188 



THE OVEN-BIRD. 



Tin-; Oven-birds derive their name from the j)eculiar form of their nests. 



The edifice, for it fully deserves that name, is of considerable dimensions when compared 

 with the small size of its architect, and is built in the shape of a dome, the entrance being on 

 one side, so as to present a decided resemblance to an ordinary oven. The walls of the nest 

 ai'e fully an inch in thickness, and the materials of which the structure is com^wsed are clay, 

 grass, and various kinds of vegetable} substances, which are woven and plastered together in 

 so workman-like a manner, that the nest is quite hard and firm when the clay has been dried 

 in the sun. The bird seems to be conscious of the security of its nest, for it takes no pains to 



OVEN-BIED.— i^'ttraariu* rvfue. 



conceal its habitation, but builds openly \\\)u\\ some- exposed spot, such as the large, leaflesa 

 branch of a ti'et% the top of palings, or <nen tli« interior of houses or bnrns. 



The Oven-bird is not content with barely building this curious domed structure, but adds 

 to its security by separating it into two parts, by means of a i)artition reaching nearly to the 

 roof, the eggs being placed in the inner chamber. The bed on which the eggs are placed con- 

 sists mostly of feathers and soft grasses. The number of the eggs is generally al)out four. 



The Oven-bird is abold little creature, caring nothing, :is hns alicady been implied, for the 

 close proximity of man, and attacking iiercely any other biid I liat might liappen to apju'oach 

 tooclosely to its residence, screeching d(di:intly the while. J|, is a quick, activ(! bird, ti'ijiping 

 over the ground with great rapidity while searcliing after its prey, and is almost invaiiiibly 

 found in company with its mate. The flight of the Oven-bird is not at all strong, and it seldom 

 indulges in any aerial excursions beyond a short flight from one bush to another. Both sexes 

 take i)art in the construction of the nest, each going alternately for supplies of clay, sti'nw, :ind 



