The Ruby-throat- 



The Ruby-throated Hummingbird 

 is the smallest and one of the most interesting o-i 

 the birds found in the Missouri Valley. 

 Not much larger than a Dragon Fly, as swift ii* 

 flight, almost, as the lightning's flash, it present® 

 a dazzling sight darting amongst the flowers. 

 When resting, the bird generally perches upon 1 & 

 dead branch, or One without foliage. 

 The nest is about the size of a walnut, saddled 

 on a limb, generally at a fork. 

 This cup-shaped structure is composed of cotton 

 from trees, fine fibers, and is : covered on the 

 outside with lichens. The nest generally over- 

 hangs a path «>r road. 



In this locality the bird seems to have no prefer- 

 ence in the choice of trees, the writer has- found 

 nests in elms, box elders, oaks, and walnuts. 

 The eggs are two in number, pure white, and 

 eliptical in shape; the period of incubation is 

 about ten days. 

 The eggs average .50 x .30. 

 My experience places taek- breeding period from 

 June 15th to July 10th. 



Orno., Neb. 



