48 



most particularly so in winter. Then I have noticed that large flocks 

 will occupy a very limited area of country, perhaps remaining there 

 for several weeks at a time ; and then all suddenly disappear from the 

 place, after which no more Waxwings may be seen for a long period, 

 at that particular spot. These erratic movements are doubtless due, 

 in some cases, to the exhaustion of its food supply; but in general 

 they must be attributed to a roving and eccentric disposition, such 

 as characterizes its distinguished cousin, the Bohemian Waxwing. As 

 has been observed in other wandering species, there is also an ele- 

 ment of uncertainty with regard to its season of reproduction. It 

 commonly begins to build its nest early in June (I found two nests, 

 each containing five eggs, on June 12 and 18, 1878), but I have a rec- 

 ord of taking its fresh eggs as late as September 11 (1871). 



In winter, the Cedar-birds subsist in great measure upon berries, 

 and principally those of the red cedar (Juniperus mrginiana). From 

 this circumstance, they have acquired their most familiar name of 

 Cedar-b4rds. In my neighborhood, they get most of their food among 

 the cedars and sumachs, down by the river; but there are some tall 

 maple-trees in front of my house, which seem to possess peculiarly 

 strong attractions for them, so that, as soon as their crops have been 

 comfortably filled, the whole flock flies up to these trees to spend the 

 interval between meals. They are extremely fond of drinking, and 

 bathing, often descending to the gutters upon the roof for the pur- 

 pose. During rainy days they do not seek any protection from the 

 wet, but sit quietly, most of the time, with top-knots flattened, look- 

 ing just a trifle depressed in spirits, as well as literally crest-fallen. 

 They rid their silky plumage of rain-drops by occasional, vigorous 

 shakes ; and sometimes a restless individual will fly out in a circle, 

 for exercise or diversion, returning again to the same twig which it 

 left. A flock that is thus quietly settled can be conveniently exam- 

 ined, and a careful inspection will show that, although the birds form 

 a somewhat compact group, there is a division, more or less distinct, 

 into separate couples the birds sitting in twos. This distribution, 

 in pairs, is most apparent upon the border of the flock, where their 

 numbers are least. I have repeatedly selected a couple, and shot both 

 birds at once : they invariably proved to be of opposite sexes. As 

 this occurred in winter, I infer, either that the species is in the habit 

 of mating at a very early season, or, else, that their connubial attach- 

 ment is of long duration. I append the following note from my jour- 

 nal: "March 24, 1879. A flock of Cedar-birds remained in the trees 

 about the house all of to-day. I observed that they separated into 

 pairs; and they are probably mated already. Two would separate 

 themselves from the mass of their brethren, and edge towards each 

 other, making alternate advances, and, at last, applying their bills 

 together, doubtless as a means of caressing." 



