Nests in Holes in Trees, Stumps, or Logs 



him, a pet one, but three months old. is sitting on my paper, 

 seeming to wonder what 1 am doing, and why 1 do not play with 

 him. He nips my pencil, but I pay no attention to him ; then he 

 tries to creep up my sleeve, and still 1 pay no attention ; so, dis- 

 gusted, he flies off to search for ants or other small insects. After 

 a time I raise my hand and call ; back he comes like a flash, and, 

 hovering more like a large moth than a bird, he perches on my 

 fingers, singing at the same time a soft little song that is his 

 method of speech. Having a bird that is so thoroughly com- 

 panionable makes me regard all bluebirds with the greatest pos- 

 sible affection. 



Near New York the breeding season begins early in April ; 

 two broods are reared during the season. The young remain in 

 the nest until about fifteen days old. It is noticeable that their 

 claws are exceedingly sharp ; this is, in all probability, that they 

 may be able to climb out of the hole in which their nest is placed. 

 8 



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