OF EASTKRX PENNSYLVANIA. -239 



prepared to use their wings to a slight extent, but still they 

 are not able to procure anything but the commonest insects 

 that they chance to meet with in their somewhat varied 

 experience. In two months from the time of hatching, they 

 are so far matured, that parental assistance is no longer 

 needed. The young birds keep together for a short time 

 while feeding, but repair to the old nest to roost at nights. 

 But this is of short duration. They soon learn to disregard 

 each other, and each takes a course where he is likely to 

 meet with the greatest abundance of suitable food-stuffs. 

 hi about six months they have acquired the characteristic 

 adult plumage, and imitate the peculiar notes of the parent 

 birds with the greatest exactness. In the ensuing spring, 

 they follow the example of the older birds, and prepare 

 for the raising of a family. Sometimes they become un- 

 equally mated, an old bird and a young one becoming 

 partners, but we are inclined to think that birds of the same 

 age mostly pair together. 



Instances have been recorded of the young of this species 

 being reared in confinement. The most remarkable case 

 is cited by Dr. Coues in his work on the "Birds of the 

 North West." During his stay in Arizona, on a time he 

 became apprised of a pair of these birds being kept at a dis- 

 tance, whose fame had spread far and wide. These birds 

 had been taken from the nest and carefully trained by their 

 keeper. When they had attained to a certain si/e, they were 

 set at liberty. But such was their strong attachment to 

 him, that they refused* to leave him. They would come 

 when whistled for, My about the head of their owner, and 

 finally alight upon his shoulder, without manifesting aught 

 but the most implicit confidence. When hunting they 

 \vould follow him for the small birds with which lie was 

 wont to feed them. Although quite tame and familiar, when 

 in his presence alone, they, however, manifested consider- 

 able shyness when others were present. 



The eggs of this species are from three to four in number. 



