GOATSUCKERS, HUMMING-BIRDS, ETC. 247 



to the mountain sides, where, with numerous individuals of 

 its own kind and other birds, it finds a resting-place through 

 the dark hours. 



The nests are delicate affairs, and in many cases resem- 

 ble small sponges, readily assuming their normal form if the 

 edges are pressed together. The inner cup is seldom more 

 than one inch in diameter. The walls are usually composed 

 of the down of willows. This is firmly woven by an unspar- 

 ing use of spider web. Usually a few small leaves and 

 scales of willow buds are attached to the outer face, evi- 

 dently to give it stability. 



It has been stated that humming-birds invariably lay but 

 two eggs in each set. The female black-chinned humming- 

 bird seems to be at least one of the exceptions that prove the 

 rule. Major Bendire says that "nests of this species now 

 and then contain three eggs, all evidently laid by the same 

 female, and such instances do not appear to be especially 

 rare." 



THE ANNA'S HUMMING-BIRD* 



Such a dainty dress as that worn by most of the hum- 

 ming-birds deserves constant attention. Appreciating this, 

 these little lovers of sunsliine are very fond of preening 

 their beautiful feathers. 



Although the nectar of flowers forms a large part of 

 their food, it has been shown that insects also form no incon- 

 siderable portion. 



The high degree of intelligence possessed by the hum- 

 ming-birds is shown in the construction of their nests. Some 

 of the species make the nests "of such form or material as 



