404 THE AKBOUK BIRD. 



Food. In a wild state this bird feeds on various insects, 

 caterpillars, flies, spiders, beetles, &c., and, in case of necessity, 

 will also eat berries. 



In confinement it will rarely eat anything except the insects 

 above mentioned. Much time and trouble are requisite to 

 accustom it to the Nightingale's food. 



Breeding. The nest of the Arbour Bird is exceedingly 

 elaborate. It is built upon a forked twig, generally about 

 eight feet from the ground, and the exterior is composed of 

 white birch bark, dried plants, cocoon silk, and wool, with a 

 row of fine feathers round the upper margin. Inside is a 

 lining of the thinnest grass stalks. The female lays five eggs ; 

 which are at first light red, but, when sat upon for a few days, 

 become dark flesh-coloured, spotted with dark red. Each 

 pair breeds but once a year ; and if the nest be approached 

 more than once, it is forsaken, whether the young ones are 

 hatched or not. 



The plan of taming this bird which is adopted in Hesse, is 

 to rear it from the nest on ants' eggs and bullock's heart, chop- 

 ped small. It should be -kept in a warm place, and never 

 taken out of its cage ; as, if it perceives the slightest difference 

 in the construction of its new habitation, it becomes melan- 

 choly, and soon dies. "We may notice that the Arbour Bird 

 does not moult till December or January, which seems to prove 

 that it passes its winter in very southern latitudes. 



Diseases. The Arbour Bird is subject to the same diseases as 

 the Nightingale. 



Mode of Taking. These are difficult birds to catch, and the 

 only sure, though a cruel method, is to set limed twigs on the 

 nest. They will, however, often forsake it, if they see any 

 traces of its having been approached. They are rarely taken 

 in the water-trap. In August, however, springes, baited with 

 currants, are often successful. 



Attractive Qualities. This is not only a handsome bird, but 

 has a flute-like, varied, and melodious song. Some of its tones 

 are long-drawn, and like those of the Nightingale ; others are 

 sharp and sonorous ; and others, again, resemble the notes of 

 the Chimney Swallow. While singing ,its throat is very much 

 dilated. Its call is Dak, dak ! Feed hoi! feed hoi I 



SWEET'S ACCOUNT. "This interesting little species is generally 

 the first of the warblers that visit us in spring, except CEnanthe, 



