wager] 



THE NESTS OF SOME COMMON BIRDS 



149 



are greyish white, heavily speckled with brown, thus harmonizing 

 well with the color of the nest. One frequently finds nests a 

 year old which are in a fair state of preservation. Altogether, 

 this is one of the most attractive nests. 



The chipping sparrow is a bird of almost domestic habits. 

 Its confiding nature will lead to the nest in the shrub before your 

 door or to the vine over your porch. Its quiet habits, however, 



Fig. 10. Red- winged Blackbird's Nest in Mustard Plant. 



will give you no clew of its presence. You will find the nest to be 

 an interesting bit of bird architecture. Indeed it may be styled 

 a dainty nest. One would expect it from so quiet and thoughtful 

 little sparrows. The basis of the nest is coarse grass and rootlets, 

 though this is not heavy, and the cup is well rounded and lined 

 with long horsehair. One wonders where they find the hair, 

 and what they used before they had it. The eggs are a pale blue, 

 usually with a few brown markings at the larger end. 



