272 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
vania. Other portions of their limited habitat are attained at nearly the 
same time. But it is the males who first appear. For reasons, which we 
do not understand, the females are slow in making their appearance, and 
do not arrive until three days later. 
Once arrived, they keep aloof from cultivated domains, and spend 
their time in the dense underbrush of high woods, or in the clumps of 
briers of unimproved fields. Few birds manifest greater shyness. Whether 
this character can be attributed to timidity, we cannot say, but we are 
rather prone to believe it is only assumed in order to conceal their pur- 
poses and doings the better. When nurseries of young trees are visited, 
even though they should be situated close-hy occupied dwellings, which is 
sometimes the case, we cannot perceive any difference in their conduct. 
Though coming in early May, when Nature is fresh with verdure and 
buoyant with life, yet there is no desire shown for mating. The sole 
thought seems to be the acquirement of food. Its foraging is not wholly 
restricted to trees and shrubs, hut the ground as well. While thus en- 
gaged, the bird is seen to the best advantage. There is noticeable a most 
remarkable agility combined with a certain degree of eccentricity. Squat- 
ting upon the ground, it keeps up a continual jerking movement of the 
tail, for a long time, but tired of this, it springs to the feet, and the most 
ridiculous and uncouth antics follow. Should it be surprised while thus 
employed, it seeks to conceal itself in the adjoining hushes, or finds secu- 
rity in flight. Beetles, ants, small spiders and moths constitute for awhile 
its fare, but these give place to caterpillars and fruits when abundant. 
Whilst feeding, the male keeps remarkably silent, and it is only 
towards the close of the month that he essays a song. A change now 
comes over his behavior. He is more active than ever, is less tempted by 
the sight of food, and acts like one who is in search of something lost. 
He enters a copse, a cluster of brambles, in short, any place of conceal- 
ment, and gives himself up to the strangest diversions. The most peculiar 
sounds emanate therefrom. At one time, in loudest key, but gradually 
