The cedar-bird (Ampelis cedrorum) is abundant in eastern United States. The nest is made in low trees or bushes, and from three to four purplish-white and black spotted eggs are laid.

Allied to this family is the cock of the rock* (Rupicola)

*They are remarkable for their "entertainments," or courtships. Twenty or more of these birds have been seen standing in a circle, some seated upon rocks, while in the center a solitary male hopped

of South America (Fig. 316). It is about twelve inches long, red or yellowish in color, with a prominent crest.

FIG. 316. Cock of the rock.

The female and young are brown.

The umbrella-bird (Cepha

lopterus ornatus) (Fig. 317) resembles a

crow, having, however, a curious umbrellalike crest that completely covers the head.

Among the remarkable al

lies of the fam

ily are the African Weaver-Birds, distinguished for the intelligence displayed in their nest-building.

NOTE. The social weaver-birds breed in regular cities, a joint nest being formed generally in the aloe-tree. A thatched roof of grass is erected, the entrances beneath leading into a corridor or street, from both sides of which branch the nests, thus secure from snakes, and containing three or four bluish-white eggs, with small brown spots at the largest end. Year after year the nest is added to, often fairly breaking down the tree.

Another peculiar allied South American form is the bell-bird.

and leaped about, going through strange antics, spreading its wings and waving its tail until exhausted, then walking around as if to receive applause, retiring to give place to another, who went through similar antics, followed by all the rest in turn. They nest in the trees. Their skin is in great demand. One of the state mantles of the Emperor of Brazil was made of them.

The Shrikes (Lanida) have hawk-like bills, abruptly hooked, the upper mandible toothed, and both notched. They have a world-wide distribution.

The great northern shrikes, or butcher-birds (Lanius borealis), are about nine inches in length. They prey upon insects, mice, and other birds, and are called butchers

from the fact that their surplus game, birds, etc., are impaled,* while yet living, on thorns, briers, or bushes. They are great mimics, and extremely adept at learning notes. The nest is placed in trees, the greenish-gray, brown-spotted eggs being from four to seven in number.

In the wagtails (Motacillida) the bill is shorter than the head, slender, straight, and notched at the tips. The feet are strong, and adapted for walking. They are mostly confined to the Eastern Hemisphere; the name refers to the habit of moving the tail up and down.

* A tame butcher-bird has been known to impale animals given it on a sharp stick supplied for the purpose.