BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
137 
days. While she is thus occupied during the day, her illustrious j^artner 
is seldom to be seen, although it is possible that he is generally at no 
great distance from the spot, quietly j)i’eparing for the night’s adventures. 
Perhaps he is then more considerate, and either sits upon the nest while 
his wife is away in quest of food, or else acts the j^art of an affectionate 
and indulgent husband, and conveys to her lonely chamber the necessary 
food wherewith to strengthen her for the trying duty which she is engaged 
in performing. 
Few mothers manifest greater love for their children. She will often 
imperil her own life in their behalf. Her vigilance is wonderful, and the 
stratagems she practises to draw intruders away from her eggs and young 
are almost unsurpassed by those of any of our feathered species, excepting 
the female Maryland Yellow-Throat. On an occasion of disturbance her 
actions are strange and curious. She flutters as if Avounded, beats the 
ground Avith her Avings as though unable to rise, and performs these move- 
ments so successfully as to deceive the most Avary and experienced collec- 
tor. While thus seeking to divert attention from her home, she has even 
been known to spirit her young away Avhen danger seemed imminent. 
Mr. AVilson cites a case that came under his own observation. This Avriter 
once set to AAmrk to delineate a young bird. Having accomplished the 
desired object, he left the spot, and, on missing his pencil, retraced his 
steps. On arriving thither, to his great surprise he discovered that the 
young bird had been carried aAvay to a place of safety, but by Avhat means, 
he doubtless never learned. 
The young leave the nest when they are about seven days old, and 
are then able to move Avith considerable swiftness. At brief intervals, 
while nestlings, they utter a Ioav, plaintive note, Avhich has been likened 
by Nuttall to the syllables pe-iigh. A fortnight longer at home, under the 
guardianship of the maternal head, prepares them for the stern realities and 
cold charities of the outside world. They are now able to supply them- 
selves with food, although still members of the same household. At first 
their food consists of caterpillars which are procured by the parents from 
