YELLOW HOUSE-SPARROW 63 
anywhere but in some domed nest, and at home I 
frequently put up boxes for them in the trees, but 
they would not notice them, though the Wrens and 
Swallows were glad to have them. Sometimes they 
make choice of the large fabric of the Anumbius 
acuticaudatus, called Lefiatero in the vernacular ; 
but their claim to this nest (even when the Lefateros 
are out of it) is frequently disputed by other species 
which possess the same habit as this Sparrow, but 
are more powerful than he. Their favourite breeding- 
place is, however, the solid earthen structure of the 
Oven-bird ; and it is wonderful to see how per- 
sistently and systematically they labour to drive out 
the lawful owners—birds so much larger and more 
powerful than themselves. [Early in spring, and 
before the advent of the Tree-Martins, the pair of 
Sparrows begin haunting the neighbourhood of the 
oven they have elected to take possession of, usually 
one pretty high up in a tree. As the season advances 
their desire towards it increases, and they take up 
their position on the very tree it is in; and finally 
a particular branch near the oven, commanding a 
good view of the entrance, is chosen for a permanent 
resting-place. Here they spend a great portion of 
their time in song, twitterings, and loving dalliance, 
and, if attentively observed, they are seen with eyes 
ever fixed on the coveted abode. As the need for a 
receptacle for the eggs becomes more urgent they 
grow bolder, and in the absence of the owners flit 
about the oven, alight on it, and even enter it, The 
Oven-bird appears to drive them off with screams 
