OF .EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 2O3 



In about i 2 clays from the time of hatching the 

 young- quit the nest, but still continue to be fed 

 by their parents for a week more, when they are 

 prepared to provide their own nourishment; still 

 continuing, however, to reside with their parents. 

 Occasionally two broods are reared annually. 

 Whilst the parents are engaged in rearing the 

 second brood, the first is scouring the country 

 for food; but returns in the evening to the place 

 of common shelter, when suitable accommodations 

 exist. In August, 1874, we were visiting in 

 Brigeton, N. J., and had the privilege of study ing- 

 very minutely the history of this species. Close 

 by the place where we were staying, was located 

 a house of considerable capacity, and possessing 

 a dozen apartments. These were occupied by as 

 man) pairs of birds early in tlu- season. T\\; 

 broods had been successfully reared. At the time 



* 



to which we refer, ail the young had attained matur- 

 ity, and were dwelling with their parents. Early in 

 the morning, the almost deafening clatter that 

 emanated from the building, told that its inmates 

 were astir and prepared to commence their daily 

 avocation. The departure of one from the build- 

 ing was the signal for the rest to do likewise; 

 which they did to the number of sixty and 

 upwards. Instead of leaving instanter, they kept 

 circling around the house for at least ten minutes, 

 chattering away at a fearful rate; and, then, as if 

 by common consent, struck off in divers directions, 

 and were not seen again until sunset, when they 



