30 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



ges which would result from a judicious selection of locality. 

 In the vicinity of forests, these protective objects are in a 

 measure denied ; consequently, the species is characterized 

 by a more indomitable courage. Perhaps, a deep conscious- 

 ness of the danger to which their young are exposed, has 

 led the parents to take advantage of everything protective, 

 that wisdom and ingenuity could devise. 



The nest is the result of the joint labor of both sexes ; the 

 male being chiefly employed in gathering materials, whilst 

 the female is busy in adjusting them. The work is not con- 

 tinuous, but intermittent in its character. The period re- 

 quired for nidification, ranges from four to five days, and 

 is dependent upon the skill of the architects. The nest 

 being completed, scarcely a day intervenes preparatory to 

 oviposition. The usual complement of eggs is five, although 

 we have known instances where but four eggs were deposited. 

 The eggs are laid on successive days, never more than one 

 per diem. Incubation commences on the ensuing day, and is 

 the sole task of the female. Whilst the latter is thus occu- 

 pied, the male becomes a very attentive and jealous husband. 

 Every moment is fraught with kind and endearing attentions, 

 strikingly indicative of his profound regard and affection. 

 He is a willing provider, often repairing to immense distan- 

 ces in search of articles of nourishment. When released 

 from this voluntarily-imposed obligation, he does not forsake 

 her presence, but remains in the immediate neighborhood. 

 He often stations himself upon the topmost branch of the 

 tree on which the nest is built, directly above his partner, 

 and for a long time makes rapid and repeated surveys of the 

 surrounding country. His alertness and vigilance are truly 

 remarkable. The look of defiance which he gives every 

 feathered creature, both great and small, which is rash 

 enough to venture into his territory, is sufficient to insure im- 

 munity from assault. The period of incubation varies from 

 13 to 14 days, according to climatic conditions. 



The nest is rather loosely arranged outwardly, but in- 



