226 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 
and that the bird almost invariably rises with a stick 
at such a distance from the tree as to be able just to 
make the nest, but that sometimes failing it alights 
further down, and then climbs up the twigs with 
its stick. He attributes the choice of the tall poplar 
to ambition; but the Afiumbi has really a much 
simpler and lowlier motive. In the rich Buenos- 
Ayrean soil all trees have a superabundance of foliage, 
and in the slim Lombardy poplar alone can the nest 
be placed where the bird can reach it laden with 
building-material, without coming in contact with 
long projecting twigs. 
The nest of the Afumbi is about two feet in depth, 
and from ten to twelve inches in diameter, and rests 
in an oblique position amongst the branches, The 
entrance is at the top, and a crooked or spiral passage- 
way leads down to the lower extremity, where the 
breeding chamber is situated ; this is lined with wool 
and soft grass, and five white eggs are laid, varying 
considerably in form, some being much more sharply 
pointed than others. 
The nest, being so secure and comfortable an 
abode, is greatly coveted by several other species of 
birds to breed in; but on this subject I have already 
spoken in the account of the genus Molothrus. When 
deprived of their nest, the birds immediately set to 
work to make a new one; but often enough without 
being ejected from the first they build a second nest, 
sometimes demolishing the first work to use the 
materials. I watched one pair make three nests be- 
fore laying ; another pair made two nests, and after 
