492 



PASSERINES. 



They attack birds mvicli larger than themselves, harassing and 

 pursuing them without intermission, threatening their eyes, and 

 always succeeding in putting them to flight. They frequently 

 contend with each other. If two males meet on the calyx of a 

 flower, bristling with anger, and uttering their cry, they rush on 



one another. After the conflict is over the conqueror returns to 

 reap the reward of his valour. 



The nest of the Humming-bird (Fig. 206) is a masterpiece. 

 It is about the size of half an apricot. The materials are brought 

 by the male, and arranged by the female. These consist of 

 lichens, and are most artistically interwoven, the crevices being 

 closed up with the bird's saliA^a : the interior is padded with the 

 silky fibres furnished by various plants. This pretty cradle is 



