ODD COLORED EGGS. 



EY HENRY CI. HALL . 



(delivered EEPOSE the II SECTION : EIOLOUY AND OOLOrtY ON THE 19 3IAI 1891). 



In ]3i"esenting this paper for your hearing. I am aware of its incompleteness, 

 but as it is a record of my own observation, possibly it may interest you for the 

 moment. This, then, is my excuse for occupying a portion of your valuable time. 

 Bird's eggs, as you, are no doubt aware, are oftimes found in unusual color, those 

 that are white, being termed „Albino Eggs," sometimes blue eggs are also found with 

 spots on them. The eggs of the well known Sialia Sialis or Eastern blue brid being 

 the ones most often found. The natural color of the egg of this species is of a pale 

 blue, the usual number of eggs in a set being four, rarely five. I have, however only 

 found white eggs of this species, unless the nesting place was in some old wood- 

 pecker's nest or some cavity concealed from view, why they should be white, I do 

 not know, unless it is a provision of nature, that the old brid may be able to see 

 the eggs in the dark cavity where it is so placed. Another bird whose white eggs 

 I have found is the Menda Migratoria (American Robin). This species will often build 

 its nest in the most exposed place it canflnd seemingly. Some are built in the 

 very lowest branches of trees, I presume as for protection from the storms that 

 otherwise would imperil the safety of their eggs or young brood. This sx^ecies will 

 almost invariably build its nest near the habitations of man. Perhaps, it thinks that 

 by so doing its safety is more assured. It may be its sociability is the result of a 

 desire to share in the fruits which are so abundant during the nesting time. 



I have known one to build on the Avindow sill of a house, another nest was 

 built on a gate that was used several times a day. Both of these nests had white 

 eggs in them. In these cases it docs not appear as if the absense of color was for 

 better protection of the nest. Another nest I found in a young tree that was partly 

 bent over a low wall contained three eggs of the usual size and color but had black 

 spots scattered over them-irregularly. One nest contained five eggs of the usual size, 

 with black spots-about two and one half millimeters in diameter, still another one 

 contained three spotted eggs and one of the natural blue color. Another nest in an 

 apple tree contained four eggs of a very pale blue green tint with minute brown 

 spots on them. In a nest of the AccipUer velox (sharp shinned hawk) found in an apple 

 tree in an orchard on our own estate at about fifteen feet from the ground were 

 four eggs of the regular size of a veiy light blue color with reddish brown spots 



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