OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 225 



of June; about the time usually when Quercus 

 palustris has doffed its ripened catkins, which are 

 principally utilized in the construction of its nest. 

 Each nest is uniform in structure, and remarkably 

 homogeneous in composition. Where the tassels 

 of the pin-oak are used, nothing else is to be 

 found. Where grass is the favorite article, as a 

 species of Aira in exceptional cases is, this alone 

 is a noticeable feature. 



The nest is gracefully disposed between the 

 bifurcating branches of a twig, and presents a neat 

 and cozy appearance. The interior is compara- 

 tively even, and strictly symmetrically cup- 

 shaped. The exterior with its roughened aspect, 

 produced by the projecting catkins, is a rather 

 imposing sight. 



The female adjusts the materials while the male 

 is busy in fetching them. On the completion of 

 the structure, which is the work of three days, the 

 female on the succeeding day, begins to deposit 

 at the rate of one per day, her complement of 

 eggs, which requires from three to four days, 

 according to the number laid. On the ensuing 

 day, incubation takes place, and continues, from 

 10 to ii days, and is the sole labor of the female. 

 While thus occupied, the male like a dutiful hus- 

 band supplies her with nourishment. 



Like its near congeners, the female of this 

 species is very unsuspicious, and lacks timidity. 

 Persons may pass and repass underneath the nest, 

 which is mostly placed ten feet from the ground, 



o 



