BLUE B11!L). 687 



knew of ;i pair, or t'leir .suctiL'.ssur.s, which nested tor many years in an old pump, the spout 

 of which foi'nied ii convenient entrance. Tliis stood in a yard, near a dwelling, where 

 people were constantly passing, yet the birds never manifested any alarm, hut occupied 

 the i^lace until the pump was removed. 



The male pays close attention t(j the female previous to depositing her eggs, and 

 during the season of incubation. They are very ail'ectionate, and if one is shot, the sur- 

 vivor will alight near it, or flutter over it, sounding the alarm note in such a plaintive 

 manner that all the Blue Birds in hearing will gather closely around. If the victim is only 

 wounded, and taken in the hand, it will scream loudly for assistance; then its half distract- 

 ed companion will dash at the enemy's liead with fury, often snappmg its bill within a foot 

 of his face. The others, which have been attracted by these cries, display great concern 

 as well as boldness, and if one is s;j disposed he may shoot them one hy one without any- 

 leaving the spot, provided some of t lie maimed are allowed to remain insight. 



Two broods are commonly reaied during the sunnner, in Massachusetts, but I think 

 only one is brought out in Floiida. The time of nesting there is not nuich earlier than at 

 the North. 1 discovered a nest at Miami, on March 28th, in a stub, which stood in the 

 pine Ijarrens. It was built in a hole about twelve feet from the ground, and at that time 

 there were only a few straws deposited in the bottom, but upon visiting it again on April 

 r2th I found four fresh eggs. Another nest was taken at Dunn's Lake, hy Mr. Burton, 

 during the first part of April, which also contained only four eggs; so I judge this to be 

 the number commonly laid in this section. It is a singuhu' fact that many species which 

 breed both north and south lay a smallei' number of eggsin the latter place. 



About the first of September the Blue Birds of New England collect into large flocks, 

 then, as the season advances, commence their southern march, and by the first of Novem- 

 ber they have nearly all disappeared. Tliey continue in small Hocks all winter in Florida, 

 frequenting the pine woods. 





Head of a^lult nuilu lujjilisli Sparrow. 



