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Birds' Nests and Eggs — Part 3

In parts of the old world and in South America will be found birds that build extraordinary nests and have curious habits. The male hornbills have a remarkable custom of incarcerating the female in a hole in a tree during the period of incubation, by sealing up the entrance with mud, leaving a small opening through which she is supplied with food. Should the male be killed it is a question whether or not the female could free herself. This habit is doubtless a method of protection.

The nest of the tailor-bird is a good example of the skill displayed by birds in building and concealing their homes. They sew the edges of a large growing leaf round the nest, so that it is absolutely hidden from view. The bower-birds use queer materials, such as bones, pieces of metal, shells, etc., but perhaps the greatest curiosity supplied by birds is the nest of the esculent swift, known commonly as the edible bird's-nest, so much appreciated by the Chinese as a table luxury.

These are but a few examples of the endless variety to be found in bird architecture. It is a subject a full treatment of which would fill many volumes, and it is a study offering unusual attractions to all who want to do "original work" in nature subjects.