THE TAILOR BIRD. 65 
lined wita horse-hair, and supported between 
two leaves on a twig. These leaves placed 
longitudinally on each other were stitched in 
that position, from the points to rather more 
than half way up the sides with a strong thread; 
this was spun from the raw cotton by the bird, 
leaving the entrance to the nest only at the 
upper end, between the stalks of the leaves, 
where they joined the branch of the tree. 
When migrating, the flight of the Baltimore 
oriole is performed high in the air, above the 
tops of the trees, and sometimes, when the sun 
declines, they alight singly among the branches 
to feed or rest. 
Their song consists not unfrequently of eight or 
ten loud full clear notes, is extremely melodious 
and pleasing. Their movements differ materially 
from those of other birds. They may be seen 
clinging by the feet around a stem in such a 
way, as to require the full extension of their 
legs and bodies, in order to reach some insect. 
Again they move curiously sideways for a few 
steps; or, gliding with elegant and stately 
motions, are seen with their blended glossy 
plumage and vermillion-tinted breasts, glittering 
among the leaves. They resort in the summer 
seasor to ripe fruits, such as strawberries, cher. 
ries, mulberries, and figs for food. 
Deserving of enumeration, from the pecu 
6* E 
