36 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



mysteries of flight. The duties of preceptor 

 necessarily devolve upon the male-parent. A 

 single brood is reared in a season. The young 

 are the objects of parental solicitude long after 

 they are fitted to look after their own welfare. 

 The autumnal stay of this species is of short 

 duration. It generally retires to the sunny South 

 during the latter part of September. 



The eggs are ordinarily four in number, and of 

 a uniform deep bluish-green color. They measure 

 .97 in length and .68 of an inch in width. 



There is one trait which detracts from the 

 character of this species. Of an exceedingly 

 jealous and selfish nature, it persecutes in the most 

 violent manner, other species which chance has 

 brought within its territory. Not unlike the Blue 

 Jay, it has a passion for fresh eggs and will not 

 scruple to tear from their nests the young of 

 other species during the temporary absence of 

 the parent-birds. It is a constant source of an- 

 noyance to the Robin as we well know. An 

 overweening love for its young has doubtless 

 superinduced this passion ; the destruction of the 

 young of other species, doubtless augmented its 

 chances of preservation in the "struggle for 

 existence." From this habit has originated, it 

 seems to us, the appropriation of the eggs and 

 young of other birds as articles of diet. 



Harporhynchus rufus, Cabanis. 

 A reference to my notes reveals the fact that 



