor squirrels can reach 

 it (fig. 278). It is rendered still more secure against the 

 attacks of its numerous enemies, by the formation of the 

 entrance of the nest on its under side, so as to be only reached 

 by even the bird itself with the aid of its wings. This curious 

 habitation is constructed of long grass ; and several chambers 

 are found in its interior, of which one serves for the female 



Fig. 278. NEST t.F THE BAYA. Fig. 279. NEST OF THE TAILOR-BIRD. 



to sit on her eggs, whilst another is occupied by the male, 

 who solaces his companion with his song, whilst she is occu- 

 pied in maternal cares. Another curious nest is that of the 



