BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
73 
of the helianthemura, the whole so loosely and thinly plaited as to admit 
the light quite readily through the interstices. 
The Plate rejjresents the average structure. On examination it will 
be found to be nearly circular above, although somewhat irregular towards 
the lower two-thirds. The base is rather loosely constructed of strips of 
bark, fine stems of vegetables with dried flowers attached, and rootlets of 
woody plants. Uj)on this as a basis is wrought, with more compactness 
and finish, a framework, which is beautifully lined with reddish-brown 
stems of herbaceous plants, and fine strij)s of inner hark. The external 
diameter is five inches, and the height, two inches. The diameter of the 
cavity is three inches, and the dej^th one-half of an inch. This nest is 
shown in its natural position over and partly between a forked branch of 
one of our common species of oak. The female bird is placed upon the 
right, as though about to assume the duty of incubation ; while her illus- 
trious partner occupies a very dignified position on the left of the picture. 
All the figures, however, are reduced one-third, so as to bring them within 
the scope of the page. 
Having completed her home, the female almost immediately com- 
mences to de^^osit her complement of four or five eggs, at the rate of one 
a day, in as many consecutive days. This business being attended to, on 
the day succeeding the last extrusion, she takes the nest, and for a period 
of twelve or thirteen days of rather close sitting, supjDlies the warmth 
necessary to develop her house-full of children. 
It is a remarkable fact, and one that beautifully displays the won- 
derful wisdom which is taught by Nature, that the brilliantly-colored 
males studiously avoid the nest, and only approach it, when necessary, 
with caution and stealth, for fear of betraying its presence ; while the 
females, with their plain coloring in harmony with the surrounding foliage, 
sit thereon, and care for their helpless offspring without danger of moles- 
tation. But if the nest is approached with hostile intention, or is actually 
invaded, the males emerge from their j^laces of concealment, and assist in 
