254 



THE STORMCOCK. 



bearing shrubs. But in shrubs I have never been 

 able to find his nest, which is generally placed either 

 in the forked branches of the forest trees, or in 

 those of the larger fruit trees, sometimes very high 

 up, and sometimes within 5 ft. of the ground. The 

 outside of the nest is composed of dried grass, to 

 which is added a little green moss ; whilst the inside 

 contains a lining of dried grass alone, on which the 

 female commonly lays five eggs, speckled over with 

 chocolate-coloured spots, of a lighter and a darker 

 shade, on a greyish-green ground. 



During the period of the breeding season, the 

 habits of the stormcock undergo a noted change. 

 At other times of the year, except in cherry-time, 

 and when the seeds of the different species of the 

 service tree are ripe, this bird carefully avoids the 

 haunts of man ; but no sooner does the time arrive 

 in which it has to make its nest, than it draws near 

 to our habitations with the utmost confidence, and 

 forms its nest in places the most exposed to our 

 view. There both male and female protect their 

 charge with matchless courage. On the approach 

 of an enemy you immediately hear their singular 

 cry, which somewhat resembles the sound produced 

 by striking the teeth of a comb smartly with your 

 finger ; and you see the parent birds dashing inces- 

 santly at the crow, the cat, or the magpie, until 

 they clear the coast. This year there is a storm- 

 cock's nest within fifteen yards of the place where 

 the masons are at work. Our tame magpie, which 

 is allowed its freedom, and the use of its wings, 

 seized the female, some days ago, and brought her 



