OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 2r>9 



evidenced by their hostile actions. The wedded pair, after 

 the brief preliminaries of courtship are over, waste no time in 

 idle fancies and pleasure-excursions, but set to work to con- 

 struct a nest for their intended progeny. The male concerns 

 himself but little in the selection of a site, or in the building 

 of the nest. In this country, a forked branch of a tall tree, is 

 ordinarily selected. In Jamaica, according to Mr. March, 

 they are less particular ; the nest being placed in an accessible 

 tree, close by a frequented path; and, in a single instance, 

 the same pair were wont to build on the roof of the turret of 

 a certain belfry. The nest is composed externally of rude 

 sticks, which constitute a substantial framework, and is lined 

 with leaves, moss, and dry grasses. Occasionally, chestnut- 

 bark and pine-leaves are chosen for a lining. The external 

 diameter is from thirteen to fourteen inches, and height about 

 eight inches. The cavity is seven and one half inches wide, 

 and two and a half inches deep. The thickness of the 

 lining varies from three-fourths to one inch. The labor 

 is performed almost exclusively by the female, her partner 

 either being absent in quest of food, or perched listlessly 

 and lazily tipon a tree close-by. In exceptional instances, 

 the male has been known to assist in building, but the 

 bulk of the labor devolves upon the female. The time 

 thus spent, varies according to the diligence of the birds, 

 and the character of the nest. The female working by 

 herself, due allowances being made for recreation and the 

 procurement of food, can complete a structure in from three 

 to four days ; but she has to apply herself to the task with 

 considerable vigor during working moments. 



The nest being finished, two or three days elapse be- 

 fore she is prepared to make her first deposit. When she 

 commences, she lays on each succeeding, or alternate day. 

 Never more than a single egg is deposited each day. The 

 usual complement of eggs is five, although occasionally, 

 four constitutes a nest-full. Incubation commences imme- 

 diately after the last egg is laid. The brunt of the labor 



