NESTING HABITS OF OUR BIRDS 65 



Nesting Habits of Our Birds. 



BY BROTHER ALPHONSUS, C. S. C. 



Song Sparrow. 

 Melospiza cinerea melodia. 

 This bird is sometimes called the Ground Sparrow, from 

 its habit of building its nest on the ground. Sometimes the bird 

 will place its nest in a bunch of lilies, without resting it on the 

 ground. The eggs are whitish with brown spots. This species 

 has two broods, the second being fledged about the middle of 

 July. A Song Sparrow's nest is easily approached. The parting 

 of the tall grass near the nest will not frighten the old bird. 



Flicker. 

 Colaptes auratus. 

 This interesting bird is sometimes called the High-hole, 

 from its habit of building its nest in a hole high up in a tree. The 

 adjective high, however, is frequently inapplicable, for the bird 

 often selects holes that are low down. A very curious instance 

 of the Flicker's variation in choosing its nesting-place came under 

 my observation. The walls of a large ice-house were bored in many 

 places and the birds entered and built in the ice-house. 



Crested Flycatcher. 

 Myiarchus crinitus. 

 This handsome flycatcher builds its nest in large holes in 

 trees. The only nests I have ever found were in apple trees. -The 

 young are fledged about the middle of July; and while in the nest, 

 the old birds may be seen perched on a branch near by, waiting 

 for a passing insect. When one appears the bird will dart after 

 it; and if successful in catching it, the bird will take the insect 

 to feed it to the young birds. 



Orchard Oriole. 

 Icterus spurius. 

 The Orchard Oriole's nest is very finely made of grasses, 

 and is usually hid away in the foliage of maples, elms or ash trees. 

 Often the only way to locate a nest is to watch the old birds carry- 

 ing food to their young. Even then there is little likelihood that 



