07 i Nesting of the Waxwing in Confinement. 25


removed the pair relined the nest; and on the 25th July the hen

was sitting again on three eggs. Perhaps the strain upon the

birds of the second nest so late in the season, and when the

monlt was due, was too much ; for only one young one was

hatched this time, the other two young dying, after chipping the

shells. On the evening of the same day my man, having reason

to think that the young bird was not being fed, removed it and

placed it under the care of a Yellow-Hammer, which he happened

to know was just hatching. Here it seemed to be doing satis¬

factorily until Friday (it was hatched on Sunday August 9th),

when it was found to have swallowed a horsehair from the lining

of the nest. There were five inches within the body of the poor

little thing, and, though the hair was drawn out with all possible

-are, the operation was a severe one, for the hair (from the

ictiou of the gizzard ?) was twisted into a spiral, and came up

with difficulty. The nestling seemed much exhausted, and it is

tot to be wondered at that it was found dead next morning.


I am glad to say that the old birds have completed their

noult, and seem perfectly sound and well. I shall of course try

o alter their treatment somehow on the next occasion, if I am

ucky enough to have another nest.


I should have said that, perhaps stimulated by their com-

>anions’ example, two of the other trio were seen feeding each

'ther, and also carrying nesting material; but, though we gave

hem every opportunity, nothing came of it in their case.


It is perhaps exceptionally interesting that, owing to the

light blemish above described, my female bird can always be

istinguished from her mate. Otherwise I confess that I can

■°t see a °y difference either in the general plumage, or even

a the ornamental, waxen appendages, or golden feathertips,

'etween the two birds.



