8 
BEAUTIFUL BIBBS. 
her egg, we all know, continues that able naturalist, 
are built in the thickest and most central parts of 
trees and bushes, to discover which superior powers of 
smell have been given to the Toucans (wdiich feed 
upon the eggs or young), and, in a less degree, are 
probably conferred upon the Cuckoos to facilitate their 
search after a foster-parent for their young. This 
peculiar-shaped nostril is restricted to such Cuckoos as 
are parasitic. The American and other species of the 
Coccyzus have the aperture of a lengthened oval shape, 
or in the form of a slit, and all we know of these 
birds sanctions the idea that they are not parasitic. 
The Cuckoo arrives in this country about the middle 
of April, at least its well-knowm vernal call is heard 
at that time, sooner or later ; however, this 
depends upon the temperature of the season, for 
should the weather be cold and inclement, though 
the birds may have made their appearance, their note 
is not uttered. It is the male bird alone, according to 
Mr. Selby, that repeats the well-known notes, the 
female making only a chattering noise. These birds 
leave ns again towards the latter part of June, or the 
beginning of July. But the young birds are often 
observed to remain for a much longer period, even till 
September. 
It is a general opinion that the Cuckoo does not 
pair, nor, according to the common acceptation of the 
term, is it a polygamous bird, but all of them live 
together in a promiscuous state of concubinage. Tied 
down by no duties of incubation, these birds are bound 
to no particular spot, but wander without control 
from place to place throughout the summer. It is 
