100 LIFE-HISTORIES OF HIKDS 



great remoteness from an occupied dwelling. 



Xidification commences within a week, ordinarily, after the 

 arrival of these birds. Whether mating is accomplished 

 before their arrival, or subsequently, we cannot positively 

 assert; but incline to the belief that the birds arrive alreadx 

 paired, since we have never been able to witness those pecu- 

 liar maiidHivres. which are characteristic of most species at 

 this all important and critical period. The nest is the result 

 of the united efforts of both birds. It seldom requires more 

 ihau three days for its completion. It is a rather curious and 

 remarkable structure, and is composed of small twigs of near- 

 v uniform dimensions, which are severed from the living 

 branches of trees, with considerable dexterity and adroit- 

 ness, by the birds, while upon the wing. They sweep upon 

 the coveted tw r ig, much after the fashion of a hawk in rush- 

 ing upon its prev. These twigs are fastened to each other 

 by the saliva of the builders ; and by the same cement, the 

 entire structure is made to adhere to the side of the chimney 

 in which it is placed. This saliva, after a slight exposure. 

 hardens into a glue-like material, which becomes as fir in 

 as the twigs which it joins together. In separating these 

 nests from their reposing surfaces, we have known frag- 

 ments of the brick to give way, rather than the cementing 

 substance. When rendered moist by long-continued rains. 

 these nests are often precipitated to the bottom of the 

 chimney solely by the weight of their own contents. In 

 such emergencies, the young cling with considerable ten- 

 acity to the chimney-side, by means of bill and claws. The 

 structure resembles a neat, semi-circular basket, and meas- 

 ures three and one half inches in diameter, one and a half in 

 width, and about one inch in depth. Building operations 

 are mostly entered into during the early morning, the birds 

 then working with commendable /eal and perseverance. 



A few days elapse, not usually more than two. before the 

 female begins to oviposit. The eggs are laid to the number 

 of four, at the rate of one egg. on each consecutive day. 



