The Nest-Hole of the Bluebird 121 



space of nearly three hours, the young were fed on the average 

 of once in six minutes, and for two hours in the afternoon once 

 in nine and a half minutes. 



The Bluebird is one of the most unobtrusive of our wild 

 birds. It goes about its business quietly, and seems never to 

 fight except in defence of its home, but we must not be sur- 

 prised to find that individuality can assert itself even in the 

 Bluebird. In the case just described the female led the way, 

 while the male was extremely timid. At another nest, on the 

 contrary, the conditions were quite the reverse. Not only was 

 the male always first in bringing food, but his pugnacity reached 

 an unexpected pitch in a bird whose gentle and confiding 

 manners have been praised by many enthusiasts. This nest 

 was boldly defended when the stump was moved, and for more 

 than a week thereafter the male fiercely assailed every person 

 who ventured upon his domain. With the speed of an arrow, 

 and with angry snapping of the bill, he would dart straight at 

 the intruder, who involuntarily ducked his head, and felt no 

 desire to repeat the experiment. This bird would also dart at 

 the tent, and at the observer the moment he showed himself 

 outside. In short he was constantly at the nest, which he de- 

 fended most admirably, and was unremitting in the task of 

 providing for his family. 



According to one authority, there are usually three broods, 

 and before the first set of young can shift for themselves the 

 female repairs the nest and gets ready for the second. The 

 male continues to care for the first brood after the second has 

 appeared, will feed his mate, and even take her place at the 

 nest. 



