76 HOMES WITHOUT HAKDS. 



taking the deserted burrow of a woodpecker, when it is fortunate 

 enough to secure so convenient a residence. Any holes in trees, 

 however, are used by the Wrjoieck ; and it is veiy fond of those 

 hollowed places where a branch has been broken away, and the 

 interior of the tree has in consequence begun to decay. In such 

 cavities the bird makes its nest, or rather, lays its eggs, for it is 

 quite satisfied with chips of decayed wood for a bed whereon to 

 place its numerous white eggs ; and, like all those birds which 

 build in burrows, it cares little about an elaborate nest. It 

 will, however, take advantage of the nest which has been made 

 by some other bird, and has been known to deposit its eggs in 

 the deserted habitation of a redstart. 



Though a timid bird, it is never slow in defence of its home 

 and its numerous young ; and though its slight beak can 

 inflict but very trifling damage upon ordinaiy foes, it often 

 frightens away the novice who has approached its domicile, by 

 writhing its neck, darting its head forward, ruffling its crest, and 

 hissing like an angry ■v'iper. On account of this habit, it is 

 known in many parts of England by the popular name of Snake- 

 bird. The head and neck of the bird have quite a formidable 

 aspect as they thus present tliemselves at the orifice of the 

 burrow, and at a little distance the writhing neck and angry 

 hiss give to the creature a very sanguinary character. 



Among the semi-burrowers we may rank the Starling 

 {Sturnus vulgaris), as this bird invariably lays its eggs in a 

 hollow of some kind. 



Its instinct teaches it to select spots wherein it can be hidden ; 

 and the deeper the burrow, and the narrower the entrance, the 

 better does the Starling seem to be pleased. In all kinds of 

 places the Starling makes its home, and its pale blue eggs may 

 be found wherever there is a hole that will contain them. Under 

 the eaves of houses the Starling contrives to creep, and finds 

 some retired spot where it can sit in security and tend its young. 

 Oftentimes when it resides in towns it displays so much inge- 

 nuity in concealing the locality of its habitation, that the im- 

 patient cry of the young birds affords the first indication of a 

 nest. Frequently it gets into pigeon-cotes, and associates quite 

 amicably with the rightful inmates. It has a great liking for 

 the same domicile as the jackdaw, and there is often a trial of 



