cavity is often oval instead of round. When round it measures in diameter about 2.50 inches. The 

 depth varies from 1.75 to 2.50 inches. The external diameter of the nest is from 3.75 to 6.00 inches; 

 the external depth is from 4.00 to 6.00 inches. 



EGGS: 



The complement of eggs is four or five. The ground color is white; sometimes the shell is glossy, 

 sometimes dull The markings consist of blotches, spots, and speckles of red-brown, at times almost 

 burnt sienna, distributed differently in different specimens. The majority of eggs arc marked with spots 

 and minute specks over the entire shell, but thickest at the base where they are more or less confluent. 

 Others have large distinctly outlined blotches, slightly confluent at the base, irregular elsewhere, inter- 

 spersed with spots and speckles. Others have only a few faint spots and speckles ; and still others have 

 only a wreath of blotches and spots about the crown. Deep shell-mai'kings are not conspicuous. The 

 size of an average egg is .88 x .67 of an inch. The largest of thirty-eight eggs is .96 x .69. The 

 smallest, .83 x .63. The greatest long-diameter is 1.00 ; the greatest short-diameter, .71. The least 

 long-diameter^ .80 ; the least short-diameter, .61 of an inch. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 



The nest and eggs of the Yellow-breasted Chat can generally be identified with certainty, though 

 sometimes very similar to the Redbird's. For comparison, see Cardinalis virginiamts. The eggs often 

 resemble the Ground Robin's and the Catbird's, to which refer for details. 



EEMAEKS : 



The illustration was made from a nest collected on the 21st of May, 1878. It is in the usual po- 

 sition, composed of the ordinary materials of construction, and is of the average size. The eggs figured 

 represent the common sizes and markings. 



The nest of the Chat is very easily found, as the male bird always betrays the secret by his con- 

 tinual song. When undisturbed he faithfully keeps watch over his property; on the approach of danger 

 he at once sounds an alarm note, and then endeavors to persuade the intruder to follow him right to the 

 nest, being careful however to go in an opposite direction. If not successful in his attempts to mislead, 

 he commences a terrible tii^ade of abuse. Dr. J. M. AVheaton, describing this performance, says: "Then 

 follows a medley of sputtering, cackling, whispering, and scolding notes, frequently interspersed with 

 loud whistles, and continued as the bird runs, hops, or files in the deepest thicket, with a pertinacitv 

 which knoAvs no fatigue. He tells you that your gun won't shoot, that it is a flint-lock; that your ram- 

 rod is broken, that you shot it at a buzzard; that you haven't got a gun; that you are a bald-headed 

 cripple; that there is a horrid suicide in the bushes, and a big snake, and a nasty skunk; that your 

 baby is crying, your house is afire, and the bridge broken down ; that you have missed the road to the 

 reform-farm, and that the poor-house is over the creek, and he calls the doo-s ; savs that vou \v^\q o-one 

 to seed; that you are taking up too much of his valuable time; that you must excuse him for a moment. 

 During all this time he remains invisible; or at most his black eye and mask, or golden breast, appears 

 for a moment as he peers at you from the tangled branches of the brambles, or flashes from branch to 

 branch, dancing an accompaniment to his fantastic notes. At the last, he suddenly appears upon the top 

 of a bush not ten feet from you, makes a profound bow, and with a derisive whisk of his lono- tail 

 exposes his immaculate white crissum and dives again into the deepest thicket. You take a lono- breath 

 and wipe your face, and he returns to the assault from the rear. Should you move on, he follows, and 

 if you approach, he retires, and, keeping at a respectful distance, he laughs defiance, shouts mockery, and 

 tantalizing sarcasm. He is a fearful scold, and it is no wonder the inside of his mouth is black." 



88 



