212 BIRDS' NESTS 



occurring in the Parrots (Psittaciformes), and also as 

 exceptionally, or even still more so, in the Cuckoos 

 (Cuculiformes). There are certain Parrots which are 

 said to build globular nests, placing them amongst 

 tall grass. So far as is known, the only domed nest- 

 builders amongst the Cuckoos are tl 3 Lark-heeled 

 Cuckoos belonging to the genus Centropus. These 

 birds frequent well-wooded districts in the Old World 

 tropics, and usually place their nests in some thorn- 

 bearing bush or tree, but in other cases select a 

 site amongst herbage on the ground. The nest of 

 Burchell's Larked-heeled Cuckoo {Centropus burchelli), 

 according to observations furnished to Mr Guy 

 Marshall, by Mr Darling, who met with this species 

 breeding in Mashonaland, is placed in a low thorn 

 bush about six feet from the ground, and made of 

 dry grass. It is rather roughly constructed, domed in 

 shape, with a large entrance hole at the side pointing 

 away from the prevailing winds. Of the Black-breasted 

 Larked-heeled Cuckoo (C. ni^'^orufus), Mr Darling 

 states that he took a nest in the long thick grass 

 in a vlei, so cunningly concealed, that had not the 

 parent bird flown out he would never have discovered 

 it. This nest was " woven out of the living grass, 

 so that it kept green all the time, and when I stood 

 only a couple of yards away it was impossible to 

 discern the nest. This was situated about two feet 

 from the ground, domed, and with a small aperture 

 at the side, the grass being, very finely and carefully 



