lf>8 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



forests, but always on their outskirts ; never in old cavities ; 

 and but once in a partially decayed stump. 



In the fall of 1870, a pair of these birds sought shelter in 

 Dr. Brewer's barn, and notwithstanding the main openings 

 which existed as modes of ingress and egress, others were 

 wrought in the most solid sides of the building. In the 

 following spring they took possession of a large cavity in 

 an apple-tree, but, notwithstanding its close proximity to the 

 house, they seldom suffered themselves to be seen. In this 

 nest, a brood of six young birds were hatched at somewhat 

 irregular intervals ; the last leaving the nest a full fortnight 

 after the departure of its oldest companion. When suffi- 

 ciently matured, the young birds climbed to the mouth of the 

 nest to receive their food ; but when approached, gave vent 

 to a loud hissing sound. When they became able to use their 

 wings, they were removed to places of seclusion, and fed by 

 their parents. 



The eggs being deposited at the rate of one egg per diem 

 on each succeeding day, as soon as a nest-full is laid, the fe- 

 male commences the trying duty of incubation. In this she 

 is assisted by the male, who contributes his full share of time 

 to this important work. The non-sitting bird, when not 

 engaged in feeding, is to be seen close-by, sometimes on the 

 same tree, but oftener at a short distance away, carefully 

 guarding every avenue of approach, and uttering the accus- 

 tomed signal when danger is imminent. He maintains his 

 position until affairs assume a somewhat serious aspect, when 

 he repairs to the nest, alarmed for the safety of his partner. 

 After the latter is safe, the two flutter over the head of the 

 depredator, uttering loud and vehement cries of commingled 

 grief and indignation. When satisfied that all effort is vain, 

 they retire to a short distance to brood over the miseries of 

 bird-life. So attached are some individuals to their old 

 familiar haunts, that we have known the same pair to renew 

 their attempts of raising a family twice in succession, after 

 having been robbed. 



