290 



BIRDS 



haxdl}' any nest, even depositing their eggs, at times, on 



bare rocks or on tlie roofs of houses, in cities. 



Tlie humming birds are well kno\A'n for tlieii- small size, 



long, slender bills, bright metallic colors, and the humming 



noise made by the rapid vibrations of their wings as they 



poise over a flower 

 in search of nectar. 

 Figure 194 shows 

 the nest of the ruby- 

 throated humming 

 Ijird in the branches 

 of an apple tree. 



The chinmey s'\\ ifts 

 (Fig. 195) are seen in 

 flocks passing down 

 a chimney at night- 

 fall. Here they build 

 their nests of small 

 Ijranches glued to the 

 sides of the cliimney 

 (Fig. 196). 



Parrots. — The par- 

 rots are mainly in- 

 habitants of the 

 tropical ]")arts of 

 the world, especially 

 South America and 



KiG. 197. — Carolina parrot. 



Australia. The bill is short and stout and the upper half 

 extends beyond and curves over the lower half. The 

 majority have a brilliant plumage, but some of them are 

 dressed in sober hues. The tongue is large and soft and 

 capable of very free movement. They are, by nature, great 



