KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 



28 3 



nest is generally built in a high tree, and resembles that of 

 the robin. Some, however, develop a curious friendship 

 for the fish hawk, and form their nests in among the in- 

 terstices of its large abode, living there in the greatest har- 

 mony. 



The Baltimore oriole {Icterus galbula) is a familiar form 

 throughout North America. The length is about seven 

 and three quarter inches. They have singularly melodious 

 voices, and are remarkable for their architectural abilities. 



FIG. 312. Bobolink, or reed-bird. 



The nest is the combined work of male and female, and is 

 hammock-shaped, swung from the branches, and made of 

 threads of flax, silk-weed or cloth, horse-hair, and other 

 material, the leaves of the trees forming a canopy over all, 

 20 



