mistaken for those of the Black-billed on acconnt of the coarseness of the nest, hirger size and paler 

 color of the eggs; bnt the nest and eggs of the latter hare no characteristics which mio-ht not belono- 

 to the former. However, as a rule, the nest of C, eruthropMhalmiis may be known from that of the 

 C. americamcs by the fact that it is constructed with more care, the sticks being somewhat smaller, the 

 catkins less numerous, and the Avhole woven together in a firmer manner. The eggs are smaller, less 

 elliptical, and of a slightly darker green. There are no nests or eggs of other birds in the limits of 

 the state, with which these may be confounded by any moderately careful observer, 



EEMARKS: ' ^ 



The nest figured was taken on May 21st, 1878, from a thicket overgrown with climbing vines, in a 

 low piece of woods near the Scioto river, Pickaway county. It Avas placed about seven feet from the 

 ground, supported by the dead branches of a thorn tree, together with the stems of ivy which climbed 

 about the tree. It contained four eggs, measuring 1.18 x .89, 1.10 x .83, 1.13 x .79, 1.08 x .85, three of 

 which are figured in plate. Its foundation is constructed of thorns and slender twigs from three to 

 eight inches in length; upon this is a superstructure of layer upon layer of catkins of the oak, occasionally 

 a slender twig, with small pieces of dried leaves and lichens. The lining consists of fine round stems 

 of weeds and small tendrils, together with catkins which compose the bulk of the nest. It measures 

 in diameter, about four and three-fourths inches, in depth about two and three-fourths. Concavity is 

 very slight, in fact it is almost fiat on the upper surface. The nest is rather difficult to find, owing to 

 it being built in dense foliage. It is well known that the foreign Cuckoos are parasites, and, like 

 the Cow bird, deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving them to be reared by their foster- 

 mother. The American Cuckoo is occasionally guilty of the same misdemeanor. The bird is shy, and 

 shows but little attachment to her nest and eggs, and rarely complains when robbed. Authorities state 

 that it plunders the nests of other birds, after the habit of the Blue Jay, and even devours the young. 



46 



