22O LIFE-HISTORIES OF TURDS 



cured to twigs by a felting of flax-like fibres, plant- 

 stems, and bark, which are carried around the 

 outside of the nest, which is lined with flexible 

 bark of deciduous trees, and fine stems of plants, 

 with horse-hair, occasionally. It measures two 

 inches in height, and three and a half in di- 

 ameter in the centre, and narrows towards the 

 supporting surfaces. The time spent in building 

 is about 8 days. 



Oviposition follows' on the day following the 

 completion of the nest, and continues for five days; 

 one egg being deposited daily. Incubation com- 

 mences the day after the last egg is laid, and lasts 

 from 10 to ii days. In its duties the female is as- 

 sisted by the male. His affection for his partner 

 is very devoted, and is shown by the most endear- 

 ing attentions. Unlike the Red-eyed Vireo, he is 

 jealous of strangers, and will not brook their 

 presence with impunity. Whilst his mate is incu- 

 bating, he is close by, ready to administer to her 

 wants, or protect her when danger is imminent. 

 The young are able to leave the nest in about 12 

 days, and in a week more, are able to provide for 

 themselves. They are fed upon the larvae of the 

 lepidoptera,diptera, and aphides, mentioned above. 



The eggs are a beautiful white, and sparingly 

 marked with dark and light-brown spots at the 

 larger end. We have never seen any unspotted 

 specimens as Dr. Brewer alleges to have met with. 

 Their average length is ,74 of an inch and breadth 



54- 



