38 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



season, the larvae of Anisopteryx vernata, Eufitckia 

 ribearia and others of the same family, Clisiocampa 

 Americana, Gortyna zees, Colias philodice, Har- 

 risina Americana, Callosamia pomonella, besides 

 mature forms of the Tortricids, Tineids and Noc- 

 tuids, which are eagerly hunted and devoured 

 with a gusto. Various berries contribute no mean 

 portion of its diet. The wild-cherry, Rubus villo- 

 sus, Viburnum Lentago, Jimiperus Virginiana and 

 y. communis constitute great luxuries. 



Pairing begins about the 25th of May; but a 

 week elapses before a suitable locality is se- 

 selected for nesting purposes. . Ordinarily a brier- 

 bush is chosen as the site of a nest. A pile of 

 brush, as affirmed by Dr. Brewer, is occasionally 

 made the site of a nest. In one instance, we dis- 

 covered a nest snugly hid away among the 

 accumulated leaves within a patch of brier-bushes. 

 This fabric reposed upon the bare soil, and was 

 so artfully concealed, that its presence would have 

 escaped detection, had not the authors unwittingly 

 revealed its whereabouts by their worried move- 

 ments and piteous cries. 



We have never observed this species to build 

 in close proximity to human habitations. More 

 remote situations are, however, preferred. After 

 the selection of a suitable site, both birds set 

 diligently to work until a nest is completed, 

 which is the result or four of five days' steady 

 labor. In size, the nest is nearly equal to that of 

 the Red-shouldered Black Bird, Agelaius phosni- 



