nydus/Contributions to the Theory of Natural SelectionPublic
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Table of Contents
VII. A THEORY OF BIRDS’ NESTS; Showing the relation of certain differences of colour in Female Birds, to their mode of Nidification.
Estrelda, Amadina. In these genera of Eastern and Australian finches
the females, although more or less different from the males, are still
very conspicuous
having a red rump, or being white spotted. They differ from most others
of the family in building domed nests.
Certhiola. In these pretty little American creepers the sexes are
alike, and they build a domed nest.
Mynahs (Sturnidæ). These showy Eastern starlings have the sexes
exactly alike. They build in holes of trees.
Calornis (Sturnidæ). These brilliant metallic starlings have no
sexual differences. They build a pensile covered nest.
Hangnests (Icteridæ). The red or yellow and black plumage of most of
these birds is very conspicuous, and is exactly alike in both sexes.
They are celebrated for their fine purse-shaped pensile nests.