PliEFACE. 



The greatest interest in the study of birds centers in their home life. 

 Soon after their arrival from their winter quarters, all birds take upon 

 themselves the duties of reproduction, the first step of which is the se- 

 curing of a satisfactory location ; some species, such as Auklets, Pe- 

 trels, Burrowing Owls, Kingfishers, Bank Swallows, etc., nest at the 

 end of burrows or holes in the ground ; a great many nest upon the 

 ground, some laying their eggs upon the bare sand, leaves, or rock, 

 while others build nests, either bulky or slight as suits their respective 

 tastes ; hundreds construct their homes among the branches of trees or 

 bushes, some close to the ground, others among the highest branches, 

 and still others swaying from the ends of the outermost limbs ; other 

 species lay their eggs at the bottom of holes in trees, either in natural 

 cavities or in holes dug by their own efforts, the most noticeable in the 

 latter class being the Woodpeckers, which often chisel their way into 

 limbs of living trees. 



The study of nests alone is most interesting ; the rude and slight 

 platforms of the Herons, Cuckoos, Grosbeaks, etc.; the rough but sub- 

 stantial structures of the Robin ; and the exquisite, architectural crea- 

 tions of the Hummingbirds, Flycatchers, Orioles, Bush-tits, etc. Sure- 

 ly the work of some of these little feathered creatures, these "homes 

 without hands," show as great a degree of skill and artistic tempera- 

 ment as is seen in the human race. 



The eggs of the different species vary through all the tints from 

 white to blue, green and brown, some unmarked, others handsomely 

 specked, spotted, blotched or wreathed with different shades of brown, 

 lilac and lavender, and their sizes vary from that of the diminutive 

 Hummingbird to the Albatross, Swan and California Vulture as the 

 largest North American eggs, and the Ostrich of Africa whose egg will 

 contain several quarts. 



The nesting season ranges from January with some of the Owls to 

 August in the case of the American Goldfinch, but by far the majority 

 of species lay their eggs during May or June. It is at this period dur- 

 ing their lives, that birds are at their best ; their plumage is the bright- 

 est, their voices are the sweetest, and their actions the most brilliant. 



The purpose of this volume is to furnish a reference and guide to all 

 bird students who may desire to study the home life of our feathered 

 creatures, by a description of how, when and where they build their 

 nests, and the appearance of their eggs. At some time during youth, 



