220 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



The eggs of this species vary from four to six in number. 

 and are described by Mr. Audubon as being nearly globular. 

 and of a glossy white. In the Smithsonian Institution 

 there is a well-identified egg which was taken at Nazareth, 

 Pennsylvania, by Mr. R. Christ, April 25, 1867. It is of a 

 white color, and measures .95 of an inch in length, and .88 

 in width. The two extremities are perfectly symmetrical. 



Since writing the above, we have seen a young 

 bird which was taken in the vicinity of Germantown during 

 the past season. At the time of its capture it was a denizen 

 of a dense pine forest, situated along the left bank of the 

 Wissahickon creek. This certainly is proof of the most 

 positive character that the species breeds with us. but to 

 what extent remains a mystery. 



