262 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



of Ciilex, among diptera; Selandria ros(e,S.zntis, 

 S. caryce, S. till a, Apis mellijica, Formica sanguined, 

 and various species of Cynips, among hymenoptera; 

 besides Aphis roses, A. mali, and others. 



In the month of April the flocks dissolve into 

 small parties preparatory to mating. It is quite 

 common to see two males and one female together; 

 the former lavishing the most endearing attentions 

 upon the latter, and, besides, occasionally regaling 

 her with the most delicious melodies. Whimsical 

 and exceedingly variable, she selects one suftor, 

 and almost the next moment discards him for the 

 other, which at this moment is perched near by 

 pouring out his love in the most charming manner. 

 This condition of things lasts during a couple of 

 days before a final choice is made. . It seems to 

 require the utmost condescension, as well as the 

 greatest effort for the successful suitor, to retain 

 his hold upon her affections, for she is likely to 

 waver in the interval of time which elapses before 

 nidification is begun. This duty so completely 

 engrosses her time and attention, that the tendency 

 to flirtation, so to speak, has not time to manifest 

 itself, and is soon abandoned. 



Subsequent to mating and just before nidifiea- 

 tion, the successful mate and his partner ramble 

 together in quest of food ; when weary of this 

 business, they may be seen perched upon a com- 

 mon twig, when the former with his sole energy 

 pours out his passion in the most charming lan- 

 guage; ever and anon turning toward the object 



