42 SOME CANADIAN BIRDS. 



little of the artistic spirit noticeable in many birds, and her mate 

 is so much occupied in making himself agreeable to his handsome 

 spouse — in caressing her and singing to her, and keeping off sus- 

 pected rivals, for he is extremely jealous, with all his serene, self- 

 sustained and self-satisfied manner — that ho counts elaborate nest 

 building a bore ; so between them they are quite satisfied when 

 they have gathered together some bits of dried grass and feathers — 

 sufticient to make a cushion for the eggs. This cushion is laid in a 

 deserted woodpecker's nest or other excavation, or in a bird box ; 

 bluebirds never excavate for themselves, and will accept any crevice 

 that is well sheltered if a deep hole cannot be secured. 



The eggs are of a pale blue tint, sometimes so pale as to appear 

 almost white. In size they are somewhat smaller than a robin's. 



