312 BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



head. We suspected they were nesting from their movements, and 

 asked three or four native children, who ran to meet us, if they 

 knew where the birds had their eggs. In an instant a broad smile 

 illuminated each grimy countenance, and away they scampered, each 

 eager to be the first to reach the spot and gain the prize. 



"Just back of the huts, about 100 yards distant on the hill-side, 

 and sheltered by a slight tussock, was placed a warm closely-made 

 structure of fine grass stems, interwoven throughout with feathers 

 and the cottony seed-tops of plants. The central depression was 

 built uniformly like the rest of the nest, and the entire structure 

 measured 2J inches high by 4J inches across the top, and 2J inches 

 across the central depression, which latter was 1^ inches deep and 

 contained one fresh egg. 



"The nest was taken and the female shot as she hovered restlessly 

 about, uttering her sharp chirring note. 



" As we returned slowly to the shore, the male flew about us 

 continually, uttering a loud plaintive call note, the entire time of 

 our stay in the neighborhood. It exhibited the greatest distress, 

 and appeared to be perfectly aware that we had the female in our 

 possession, for the vicinity of the rifled nest was deserted, and it 

 followed us over 100 yards, circling about and keeping close by, 

 perfectly regardless of any danger to itself." 



