THE 
NESTS AND EGGS 
OF 
of tf\e iJuitecf ^tdte0. 
Plate I. 
AMPELIS CEDKORUM, Sclatek. 
Cedar-Bird. 
The Cehak-Bied, though mainly a denizen of the wooded regions of 
North America, and occasionally of cultivated fields and orchards, has been 
kirown to nest from Florida to the Red River country. But, wherever found 
during the non-breeding period, it is the same gregarious, nomadic species. 
After the beginning of October, the search for food so completely 
engrosses the attention, that it is not until the latter part of May, or the 
beginning of June, that the flocks break up into pairs. 
Nidification now becomes the all-absorbing passion, and the birds after- 
mating, which business is generally conducted in a quiet and unostentatious 
manner, repair to the woods or hedges in quest of a suitable shrub or tree 
in which to establish a home. This matter requires considerable labor and 
care ; and, ordinarily, no little time is devoted thereto. 
The place usually selected, is a retired and unfrequented thicket or 
nook ; or occasionally, an orchard in close proximity to an occupied 
dwelling. When the former, the cedar, with its tall, nearly vertical 
