THE SUPEEB WARBLER. 
95 
more than two or three times from one leaf to another; 
they are knotted by the careful little architect^ whose nest is 
thus safely hung over the water. 
The Superb Warbler of Australia {Malurus cyaneus) be- 
longs to a genus of several species^ the males of which are 
conspicuous for the loveliness of their plumage. This plu- 
mage^ consisting of blue and black most harmoniously min- 
gled^ is of a peculiar softness and delicacy. According to 
Mr. Gould, the historian of the Maluri and all the Austra- 
lian birds, this fine colouring is most usually found only for 
a few of the spring months ; and he says that as spring ad- 
vances, when they separate into pairs, *^a more astonishing 
change can scarcely be imagined/^ the plain and unassum- 
ing garb of the male during the winter months, at which 
time it is very similar to the female, being thrown off for 
a few months and another assumed, w^hich, for resplendent 
beauty, is hardly surpassed by any of the feathered race, 
certainly by none but the humming-birds and the cotingas 
of America : nor is the change confined to the plumage only, 
but extends also to its habits; in fact, its whole character 
and nature appear to have received a new impulse ; the little 
creature now displaying great vivacity, proudly showing off 
its gorgeous attire to the utmost advantage, and pouring 
