410 



GOLDEN ORIOLE. 



moths, the egg-bags of spiders, feathers, &c. &c. 

 The bird is observed to build generally in high 

 trees, but to place the nest in rather a low part of 

 the tree: the usual number of eggs is four or five, 

 and their colour dull vi^hite, with numerous dark 

 specks. The young are fed with insects, and par- 

 ticularly with caterpillars: the parents are ob- 

 served to be unusually assiduous in the care of 

 their young, and have even been known to assault 

 with great violence those who have disturbed them 

 during this occupation. The young associate with 

 the parents long after their full growth, and even 

 till the succeeding year; or at least, till the next 

 breeding-time; for this species is observed, in some 

 seasons, to breed twice a year. The Golden 

 Oriole is of a migratory nature, and in the island 

 of Malta is observed to make its annual appear- 

 ance in the month of September, in its passage to 

 more southern regions; returning in spring, the 

 same way, to its more northern residences: it is 

 also observed in the neighbourhood of Constan- 

 tinople in spring, departing in September. It 

 may therefore be supposed to spend the winter in 

 Asia and Africa, and to pass the summer in Europe. 



It has been before observed that the young are 

 chiefly fed on caterpillars and other insects; but 

 the bird in its full-grown state feeds also on fruits 

 of various kinds, and particularly on cherries, figs, 

 and grapes, and is itself considered in many places 

 as a delicate article of food. Its note is loud and 

 piercing, and has by some been compared to its 

 modern French name, which is Loriot, In the 



