]^30 SINGING BIRDS — OSCIXES. 



Tliey are at all seasons silent and gregarious, merely scattering in pairs 

 in early summer, when tliey Iniild a nest generally in a low tree, com- 

 jiosed of fibrous grass, leaves, hark, and down of plants, in which they lay 

 four or fi\-e eggs of a pale white color, with a few dark spots at the large 



end. (Nuttall.) I have seen a nest at Fort Vancouver, and they are doubt- 

 less to he found breeding in this State. They raise two broods, and are 

 easily reared, becoming very tame in a cage. 



Sith-Famua- TTILOGONATIN.E. 



Chat;. Legs, moderate. Nostrils oval, naked, not overhung by tlie 

 frontal feathers. "Wings graduated, shorter than the somewhat broad, 

 fan-shaped tail ; ten distinct primaries ; the first quill nearly half the 

 second. 



