27S LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



the reptiles and batrachiar.s which infest the swamps wherein 

 it builds, do not escape its vigilance. Almost all kinds of 

 fish, except the vcrv largest which would be more than a 

 match tor its strength, are captured and devoured with 

 avidity. We have watched their piscatorial pursuits with a 

 great deal of interest and pleasure, on the Shores of Dela- 

 ware Hay. and have often seen them bear from great depths. 

 Hsh much larger than the common Shad. The latter, to- 

 gether with CJu pea elongata, Labrax lineatus* and the 

 Hlack Hass, are favorite articles of diet. In fresh waters, 

 manv of the larger Cypruioids. Pinielodiis atrarius^ and 

 the larger Pomotis iv//^Y7/v'.s, are esteemed great luxuries. 

 RctJia da mi tans* I\ . /lalcciua. I\ . svl-catica* Knticnia sir- 

 /W/V, Chlorosottia vernalis^ Pituophis melanoleucus*. and 

 others, are occasionally eaten. 



Nidification commences during the latter part of April, 

 or the beginning of May. Generally, the same nest is se- 

 lected year after year. Hut when a new nest is to be con- 

 structed, it is not uncommon to find many pairs engaged in 

 its building, the friends of the destitute assembling and 

 laboring with the most determined energy, till its completion. 

 A more sociable disposition could scarcely be conceived. 

 The spirit which would lead these birds to fly to the assis- 

 tance of a distressed comrade, would certainly induce them 

 to cooperate with their brethren in the difficult task of nest- 

 building, especially when such a bulkv structure as the 

 species is known to construct, would severelv tax both the 

 time and patience of the pair which is to occupv it. The 

 vast amount of labor and the time which are expended 

 in rearing such a fabric, are sufficient inducements for the 

 species not to indulge in such cmplovmcnt anv more than is 

 absolutely essential. Hence, these nests are constructed for 

 durability. Unlike its European congener, which places its 

 nest upon a high cliff, this bird almost invariably nests on 

 trees. The nests which we have seen are seldom at a 

 greater elevation than fifteen feet, although instances have 



