Fear in Birds 



223 



of the wind. In this instance I did not see the Warbler, but am 

 fortunate in being able to illustrate, in the devotions of a Chipping 

 Sparrow to another Cowbird (Fig. 135), the strength of those 

 parental instincts, which often demand satisfaction at whatever 



Fig. 136. Cock Robin startled while at nest by a quick, decisive alarm call from 

 his mate. His head shot up like a flash, and in a moment he was off. 



cost. This bird's family was also sacrificed, but in favor of a 

 pair of Song Sparrows, from whose nest I had taken the 



egg- 

 Many birds have alarm calls or signals of distress, which 

 attract or arouse other species, as every one knows who has 

 studied birds in the country. When a Robin hears the alarm 

 call of his mate, his head goes up instantly, and he stands for a 

 moment with outstretched neck, listening intently to see if he 

 is needed. I was fortunate in catching the male bird at the 



