BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 449 
them by special provisions for their nesting in boxes, as is 
done so much for the eastern bird. Several instances occurred 
where notwithstanding its neglect it placed its nest as near to 
dwellings as does the other. Those found in this State were 
near the southwestern and western borders, and remote from 
improvments. Like its double cousin it clings to wooded 
sections. Dr. Cooper says in his Land Birds of California ‘‘at 
Santa Cruz this bird is even more confiding than the eastern 
species which rarely frequents such large towns. In the spring 
from February 20th to April many pairs could be seen daily 
seeking places for their nest, even in the noisiest streets, 
inspecting closely every new building that was being erected, 
as if they supposed it to be for their special benefit. Some 
few pairs found nesting-places under porches, in knot-holes, 
etc, though the inhabitants provided them with no special 
homes.” This eminent observer is excellent authority. I 
think however when he says that our eastern bluebird rarely 
frequents such large towns as Santa Cruz, his long residence 
in that sunny land of flowers and birds may have made him 
forgetful, for so far from this it is very common in towns in 
Minnesota much larger than the one he mentions. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Rich azure-blue including the head and neck all around; a 
patch of purplish-chestnut on the middle of the back; breast 
and sides rich chestnut; belly and vent dull-blue or bluish- 
gray; bill and feet black; measurements same as the eastern 
species. 
