CHAPTER IX 



AN ADDLED EGG 



Though I cannot believe birds capable of 

 recognizing their eggs by particular markings, 

 I have every reason to think that a bird knows 

 (subconsciously) when an egg is addled, in the 

 same way that a dormouse or squirrel knows, 

 and rejects without opening it, a bad nut. 



(What domesticated poultry may or may 

 not do, in regard to infertile, or addled eggs, 

 is no criterion, because, not only are they 

 mixed breeds, but bred specially for their 

 laying and brooding qualities, and, moreover, 

 are not living under natural conditions.) 



To give an instance which, if not positive 

 proof, is very strong evidence that a bird 

 knows an addled egg. 



In my bird's-nesting days I was keen 

 to procure the eggs of the Pied Flycatcher 

 (Muscicapa atricapilla). Having located a 

 pair of these birds I eventually discovered the 

 nesting-place in a hole of a decaying tree, some 

 fifteen to eighteen feet from the ground. On 



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