30 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



generally tenantless at the time, and as frequently usurps 

 the burrow of the sand martin, before the vernal return 

 of this species to the home of its nativity. 



Mr. Gould, in writing about this bold and fearless 

 little creature, confirms much of what the previous writer 

 has expressed. 



He says, " It is not a little annoying to watch closely 

 the ways and doings of our constant attendant, the 

 sparrow, who, as if presuming upon our friendship, sets 

 no bounds to his impudence towards his feathered 

 brethren, and with great effrontery, frequently seizes 

 upon the hole selected by the starling when absent from 

 its nest, and continues to hold possession until the star- 

 ling, losing all patience, takes him by the neck, and 

 with main force draws him from the hole. This little 

 altercation ended, and the stronger bird in possession, 

 matters grow more amicable. It not unfrequently 

 happens that the fairy martin, which constructs her 

 nest under the eaves of our houses, has scarcely finished 

 her labors ere the sparrow seizes on the building. The 

 martin is said to revenge itself upon the intruder in a 

 curious way. To fight so powerful a bird would answer 

 no end, she therefore plasters up the entrance to the 

 nest with mud, and keeps him a prisoner." 



The sparrow is quite prolific, and raises several broods 

 in a single season. It has been known to rear no less 

 than fourteen young during that period. It is a very 

 affectionate parent, and is not uncommonly observed in 

 the midst of crowded streets feeding its young, which, 

 while sitting upon the ground, manifest their hungry 

 eagerness, by the manner in which they open their bills 

 and flap their wings. 



The eggs of this species are usually five in number, 



