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 $ Lustrous black with metallic sheen ; head, neck, and 



upper part of breast snuff colour. 



Adult $ Dull brown, lightest on the throat. Length 7.90. 

 Breeding Range Throughout 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 



