18G LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



and the external orifice just large enough for the bodies of 

 the birds. The chips which are made, are generally car- 

 ried to a great distance, so as to leave no traces that would 

 lead to its discovery. The period required to complete such 

 a task, materially depends upon the diligence of the birds, 

 and the hardness of the wood. When the latter is in a 

 partial state of decomposition, the period does not exceed 

 five days at the farthest ; but when the material is perfectly 

 sound and quite solid, the work is scarcely completed before 

 the expiration of a week. 



On the completion of the excavation, the female, on the 

 following day, begins to oviposit. The eggs, to the number 

 of four or six, are deposited on consecutive days ; never more 

 than one egg daily. Incubation then follows, and is the 

 exclusive labor of the female. While she is thus occupied, 

 the male supplies her with the necessary articles of food, 

 with a hearty willingness. When not thus employed, he is 

 foraging the fields and woods for food for himself, or is other- 

 wise occupied : he is never seen, except while feeding or in 

 times of danger, in close proximity to the nest. Mr. Paine, 

 in writing to Dr. Brewer from Vermont, says that the male 

 occasionally constructs a hole for himself close by that of 

 his mate, for he has taken males in such apartments, which 

 were always unoccupied by nest or eggs. He thinks that 

 they repair thither for the purpose of shelter. The period 

 of incubation lasts for nearly twelve days. As many as two 

 broods are reared in certain seasons; one in June, and the 

 other towards the beginning of August ; but usually a single 

 brood. 



The young do not leave the nest until ready for Might, 

 which is the case in about four weeks after hatching. They 

 are fed by both parents, who manifest the greatest concern 

 for their well-being. They are fed upon various caterpillars, 

 such as Anisoptcrvx -ccrnata. A. pometaria* Zercuc catc- 

 naria. besides small moths, aphides, and beetles. On leav- 



