BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
191 
with a commingling of herbaceous stems and leaves. Within this wonder- 
fully unique structure was placed an entirely distinct nest, firmly and 
.elaborately interwoven of j^ine needles, stems of grasses and long, slender 
ribands of bark. 
Oviposition is closely attendant upon nest-completion, and proceeds at 
tiie rate of one egg daily, until the entire set is laid. Incubation imme- 
diately follows, and is the exclusive duty of the female for eleven days. 
While this is going on, the male bird busies himself with the food-matters^ 
and is a very thoughtful and attentive provider. When not employed in 
this business, he shows his regard and solicitude by remaining at home. 
In times of danger he never shirks his responsibility, but comes boldly to 
the front, and by his clamoi’s and menacing gestures endeavors to frighten 
the intruder away. Bold and courageous he will often dart with wide- 
open jaws into the face of the person who dares to disturb his nest or 
mate. So strongly attached to her nest, on the other hand, is the lady- 
bird, that she will permit a near approach thereto before abandoning it. 
In times of assault she is less demonstrative, and wBen her nest is de- 
spoiled before her eyes, exj^resses but a moderate show of distress. But 
wdiile the paternal head of the household can be so deej^ly concerned for 
the welfare of his family, and the preservation of his home, it is a note- 
worthy fact that even while bewailing her misfortunes in the most ago- 
nizing manner possible, the mother-bird is often known to stop in tlie 
midst of her lamentations to seize a passing insect. 
The young are objects of the tenderest solicitude, both parents labor- 
ing with unremitting zeal in providing them with plenty of suitable nour- 
ishment. Young cateriiillars and the larvae of various other insects which 
the parents often procure at great distances, are fed to them when quite 
young, but later on they are subsisted upon plant lice, small spiders and 
mature diptera and ants. Late in the season both young and old devour 
great quantities of cedar berries, and the seeds of the commoner grasses. 
When twelve days old the young leave the nest for the first time, but are 
not prepared to quit entirely until a week older. They now in company 
