BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
141 
instincts of their being a chance for development. The males are the first 
to feel the changes which are being wrought in their natures. For more 
than a week from this time, in the early morning and evening hours, they 
may be seen exercising themselves by means of “curious spiral gyrations” 
in mid-air, and uttering, as they descend earthwards, a note which Audu- 
bon has likened to the word kioank. This note may be a call for the 
female in the spring, but as it is often uttered in the fall after the breed- 
ing-season is past, it may also be a summons for the gathering together of 
the members of the same household. The production of these sounds 
seems to be a labor of much effort. The movements of the bird then, 
must be seen to be appreciated. The head and bill are bent forward until 
the latter comes into contact with the ground, and, just as the sound is 
being emitted, the body is urged violently forward. These spasmodic exer- 
tions being ovei’, the actor in this drama, twitches its abbreviated, half- 
spread tail, assumes an erect attitude of listening, and, if no response is 
elicited, repeats its characteristic cry, with all the accompanying movements. 
If the call awakes an answering note, the happy lover flies to the presence 
of the one he seeks, and lavishes upon her the most endearing caresses. 
Sometimes, as Audubon affirms, the male awaits the arrival of the loved 
one, and does not fly to meet her. According to the same authority, the 
summons seems sometimes to be replied to by one of the same sex, which 
is always the prelude to a fierce encounter between the two, for, on these 
occasions, when the feelings are in a high state of tension, the utmost 
enmity exists between the males. These contentions are usually short- 
lived, and cease with the assumption of matrimonial relations. 
The happiness of the male is now complete. With his homely, hut, 
doubtless, to him, prepossessing bride, by his side, he soon journeys off in 
search of a home. This is a matter of some consequence, and tasks the 
patience to the utmost. But their labors in this direction are eventually 
crowned with success. They frequent the most secluded resorts, and hide 
their nest away in some low, dense and swampy woods or brake, difficult 
of access, and one that none hut the cruel collector would be likely to 
