146 
STRANGE DWELLINGS . 
On the left hand of the Baltimore Oriole’s nest is represented 
a very curious structure swaying in the wind, long, purse-like, 
and having the entrance near the top. This is the nest of the 
Crested Cassique, or Crested Oriole ( Cacicus cristatus ), 
and the bird itself is seen clinging to the lower part of the nest. 
There are several species of Cassiques, all of which are j 
natives of tropical America, and build nests of a similar structure. 
The Crested Cassique is the largest of the genus, equalling the 
common jackdaw in size, and its nest is larger and more striking 
than that of any other species. It loves the tallest trees, and 
may be seen actively traversing the branches in search of food, 
pecking here and there in haste as it trips along, or passing 
from one tree to another with a rapid darting flight, snapping at 
insects as it dashes through the air. Like the preceding species, 1 
it is fond of human society, and builds its pensile nest close to 
the habitation of man, so that its customs can be easily watched. 
The bird is a handsome creature, the greater part of the body 
being rich chocolate, the wings dark green, and the outer tail- 
feathers bright yellow, this colour being displayed conspicuously 
as the bird flies, particularly when it makes a sharp turn in the | 
air and is obliged to spread its tail-feathers rapidly. The beak 
of this species is very remarkable, being of a green colour, and 
extending far up the forehead. The head is adorned with a 
long pointed crest, from which its popular name of Crested 
Oriole is derived. In some favoured spots these birds are quite 
plentiful, producing a beautiful effect, as the variegated plumage 
gleams among the foliage, while the bird is engaged in its active 
quest after food. 
The nest of the Crested Cassique is of great length, and, as 
may be seen by the illustration, has the entrance like that of a 
pocket. The opening is rather small when compared with the 
size of the nest itself, and the bird always dives head foremost 
into its home, its yellow tail flashing a last golden gleam before 
it disappears. The nest is strongly built, and the materials are 
rather coarse, not in the least resembling the delicate and neatly 
rounded fibres of which many of the weaver nests are made. 
These nests often exceed a yard in length, and owing to their 
