176 LIFE^HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



the mouth and the depth of the cavity are the 

 same, being about two inches. The structure is 

 beautifully symmetrical, hemispherical in shape, 

 and neatly and compactly woven! 



Oviposition is closely attended upon nest-com- 

 pletion, and proceeds at the rate of one egg per day, 

 until the number is laid which requires a period of 

 four days. Incubation subsequently follows, and 

 lasts for 1 1 days, the female performing the labor 

 exclusively. Whilst she is thus occupied, her part- 

 ner administers to her necessities. When not thus 

 occupied, he remains near by, manifesting the 

 utmost solicitude. 



When danger is imminent, he comes boldly to 

 the front, and endeavors by his clamors and mena- 

 cing attitudes, to inspire fear on the part of the in- 

 truders. He is bold and courageous, and like the 

 Ruby-throated Humming Bird, darts with gaping 

 jaws into the face of the person who dares to dis- 

 turb his nest or mate. The female is so strongly 

 attached to her nest, that she will permit a very 

 close approach before she can persuade herself to 

 vacate. 



The young are objects of more than ordinary 

 solicitude. Both parents labor unremittingly to 

 provide them with suitable and abundant nourish- 

 ment. They are fed upon young caterpillars and 

 larvse of various insects which the parents procure 

 at great distances. The larvae of Anisopteryx 

 vernata and other geometers, Colias philodice, 

 Harrisina Americana, Eufitchia ribearia, and Cli- 



