OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



207 



uncontrollable, that life is often sacrificed in its 

 gratification. 



Early in June the flocks break up into pairs, 

 and nidification is the all-absorbing thought. Very 

 few remain to build in the same immediate neigh- 

 borhood; not more than a half-dozen pairs being 

 seen in a circle of three miles. They have now 

 abandoned their roving habits and the greater 

 part of their shyness, and seek the society of man. 



Nidification commences right after mating. For 

 this purpose an apple-tree is usually selected; the 

 nest being placed not more than ten feet from the 

 ground. We have never known the species to 

 build in low bushes. Next to the apple-tree the 

 cedar is preferred. Their nests are rather bulky 

 and compactly built. In "North American Birds," 

 it is said that they generally build a strong frame- 

 work, exteriorly, six or seven inches in diameter, 

 and " composed of twigs, coarse stems of vegeta- 

 bles, and grasses." Within is placed "a compact, 

 well-made fabric of grasses, grape-vine bark, and 

 other finer substances," the whole being lined 

 "with leaves and root-fibres." 



We have examined many nests and they all dif- 

 fer very materially from the foregoing description. 

 The nests according to our experience are far from 

 being bulky. They are firmly built; the external 

 framework is strong, composed of light materials, 

 and is seldom more than five inches in diameter. 

 It is built of a few small twigs, the culms of grasses 

 chiefly Poa annua and Phleum prcetense, fine roots 



