146 STRAIN GE DWELLINGS. 



On the left hand of the Baltimore Oriole's nest is represented 

 a very curious structure swaying in the wind, long, purse-like, 

 and having the entrance near the top. This is the nest of the 

 Crested Cassique, or Crested Oriole {Cacicus cristatus)^ 

 and the bird itself is seen clinging to the lower part of the nest. 



There are several species of Cassiques, all of which are 

 natives of tropical America, and build nests of a similar structure. 

 The Crested Cassique is the largest of the genus, equalling the 

 common jackdaw in size, and its nest is larger and more striking 

 than that of any other species. It loves the tallest trees, and 

 may be seen actively traversing the branches in search of food, 

 pecking here and there in haste as it trips along, or passing 

 from one tree to another with a rapid darting flight, snapping at 

 insects as it dashes through the air. Like the preceding species, 

 it is fond of human society, and builds its pensile nest close to 

 the habitation of man, so that its customs can be easily watched. 



The bird is a handsome creature, the greater part of the body 

 being rich chocolate, the wings dark green, and the outer tail- 

 feathers bright yellow, this colour being displayed conspicuously 

 as the bird flies, particularly when it makes a sharp turn in the 

 air and is obliged to spread its tail-feathers rapidly. The beak 

 of this species is very remarkable, being of a green colour, and 

 extending far up the forehead. The head is adorned with a 

 long pointed crest, from which its popular name of Crested 

 Oriole is derived. In some favoured spots these birds are quite 

 plentiful, producing a beautiful effect, as the variegated plumage 

 gleams among the foliage, while the bird is engaged in its active 

 quest after food. 



The nest of the Crested Cassique is of great length, and, as 

 may be seen by the illustration, has the entrance hke that of a 

 pocket. The opening is rather small when compared with the 

 size of the nest itself, and the bird always dives head foremost 

 into its home, its yellow tail flashing a last golden gleam before 

 it disappears. The nest is strongly built, and the materials are 

 rather coarse, not in the least resembling the delicate and neatly 

 rounded fibres of which many of the weaver nests are made. 

 These nests often exceed a yard in length, and owing to their 



