446 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



chard tree, which has served as the cradle of preceding 

 generations of his kindred. Affection and jealousy, as 

 in the contending and related Thrushes, have considera- 

 ble influence over the Blue-Bird. He seeks perpetually 

 the company of his mate, caresses and soothes her with 

 his amorous song, to which she faintly replies ; and, like 

 the faithful Rook, seeks occasion to show his gallantry 

 by feeding her with some favorite insect. If a rival 

 make his appearance, the attack is instantaneous, the 

 intruder is driven with angry chattering from the pre- 

 cincts he has chosen, and he now returns to warble out 

 his notes of triumph by the side of his cherished consort. 

 The business of preparing and cleaning out the old nest 

 or box now commences ; and even in October, before 

 they bid farewell to their favorite mansion, on fine days, 

 influenced by the anticipation of the season, they are 

 often observed to go in and out of the box as if examin- 

 ing and planning out their future domicil. Little pains, 

 however, are requisite for the protection of the hardy 

 young ; and a substantial lining of hay, and now and then 

 a few feathers, is all that is prepared for the brood be- 

 yond the natural shelter of the chosen situation. As the 

 Martin and House Wren seek out the favor and conven- 

 ience of the box, contests are not unfrequent with the 

 parties for exclusive possession ; and the latter, in vari- 

 ous clandestine ways, exhibits his envy and hostility to 

 the favored Blue-Bird. The eggs are 5 or 6, of a very 

 pale blue, and without spots. As they are very prolific, 

 and constantly paired, they often raise 2 and sometimes 

 probably 3 broods in the season ; the male taking the 

 youngest under his aff'ectionate charge, while the female 

 is eno-acred in the act of incubation. 



Their principal food consists of insects, particularly 

 beetles, and other shelly kinds ; they are also fond of 



