Some Bird Architects. 



tected from the depredations of Carrion Crows and other 

 foes. 



The Heron, with its long, stilt-like legs and long 

 neck, does not seem to be of a comfortable build for 

 nesting in trees, and indeed in many countries it often 

 nests on the ground in lonely marshland ; while in 

 Britain it sometimes builds on the bare ground or cliffs 

 and the top of old ruins, though a tree-top is its more 

 usual nesting site. Its antics during the process of nest- 

 building in the early spring amidst the naked branches 

 of some flat-crowned oak are anything but dignified, 

 and offer a mirth-provoking spectacle. The nest is 

 very large and rather flat in form, the cup being a very 

 shallow one, composed of sticks, lined with twigs, roots, 

 and occasionally a little dried grass. It is a primitive 

 affair, but generally sees several years' service ere it is 

 abandoned, fresh material being added by way of repair 

 each spring. 



The graceful Swallow and House Martin, whose 

 annual arrival brings to us the promise of returning 

 spring, are both expert masons. Though both may be 

 spoken of in a wide family sense as " Swallows," just 

 as Rooks, Jackdaws, and Ravens may be termed " Crows," 

 there is a plain enough distinction between them and 

 their nests. The Swallow is larger, has longer wings, 

 a longer and more deeply forked tail, and a more sweep- 

 ing flight, while its upper plumage, but for some slight 

 and inconspicuous markings at the edge of the tail 

 feathers, is dark from head to tail. The House Martin, 

 on the other hand, has the lower half of its back pure 

 white. Again, in choice of nesting site and shape of 

 nest the two birds differ the Swallow attaching its 



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