152 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



which have been expressly left behind. Never more than a 

 single egg is daily laid, and always on each consecutive day. 



The period of incubation immediately commences, and is 

 entered into bv both birds, who relieve each other at some- 

 what regular intervals. The female almost invariably takes 

 the lead in this essential business. After she has devoted 

 one half the day thereto, her partner appears before the 

 mouth of the nest, and, by a feeble note, announces his 

 presence, which is feebly responded to from below. The 

 female, after receiving a few caresses from the male, and 

 lavishing an equal share upon her partner in return, Hies 

 away to recuperate her exhausted vigor, by a little food 

 and appropriate exercise. When not thus engaged, she re- 

 turns to the immediate vicinity of the nest, announcing her 

 presence by a peculiar cry, where she remains until ready 

 to relieve her partner ; the male does likewise. We have 

 occasionally observed the non-sitting bird to bring a juicy 

 insect to the nest for the one within, but these instances 

 are merely exceptional. 



Should the nest be approached by persons with hostile in- 

 tentions, the bird which is standing guard, flies at once to the 

 hole, clings tothe sides, and if danger is imminent, signals 

 the incubating- bird to leave; when both flv about with un- 



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certain, worrying movements, uttering cries indicative both 

 of indignation and anxiety. When all effort is inutile, 

 the two together repair to a short distance, and watch in 

 sullen silence the coming destruction. Such feelings are not 

 always manifested. Individuals have been met with, whose 

 chief anxiety seemed to be the preservation of themselves, 

 who would escape to a safe distance and contemplate the 

 ruin of their household with a silence that was felt. Their 

 attitude and looks would often betray the deep feeling of 

 sadness that existed within. 



The young are hatched in from fourteen to fifteen days. 

 They are tenderly cared for by their parents, who are busy 

 almost from morning until night, in their efforts to procure for 



