Nests Saddled on Branches 
of May, and his dainty nest, which viewed from below resembles 
a knotty excrescence, is difficult to find. 
761. American Robin: Merula migratoria (Linn.) 
Eggs greenish blue. 
See Page 170, Chapter VIII. 
495. Cowbird: Molothrus ater (Bodd.) 
Adult 8 —Lustrous black with metallic sheen ; head, neck, and 
upper part of breast snuff colour. 
Adult 2 —Dull brown, lightest on the throat. Length—7.90. 
Breeding Range—T hroughout the Eastern States ; rare in the higher 
parts of Massachusetts. 
The eggs, which are invariably laid in the nests of other 
birds, are dull white, sprinkled more or less thickly with small 
brown and faint lilac spots. Number undetermined. Size— 
.85 x .65.. See Fig. 19, Plate D. 
The Cowbird (named from the habit of perching on cattle) 
has, I fear, earned a bad reputation for herself, through the habit 
of laying her eggs in the nests of other birds. Why she does so 
is not known, but we can be certain there is some good reason 
for an act which seems entirely contrary to nature. The nest of 
almost any of the smaller birds is chosen, such as that of the 
yellow warbler, worm-eating warbler, blue-winged warbler, 
bluebird, and any of the sparrows or vireos. Minot thought that 
the eggs were not laid in the nest, but outside, and then carried 
to it. I have, however, seen the cowbird on the nest, and have 
every reason to believe she had laid her egg there. 
Eggs are laid from about the middle of May. 
Ilk happy bird, wee helpless thing, 
That in the weary months o’ spring 
Delighted me to hear thee sing, 
What's come o’ thee ? 
Whare wilt thou cower thy chittering wing 
And close thy e’e? 
—Burns. 
175 
