THE HEROISM OF BIRDS. ' 257 



evidently unaware of the power of the snake to propel its coiled- 

 up body. I once saw a Green Mamba coiled up on a branch, and 

 quick as thought, propel itself full length, and seize a bird in its 

 jaws, meanwhile gripping the branch with its tail. The instant 

 it seized the bird it swung head downward until the victim ceased 

 to struggle. The snake then raised itself, assumed a comfortable 

 position, and swallowed its prey. 



Birds, with few exceptions, have highly impressionable and 

 excitable nervous organizations, as is proven by their hot blood, 

 quick circulation, fine texture brain, and ' intricate nervous 

 system. Now, we all know how birds will mob an owl which 

 ventures into their haunts during the daytime, but we never think 

 of investing the owl with any powers of fascination. 



Birds recognize snakes as their enemies, and if a bird discovers 

 a snake in its haunts, particularly in the vicinity of its nest, it 

 instantly sets up a shrill chattering and flies and hops excitedly 

 round the intruder. Its cries and actions attract its mate and 

 other birds, until eventually there may be as many as a score 

 around the snake. Their noisy demonstrations are sometimes so 

 great, and their demeanour so threatening, that the serpent loses 

 nerve and retreats, much to the relief and satisfaction of the birds 

 who pursue him for some distance. 



In most cases, however, the serpent remains immovable until 

 one of the birds, in the excitement of the moment, or braver than 

 the rest, approaches within striking distance. 



It is quite possible, and even very probable, that a bird may 

 work itself up into such a frenzy of excitement, as temporarily to 

 lose the power of flight, and so fall a victim. Others, in their 

 terror, may actually rush at the snake, particularly so if in 

 defence of their homes and young. 



The Heroism of Birds. 



I have witnessed several instances of the heroism of birds 

 in defence of their eggs and young. In Natal, one hot mid- 

 summer day, I lay on my back resting under the shade of a 

 great forest tree. Hearing a noise above, I looked up, and high 

 up in the branches I espied a pair of Sparrow Hawks near their 

 nest endeavouring to beat off a Green Mamba, which was evidently 



