BIRDS 



461 



Most persons are familiar with the little clay nests of the 

 Common Swallow {Hirundo rustica), commonly built against a 

 wall immediately under the eaves, and comparable in shape to half 

 asaucer. Their con 

 struction involves 

 much labour, for the 

 material has to be 

 brought in the bill 

 in successive pellets. 

 Consistency isgiven 

 by bits of straw or 

 stick, while in this 

 and similar cases 

 the sticky secretion 

 of the mouth is pro- 

 bably of importance 

 by way of cement. 

 A lining of feathers 

 is added. The nest of the House- Martin {Cheliaon tirbica) is 

 made of similar materials, but roofed over. 



The Oven- Birds (species of Furnarms, fig. 983) of South 

 America build on the branches of trees, their clay nests having 



Fig, 982. — Brooding Flamingo i^Phcenicoptents roseiis) 



Nest of an Oven-Bird [Fztritarius) 



the shape which has suggested the popular name. A partition 

 runs from back to front, dividing a cavity in which the eggs 

 are contained from a sort of ante-chamber that communicates 

 with the exterior. 



