OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 141 - 



externally with fine stems and leaves of grasses. 



After the lapse of a day or two subsequent to 

 the completion of the nest, oviposition commences, 

 and proceeds at the rate of one egg per diem. 

 Incubation then ensues, and continues for 1 1 days. 

 The male bird takes no direct part in this business, 

 save to supply food occasionally to his partner. 

 He is, however, close by, ready to announce the 

 presence of danger, in time to secure a safe 

 retreat. For his mate, the most ardent affection 

 and strongest solicitude are manifested, which do 

 not show themselves after the fashion of Mimus 

 Carolinensis by odd gesticulations and noisy 

 vociferations. 



The young are objects of especial attention by 

 both parent-birds for three weeks. Their food 

 consists of ants, aphides, earthworms, many of the 

 Phalcznoidce, particularly the larvae of Anisopleryx 

 vernata, the common Geometra catenaria of Harris, 

 Clisiocampa Americana, and mature forms of the 

 Noctuidcz, Tortricidcz, and Tineidce. 



There is but a single brood in a season. When 

 the breeding season is past, the species still lingers 

 within its natural haunts, until prepared to depart 

 to its southern home. Its absence is conspicuous 

 about the first of October. Up to its retirement, 

 its song is kept up with the same perseverance 

 and vim, as characterized it early in the season. 



The nest of this bird seems to be a favorite 

 place for the Cow Blackbird to deposite its egg, 

 We have frequently observed nests that contained 

 as many as two parisitic eggs. 



