808 Note to the Catalogue of the Birds [Aug. 



rump is narrower and less purely white ; and the white of the throat 

 is also less pure. The nidification is also remarkably different : several 

 pairs inhabiting a continuous common nest, which is affixed to an eave 

 in the manner of that of Hirundo urbica, or of Cypselus affinis ; the 

 latter species, however, (so far as we have observed,) so placing its nest 

 as to be concealed or at least rendered inconspicuous by a rafter or 

 other object in front. According to the account received, a colony of 

 C. subfurcatus inhabited the verandah of a house in the island of 

 Pinang. " They began with a pair, and now compose a harmonious 

 family of about 16 or 18. The nests are fastened to the beam much in 

 the same way as the nest of the Swallow" (Hirundo urbica?), "but 

 their nidificationary habits differ from those of the latter birds by their 

 running two, three, or more nests into one. There were about six or 

 eight birds in the specimen of a nest herewith sent, which had three 

 apertures. They seem to keep a regular watch at night, for On the 

 least noise the sentinel pipes a little and is then followed by all the rest. 

 They lay two eggs, and are not migratory, — at least my friends are not, 

 for they have been domiciled upwards of a year where they now are." 



The nest received is a beautiful fabric in its way, remarkably light 

 and compact ; being composed of feathers and other light substances 

 firmly bound together by a good deal of the saliva-like gluten. Several 

 shed primaries and other feathers of the birds themselves, doubtless 

 cast within the nest, are thus fastened in to add to the lining. The 

 only aperture visible, now that the nest has been cut away from its 

 place of attachment, is a somewhat prolonged entrance at one extremity ; 

 and there appear to be but two depressions adapted for the reception 

 of eggs, which renders it probable that several of its inhabitants were 

 the young of a former brood — or perhaps broods. The total length of 

 the interior is 12 in., by nearly 5 in. where broadest ; and this capacity 

 would indicate that it is intended as much for a habitation for a number 

 of the birds, as for the ordinary purpose of incubation. Procuring 

 some nests of C. affinis for comparison, the size of these also indicates 

 the fact that they are similarly inhabited ; but it would appear that 

 there is no convenience in them for more than one pair of birds to 

 incubate. They consist of a much thicker and heavier mass of mate- 

 rial than the nest of C. subfurcatus ; but where two are built in contact, 

 the wall of separation is thin, though we suspect it will be always found 



