THE SOCIABLE GROSBEAK. 



165 



THE SOCIABLE GROSBEAK. 



The length of the Sociable Grosbeak is about five inches and a 

 half. Its color is 

 rufus-brown above, 

 and yellowish 

 beneath. The bill 

 and fo re he ad are 

 black, the region of 

 the ears is yellowish, 

 and the legs are 

 brown. The tail is 

 short. 



This species is an 

 inhabitant of the 

 interior country of 

 the Cape of Good 

 Hope. 



Few birds live 

 together in such 

 large societies, or 

 have a mode of nidifi- 

 cation so uncommon, 

 as these. They con- 

 struct their nests in a 

 species of mimosa ; 

 which grows to an 

 uncommon size, and 

 seems well suited to 

 them, on account of 

 its ample head, and 

 strong wide-spread- 

 ing branches. The 

 tallness and smooth- 

 ness of its trunk is 

 also a perfect defence 

 against the serpent and monkey tribes. The mode in which the nests 

 are fabricated is highly curious. In one tree, described by Mr. 

 Patterson, there could not be fewer than from eight hundred to a 

 thousand under one general roof. Mr. P. calls it a roof, because he 

 says it resembles that of a thatched house; and projects over the 

 entrance of the nest below, in a very singular manner. The industry 

 of these birds "seems almost equal (observes this traveller) to that of 

 the bee. Throughout the day they appear to be busily employed in 

 carrying a fine species of grass ; which is the principal material they 

 employ for the purpose of erecting this extraordinary work, as well 

 as for additions and repairs. Though my short stay in the country 

 was not sufficient to satisfy me, by ocular proof, that they added to 



SOCIABLE GROSBEAK. 



