HOME BIRDS 47 



inent characteristics. To it he owes his success in 

 life. Treatment that would drive native birds from 

 our homes for the season seems to be regarded by 

 him as a cordial invitation to stay. Nothing dis- 

 courages him. His habits have won few friends 

 among men and apparently none among birds; but 

 he is as cheerful as though he were the most loved 

 of feathered creatures. 



Sparrow begins to nest in April, and has been 

 known to raise as many as six broods in one season. 

 At this rate of increase it has been estimated that 

 if all should live, the progeny of one pair of Spar- 

 rows in ten years would amount to 275,716,983,698 ! 



From four to seven eggs are laid. In color they 

 vary from plain white to olive brown, but are usually 

 white, finely and evenly marked with olive. 



After the young Sparrows leave the nest they 

 gather in flocks which, with other flocks, return 

 every night to the same roosting-place. Sometimes 

 this is in a densely foliaged tree, at others in ivy 

 or other vines. The birds all seem to have much 

 to say as they retire, and chatter together in a 

 chorus which is fortunately hushed by the approach 

 of darkness. 



The Sparrow's worst enemy cannot deny that he 

 is persistent, brave, and cheerful. These are surely 

 excellent traits and we might well admire them in 



