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bird of the same kind, i am not so well acquainted with, but it is 
said to imitate the human voice in a wonderful manner. 
The baya, or bottle-nested sparrow, is remarkable for its pen- 
dent nest, brilliant plumage, and uncommon sagacity. These birds 
are found in most parts of Hindostan; in shape they resemble the 
sparrow, as also in the brown feathers of the back and wings; the 
head and breast are of a bright yellow, and in the rays of a tro- 
pical sun have a splendid appearance, when flying by thousands 
in the same grove; they make a chirping noise, but have no song: 
they associate in large communities; and cover extensive clumps 
of palmyras, acacias, and date trees, with their nests. These are 
formed in a very ingenious manner, by long grass woven together 
in the shape of a bottle, with the neck hanging downwards, and 
suspended by the other end to the extremity of a flexible branch, 
the more effectually to secure the eggs and young brood from ser- 
pents, monkeys, squirrels, and birds of prey. These nests contain 
several apartments, appropriated to different purposes: in one the 
hen performs the office of incubation ; another, consisting of a little 
thatched roof, and covering a perch, without a bottom, is occu- 
pied by the male, who with his chirping note cheers the female 
during her maternal duties. The Hindoos are very fond of these 
birds, for their docility and sagacity: when young, they teach 
them to fetch and carry; and at the time the young women resort 
to the public fountains, their lovers instruct the baj'a to pluck the 
tica, or golden ornament, from the forehead of their favourite, and 
bring it to their expecting master. 
Dr. Fryer gives a very pleasant description of the baya, under 
the name of the toddy-bird, in his entertaining travels. “ Nature, 
