70 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



extremely fragile character of the Flycachtcrs nest, may 

 strongly operate in its favor. That birds are capable of 

 judging of strength by external appearances, we are disposed 

 to allow, from a careful consideration of many facts closely 

 hearing upon this subject. 



Incubation follows closely upon oviposition, sometimes 

 happening on the day of the last laying, but, generally, on 

 the following day. The female has to endure the brunt of 

 this labor, which she faithfully and uncomplainingly per- 

 forms; while her partner relieves the weariness of the task 

 by his delightful presence, seldom leaving the vicinity of the 

 nest, save to procure food for himself and her. The eggs 

 hatch in about twelve days. 



The young are faithfully and jealously cared for by their 

 parents, who vie with each other in the most endearing 

 attentions. None of our smaller birds are permitted to 

 intrude upon the premises, without meeting their provoked 

 vengeance. The male appears to be more courageous on 

 these occasions than his partner, and often exhibits exploits 

 of the most reckless daring. Kven human intruders are 

 received with the same discourtesy, and made to feel that 

 they have no better claims to the mercy of these little crea- 

 tures, than their feathered brethren. No pains are spared 

 to provide the young with ample and suitable nourishment. 

 Instances are known to us where one or the other parent has 

 strayed for nearly a mile from home, in quest of a particular 

 article of insect-diet. One of the parents always remains at 

 home to stand guard over the nest and its inmates, while the 

 other is thus engaged. This is always the case when nests 

 are built in secluded situations ; but when a site is selected 

 contiguous to man, as is occasionally done, it is customary 

 to find both parents absent; but then one is always within 

 seeing distance, and can hasten to the nest in a very few sec- 

 onds, on the approach of danger. The food of the young 

 consists of various caterpillars, and some of our commonest 

 diptera. The principal of which are Anisopteryx -cent at a, 



