PINC-PINC— Drj/mdfca iextrix. 



and l)eing generally seen in pairs on fields and in gardens. They dislike lofty elevations, 

 and may generally be seen near tlie ground, lioj)ping about the lower branches of trees 

 and shrubs in their search after insects, and occasionally seeking their prey on the ground. 

 Their flight is rapid but undulating, after the manner of many short-winged and long- 

 tailed birds. 



The Tailor-bird is a sober little creature, not more conspicuous than a common sparrow, 

 and is chiefly remarkable for its curious nest, wliich is made in a singular and most 

 ingenious manner. Taking two leaves at the extremity of a slender twig, the bird 

 literally sews them together at their edges, its bill taking the place of the needle and 

 vegetable fibres constituting the thread. A quantity of soft cottony down is then pushed 

 between the leaves, and a convenient hollow scraped out in which the eggs may lie and 

 the young birds may rest at their ease. Sometimes, if the leaf be large enough, its two 

 edges are drawn together, but in general a pair of leaves are needed. A few feathers are 

 sometimes mixed with the down. 



This curious nest is evidently hung at the very extremity of the twigs, in order to keep 

 it out of the wajf of the monkeys, snakes, and other enemies which might otherwise 

 attack and devour mother and young together. 



