4 
NESTS AND EGGS OE 
bush upon which they had been laid, as though soliciting a continuance of 
such tavors. 
The birds having constructed their home, the female commences on the 
day following its completion to deposit her complement of eggs. The time 
thus spent varies from four to six days, and depends upon the number 
which is to constitute a setting. Oviposition being accomplished, incuba- 
tion follows, sometimes immediately on the dej)Osit of the last egg, but, not 
generally, until the succeeding day. This is the exclusive task of the 
female for nearly fourteen consecutive days. Although the male does not 
assist in the labor, yet he shows himself to be a very kind and attentive 
husband, by providing food for his partner, and keeping a vigilant lookout 
for approaching enemies. This he signals by a low single note, which the 
female quickly acknowledges, and instantly the two timid creatures beat a 
hasty retreat to an adjoining tree or shrub beyond the reach of peril, 
where they become passive spectators of the demolishment of their home, 
Avith all its precious burden. 
The eggs, Avhich are from four to six in number, resemble those of 
the Waxwing, but differ in size, being somewhat smaller. Their ground- 
color passes from a light slate to a dark stone-color. The markings are 
chiefly blotches of dark jAurplish-brown, lighter shades of the same color, 
and penumbrae of light puiqjle, either by themselves, or surrounding the 
darker spots. In form, they are either oblong-OAml, or nearly spherical ; 
and in length, they vary from .80 to .90 of an inch, and in breadth, from 
.56 to .70 of an inch. 
