78 Ornithology. 



and are consequently very conspicuous, either conceal their 

 nests in hollows, or only quit their eggs during the night, or 

 begin to sit immediately. It is also to be remarked, that in 

 the species of which the nest is open, and the female brings 

 up the brood without the assistance of the male, these females 

 are generally of a different color from the male, less conspic- 

 uous, and more in harmony with the objects around. The 

 foresight of nature, has, therefore, provided for the preserva- 

 tion of the species of which the nest is altogether exposed, 

 by imparting to the eggs a color which will not betray them 

 at a distance ; while she could, without inconvenience, give 

 the brightest color under circumstances where the eggs are 

 concealed from view. Or, perhaps, to speak more correctly, 

 numerous birds can deposit their eggs in places accessible to 

 view, because the color of the eggs make them become con- 

 founded with the surrounding objects ; while other birds are 

 obliged to conceal their nests, because the conspicuous color 

 of the eggs would have attracted their enemies. Let the 

 explanation, however, be what it may, the fact exists, and M. 

 Gloger, who has examined all the birds of Germany, is said 

 to have satisfactorily proved it. Eggs then must be distri- 

 buted into two series, according as their color is simple or 

 mixed. The simple colors, such as white, blue, green, 

 yellow, are the brightest, and consequently the most danger- 

 ous for the eggs. The pure white, the most treacherous of 

 colors, is found among birds which breed in hollow places, 

 like the woodpeckers, the kingfisher, the swallow and the 

 martins. It is only among such birds that the eggs are of a 

 remarkable whiteness. The eggs are also white among some 

 species, which, like the marsh wren, construct their nests with 

 such narrow openings, that the eye of their enemies cannot 

 penetrate within. White eggs are also found with birds that 

 quit them only during the night, or at least very late in the 

 day, such as the owls and falcons. Lastly, this color is found 

 among birds which lay only one or two eggs, and sit immedi- 

 ately after, like pigeons. As to the bright green or blue color, 

 it is found to belong to many species which make their nests 

 in hollows, like the blue bird. In the second place, this color 

 is common to the eggs of birds, the nests of which are con- 

 structed of green moss, or placed at least in the midst of grass, 

 but always well-concealed ; such for example as Wilson's 

 thrush. Lastly, green eggs are met with among many 

 strong birds able to defend themselves against plunderers, 

 like the herons. A bright green color, verging towards a 

 yellowish tint, is found among the eggs of many birds which 



