4 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



served quite a few in the Truckee meadows, in November : 

 and, in the preceding- month, others, in the Humboldt 

 marshes. These birds were quite tame and unsuspicious ; and, 

 in the latter place, moved about with the familiarity due to 

 domestic pigeons ; carelesly hopping aside when approached. 

 Strange to say, none were seen either in spring or summer. 



Mr. Allen saw very few in Western Iowa, and even in 

 Northern Illinois, it did not appear to be common. Its 

 western reputation is that of a benefactor. It is not known 

 to disturb the corn, and. consequently, merits and receives 

 suitable treatment. Passing from the latter state into Indi- 

 ana, it becomes a more common species. 



On the Labrador coast, but a single individual was seen 

 by Dr. Coues ; whereas in Nova Scotia, it is more plentiful, 

 and manifests the same good qualities which we have seen 

 to mark its character on our western prairies. It is very 

 abundant in all the states situated east of the Missisippi 

 river. In South-eastern Texas, it is somewhat scarce, but 

 becomes very abundant in the north-eastern part, according 

 to Dr. Dresser, and is found throughout the entire year. 



Mating generally commences about the last of April ; 

 sometimes, as early as the fifteenth, but never earlier. But 

 a day or two elapses, and nidification commences. The nest 

 is ordinarily built upon the various species of ^jiercus, 

 and, but occasionally upon Plmts. It is the joint labor of both 

 sexes. The period of nidification varies from three to four 

 days, according to the diligence and skill of the builders. 

 The nest is composed externally of dried sticks, mostly of 

 Qucrcus and Castanea, of moderate thickness. Within, 

 there is a lining of small twigs, somewhat rudely though 

 comfortably covered by dried leaves of Quercus and Fagus. 

 It measures eighteen inches in diameter at the base, and from 

 eight to ten inches in depth ; the thickness of the walls is 

 from three to four inches, which makes the width of the cavity 

 about fourteen inches. In Massachusetts, according to Dr. 

 Brewer, this species builds a large rude nest of sticks, bark. 



