194 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



actions of the sexes savor but little of extravagance, and 

 there is a notable absence of those little flirtations ami 

 peculiarities which mark so many species at this time. To 

 say that there is a lack of aflection and devotedness exhibited 

 in their actions, would be a gross misrepresentation of the 

 truth. Their love is chiefly of the silent kind which does 

 lot show itself in wild extravagancies of demeanor, but in 

 actions of the purest kindness. 



Nidification closely follows upon mating ; sometimes a day 

 or so elapses, which timj is chiefly spent in the detection of 

 a suitable place, before preparations are* begun. The sites 

 chosen are somewhat various and peculiar. In this latitude 

 a thick clump of bushes variously intertwined with running 

 vines and brambles, contiguous to swamps or low meadow 

 lands, and a dense tussock of reeds or sedges in the midst 

 of a large marshy tract, are the usual building places. The 

 nest is deposited in a slight concavity of the ground, which 

 is generally scooped out by the birds. Sometimes where 

 a natural depression exists, the birds avail themselves of it. 

 The nest is composed externally of dry grasses which 

 are procured in the vicinity, and is chiefly lined with 

 feathers which the mother-bird plucks from her own 

 breast. Occasionally, the feathers of small birds which 

 are taken in capture, are utilized for this purpose. But 

 where by reason of their almost exclusive quadrupedal diet, 

 these articles are not available, the female does not hesitate 

 to rob herself. Instances, however, have come under our 

 observation, where the nest was composed almost wholh 

 of grasses, the lining being softer and much finer than those 

 composing the exterior. In building a nest the birds work 

 together, and exclusively at night. During the continuance 

 of the operation the most perfect harmony exusts. The fe- 

 male is evidently the superior of her partner in this kind of 

 labor, but little skill being displayed by either, as she 

 seems to have everything her own way. The male renders 

 almost servile obedience to her mandates. The time ex- 



