46 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



week. The male occasionally relieves his partner 

 of the duties of incubation. When not thus 

 engaged, he is very attentive to her slightest 

 wishes, and often cheers the monotony of her task 

 by a soft, agreeable warble. He is also now very 

 jealous. Not a bird is permitted to trespass upon 

 his premises; even individuals of the same species 

 are treated with the same incivility. 



For his tenderness and devotion to his partner, 

 the male is unsurpassed. We were once a witness 

 of the endeavors of a pair of Robins to take forci- 

 ble possession of an apple-tree in which a pair of 

 Blue Birds had located themselves, After re- 

 peated efforts they were compelled to abandon 

 the purpose. The cavity which the Blue Birds 

 occupied, had been in survice for five years; but 

 whether or not by the same birds, we are unable 

 to say; but judging from the strong attachment 

 which the species ordinarily possesses for the scenes 

 of past associations, as evidenced by recorded 

 instances, we feel safe in concluding, that either 

 the same pair or some of its progeny had held 

 it during the aforementioned time. 



One of the most inveterate foes with which the 

 Blue Bird has to contend, is the mischievous and 

 half-provoking House Wren, the Troglodytes 

 sEdon of Vicillot. While the former is absent, 

 it enters the nest and either despoils it, or ejects 

 the materials and remains in possession. 



We have known three broods to be reared in a 

 single season, When the nest has been befouled 



