264 CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



sometimes on the extreme branches of trees. It is commonly very large, some apparently larger 

 than others, but this difference of size is only external ; in the interior they are all of nearly the same 

 dimensions, namely, between three and four inches in diameter, while the circumference is often more 

 than a foot. As the nest is composed of the down of plants, it is of snowy whiteness or of a 

 brownish hue, according to the quality of the down produced by the surrounding shrubs. On the 

 outside it appears to be constructed in an irregular and clumsy manner, in conformity with the 

 curvatures of the branches on which it is so firmly attached (part of them passing through its texture), 

 that it is impossible to move it without leaving one-half behind. If, however, externally, the nest has 

 the appearance of being badly constructed, we shall be all the more surprised to find that so small a 

 bird, without other instrument than its bill, wings, and tail, should have felted vegetable down in such 

 a manner as to render it a fabric as united and firm as cloth of good quality. The nest itself is of a 

 rounded shape, with a narrow neck at its upper part, through which the bird glides into the interior. 

 At the base of this tubular neck there is a niche, or shelf-like appendage, like a small nest resting 

 against the large one, which serves as a momentary resting-place, by means of which the Pinc-Pinc 

 may pass more easily into the nest, a feat which, without such a contrivance, it might have some 

 difficulty in accomplishing, as it could not move through so small an entrance on the wing, and the 

 walls of the tube are so slightly formed, that the bird would injure them were it constantly to rest 

 upon them. This little appendage is as firmly felted as the interior. Sometimes there are two or 

 three of these perches. It has until lately been supposed that the female alone undertook the whole 

 labour of building this strange and beautiful structure, but we learn from Tristam, whose statement is 

 confirmed by Jerdon, that the male does considerably more than half of the work. " I had the good 

 luck," says Tristam, " to find a nest that was just commenced, and was able daily to observe the 

 whole process. The first egg was laid before the outer wall was more than an inch high, the male 

 continuing to labour without intermission, until by the time the nestlings were hatched the fabric was 

 quite firm, and full three inches in height. The eggs vary considerably in appearance ; those we 

 found in Spain were of a uniform light blue, others again are bluish green, sparsely marked with 

 small or large brown, reddish, or black spots, or pure white spotted with bright red. The young are 

 tended by both parents with much affection ; the male especially appears entirely to lay aside his 

 usual timidity, and will frequently follow an intruder for some distance, uttering low cries, as if to 

 scare him from the spot." 



The proceedings of a family of young birds are most entertaining to behold, as they climb 

 and flutter about the grass or corn, while the busy father and mother seek food for their hungry 

 progeny. No sooner has one of the parents succeeded in capturing an insect than the whole flock 

 hurry with tails upraised to receive it, each scrambling with earnest endeavour to be first, and obtain 

 the coveted morsel. Should danger be at hand, the mother disappears with her young to some safe 

 retreat, while the father rises into the air, and flies about in his usual manner. Savi tells us that the 

 Pinc-Pinc breeds thrice in the year — in April, June, and August. We ourselves have found nests in 

 May, June, or July. 



The TAILOR BIRDS {Orthotonus) constitute a remarkable group of Bush Warblers, and 

 are at once recognisable by their elongated body, much rounded wing, in which the fifth and sixth 

 quills are the longest ; their short abruptly rounded or graduated tail, composed of very narrow 

 feathers ; and by their powerful feet with high tarsi and short toes ; the beak is long, straight, broad 

 at the base, and pointed at the tip, and in every respect admirably adapted for the sewing operations 

 it has to perform ; the base of the bill is surrounded by a few delicate bristles ; the plumage is smooth 

 and brightly coloured, usually green on the back and rust-red on the head. 



