4 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
bush upon which they had been laid, as though soliciting a continuance of 
such favors. 
The birds having constructed their home, the female commences on the 
day following its com]:)letion to deposit her complement of eggs. The time 
thus spent varies from four to six days, and depends upon the number 
which is to constitute a setting. Ovii^osition being accomplished, incuba- 
tion follows, sometimes immediately on the deposit of the last egg, but, not 
generally, until the succeeding day. This is the exclusive task of the 
female for nearly fourteen consecutive days. Although the male does not 
assist in the labor, yet he shows himself to be a very kind and attentive 
husband, by jn-oviding food for his partner, and keeping a vigilant lookout 
for approaching enemies. This he signals by a low single note, ■which the 
female c|uickly acknowledges, and instantly the two timid creatures beat a 
basty retreat to an adjoining tree or shrub beyond the reach of j^eril, 
where they become passive spectators of the demolishment of their home, 
with all its j^i'ecious burden. 
The eggs, which are from four to six in number, resemble those of 
the AVaxwing, but differ in size, being somewhat smaller. Their ground- 
color passes from a light slate to a dark stone-color. The markings are 
chiefly blotches of dark purplish-brown, lighter shades of the same color, 
and penumbrEe of light purjde, either by themselves, or surrounding the 
darker spots. In form, they are either oblong-oval, or slightly spherical ; 
and in length, they vary from .80 to .90 of an inch, and in breadth, from 
.56 to .70 of an inch. 
