OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 143 



places, constitute a permanent part of its diet. To 

 secure which, the birds will often wade in the water 

 up to the tibia\ 



Building operations usually commence during 

 the latter part of May, but not later than the first 

 of June. Both birds labor in the construction of 

 the nest almost continually for three days. 

 A cavity in a decayed log is occasionally selected 

 for the site, but, ordinarily, the nest is placed upon 

 the ground within a dense growth of underbrush. 

 The leaves which are abundant in such places, 

 materially aid concealment. It is composed of 

 mosses, leaves, stems of grasses, and rootlets, ex- 

 ternally, and has the inner structure mainly lined 

 with various mosses. It is a beautiful fabric, but 

 characterized by a notable flatness and shallow- 

 ness. 



A wonderful degree of affection and solicitude is 

 manifested by the male-bird for his partner. During 

 incubation when approaching footsteps lead him to 

 suspect clanger, he endeavors by feint or stratagem, 

 to decoy the intruder from the place of the nest. 

 In this he is singularly successful. 



Incubation speecily follows nest-completion, and 

 lasts for 10 days. While the female is thus occupied, 

 for the task devolves exclusively upon her, the 

 male-bird remains in the immediate vicinage ready 

 to obey the slightest call, or to guard against en- 

 croachment or assault. 



The young are objects of the most devoted 

 parental care. The mutual labors of the parents 



