228 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



to certain pensile nests formed by the humming birds, and which 

 will presently be described. 



The bird itself is a lively and amusing little being, not 

 only active on the wing, but singularly bold and confiding in 

 character, betraying little fear of man, and even entering houses 

 when engaged in chasing insects. These attributes, however, 

 entirely disappear during the breediug season, when the little 

 bird becomes as shy, as suspicious, and as timid as it was 

 formerly bold and confiding. It cannot endure that a human 

 being should even approach its nest, and in order to draw off his 

 attention, acts after the manner of the lapwing, and by feigning 

 lameness endeavours to decoy the intruder in another direction. 

 The "White-shafted Fantail rears at least two broods in a season, 

 and has occasionally been known to produce a third. There 

 are only two young in each brood, so that the parents are not 

 subject to very hard work when rearing their offspring. 



These birds are generally seen in pairs, but are not gregarious, 

 and, as far as is known, they are permanent residents in Aus- 

 tralia, merely shifting their quarters at the different seasons. 



