528 CLASS AVES. ^ 



in what manner she removes the eggs, as this nest is always 

 at the bottom of the hole of a tree, and its entrance is in 

 general extremely narrow. Yet Montbeillard speaks of a nest 

 of this bird, in which there were five eggs of its own, with 

 one of the cuckow ; but the former disappeared by degrees. 

 All the small nests in which young cuckows are found, are 

 very much flattened, and scarcely to be recognized as to form, 

 in consequence of the weight and bulk of this bird, who, that 

 it may be more at its ease, will often shove out, of its own 

 accord, any eggs or young birds that happen to be in the nest 

 along with it. Of the mode which it employs to make this 

 displacement, some interesting details are given by Jenners. 

 The young cuckow, assisting itself with its rump and wings, 

 endeavours to slide under the little bird which partakes its 

 cradle, and to place it on its own back, where it retains it by 

 raising the wings ; then, drawing itself backwards, to the 

 elevated edge of the nest, it reposes for a moment, and then, 

 making an effort, flings its burden clean out of the nest. 

 After this operation, it is soon observed to grope or feel with 

 the extremities of its wings, as if desirous of convincing itself 

 of the success of its enterprise. 



This observer has constantly remarked, that the young 

 cuckows make use of the end of their wings to recognize the 

 eggs, or little ones, which they intend to dislodge. He has 

 often repeated the same observations on a great number of 

 nests, and invariably foimd the young cuckows pursuing the 

 same manoeuvre. Sometimes, in climbing the elevated edges 

 of the nest, the young cuckow will let its burden fall ; but it 

 soon commences its work again, and never gives over until its 

 enterprise is atchieved. It is surprising to behold the 

 reiterated efforts which a cuckow will make, for two or tlu-ee 

 days, when it is lodged with a bird rather too heavy for it to 

 raise. It is then in a continual agitation, and never stops 

 working. But when the cuckow arrives towards twelve days 



