3 52 



NESTS AND EGGS OF 



would not use the nesting boxes provided for theid, and both females deposited their 

 eggs on the floor of the cage; they were laid ir. July, August and September, respect- 

 ively. None of these eggs can be called round; they vary from ovate to short ovate, 

 and are rather, pointed; they are white with the faintest yellowish tint, ivory-IiKe 

 and quite glossy; the shell rather thick, close grained and deeply pitted not unlike 

 the eggs of the African Ostrich, but the pits are not so noticeable. These eggs meas- 

 ure 1.43x1.06, 1,36x1.07 and 1.31x1.06. The smallest one of these is figured ih the 

 late Major Bendire's monumental work (Vol. II, Plate I). . The last record we have 

 of this bird being taken m Ohio is October 9th, 1884. A specimen was shot by JVir. 

 A. Lee Hosklnson, near Newark, and mounted by S. G. Hamilton, taxidermist, of 

 that city. The bird was seen about the place for several days and was heard scream- 

 ing all the night before it was killed. It is still in Mr. Hoskinson's possession. 



[383.] ANI. Crotopliaffp, aiii Linn. Geog. Dist.— West Indies; eastern South 

 America, rare or casual in Florida and Louisiana; accidental near Philadelphia. 



The Ani, Black Witch or Savanna Blackbird, so grotesque in appearance is only 

 of rare or accidental occurrence in the United States, as in Southern Florida, and in 

 other regions as above cited. The bird Is from thirteen to fifteen Inches long; tail 



Ani (From Brehm). 



eight inches; the bill Is exceedingly compressed and smooth, or with a few traverse 

 wrinkles on the upper mandible; the color of the plumage is black, with steel-blue 

 reflections. It is common throughout the West Indies and in Northeastern South 

 America. Observers state that several of these birds will form sort of a community 

 or colony to build an immense nest, which is used in common. It is a large mass of 



