82 Land Birds of New England 



The nest is usually placed upon the ground in the 

 woods, but is occasionally built in the hole of a tree. 

 Eggs, in the vicinity of Boston, are laid about the 

 end of May. 



These birds are said by Minot to utter more dis- 

 tinct sounds, exclusive of song, than any other of 

 our birds. The song itself is almost incessant, 

 and may be represented by the syllables chi-chi-chi- 

 che-che-chee. To this " a few sweet and musical 

 notes are generally added in May and June." - 

 MINOT. In the vicinity of New York song ceases 

 about the end of June, or occasionally not until 

 the end of July, and is resumed again about the 

 middle of August for a period varying from a few 

 days to two weeks. 



