91 



Norway it has reached Oxfjord, south of Hainmerfest. It is however still 

 unknown in the Faeroes and Iceland. 



The characteristically untidy nest is generally placed in some crevice Nest. 

 or recess of a building, very often underneath eaves, or behind spouting. 

 Ivy-covered walls are also much used, and in large towns any convenient 

 nook, even in a statue, is soon occupied. Many nests are also built in 

 trees, sometimes high up among the smaller branches, and at other times 

 close to the stem, but always at a fair height. The House Martin is often 

 ejected from its home in order to provide a nesting site for this species, 

 which has also been found breeding in the foundations of nests of rooks, 

 storks, and the larger birds of prey, eagles, kites, etc., as well as in sand 

 martins' holes, and occasionally in crevices of cliffs. 



When built in the open the nest is a large domed structure, composed 

 of straw, dead grass and any available material, while the lining generally 

 consists chiefly of feathers, though hair, wool and other substances are also 

 used. When placed in a hole the outer covering is sometimes dispensed 

 with either partly or altogether. If undisturbed several broods may be 

 reared from one nest, and if the first clutch of eggs is removed another 

 will be found about ten days later. Dr. Rey mentions two instances in 

 which no fewer than ten clutches were removed from one nest in a 

 single season. 



Usually 4 or 5 in number, but instances of 6 and even 7 eggs in one Eggs. 

 nest have occurred and sometimes the full clutch consists of 3 only. They 

 vary considerably, but it is usual to find one egg in each nest much more 

 lightly marked than the others. Some eggs are quite white, while others 

 have the markings confined to a cap or zone at the big end, but the majority 

 are more or less finely spotted alio ver with varying shades of ashy grey 

 and brown. The varieties are too numerous for description, but it should 

 be noted that some eggs show a decided tendency to erythrism. This has 

 also been observed in Sweden. According to Mr. J. P. Nunn from 60 to 

 70 per cent of the lightly marked eggs are unfertile {Zool. 1888, p. 30). 



As a rule the Sparrow is not a particularly early breeder, and eggs Breeding 

 are seldom found in the country districts before May, while in the midlands Season. 

 the second week is about the usual time. In towns and where artificial 

 heat is maintained breeding takes place almost all the year round, and the 

 same thing has been observed in places with a mild climate. Saxby found 

 eggs in the Shetlands as early as April 11 and newly hatched young in 

 December. In the northern limits of its range the eggs are not laid till 

 the end of May or early June, while in Greece they have been found by 

 mid-March. 



Average size of 100 German eggs, 22 X 15.6 mm., Max. 25.2 X 15.6 neasure- 

 and 23 X 17 mm. Average weight 207 mg. (Rey). The same author ments. 



