147 



ground glass we retired to the other side of the wall. We 

 found that we needed no concealment; as long as we were 

 out of sight from the tree, the Cedar-birds considered it 

 safe to go to and from the nest without regard to us. After 

 the female had looked the nest over carefully and found 

 that we had not harmed the little ones she flew away leaving 

 her mate on guard. 



Upon her return^ the two parents talked matters over a 

 few minutes and then she slyly hopped down, branch by 

 branch, until she was beside the nest. Although to all ap- 

 pearances she had brought no food, she had a plentiful sup- 

 ply concealed in her throat. Cedar-birds feed their young 

 by regurgitation ; sometimes the food is administered to the 

 little ones in a well masticated state and again it may be in 

 the raw condition. 



As she stepped to the edge of the nest all the young 

 heads were elevated and she assumed an attitude of inspec- 

 tion, watching them intently for a few moments possibly 

 to see which was the most in need of food. As each was 

 reaching its very highest and opening its mouth to the 

 greatest possible extent it seemed to be a difficult proposi- 

 tion to decide. At last she made a convulsive movement of 

 the head and, — a bright red cherry appeared in her bill. 

 This was quickly thrust down the throat of the nearest 

 little bird; as it was not instantly swallowed she took it 

 awaj' from him and gave it to the next one. If there is 

 not immediate muscular response in the throat of a young 

 bird, food is at once withdrawn and given to one in a fit 

 condition to receive it; this is done at least by all the song 

 and insectivorous birds with which I am familiar. 



Cedar-birds seem to do everything systematically. One 

 of these always remained on guard and the other joined two 

 more that flew overhead at regular intervals, the three going 

 to a cherry tree about a quarter of a mile away where they 

 managed to find some belated fruit. The politeness of 



