mistaken for tliose of the Black-billed oil account of the coarseness of the nest, larger size and paler 
color of the eggs ; blit the nest and eggs of the latter have no characteristics which might not belong 
to the former. However, as a rule, the nest of C. erythrophthalmus may be known from that of the 
C. americanus by the fact that it is constructed with more care, the sticks being somewhat smaller, the 
catkins less numerous, and the whole woven together in a firmer manner. The eggs are smaller, less 
elliptical, and of a slightly darker green. There are no nests or eggs of other birds in the limits of 
the state, with which these may be confounded by any moderately careful observer. 
REMARKS: 
The nest figured was taken on May 21st, 1878, from a thicket overgrown with climbing vines, in a 
low piece of woods near the Scioto river, Pickaway county. It was placed about seven feet from the 
ground, supported by the dead branches of a thorn tree, together with the stems of ivy which climbed 
about the tree. It contained four eggs, measuring 1.18 x .89, 1.10 x .83, 1.13 x .79, 1.08 x .85, three of 
which are figured in plate. Its foundation is constructed of thorns and slender twigs from three to 
eight inches in length ; upon this is a superstructure of layer upon layer of catkins of the oak, occasionally 
a slender twig, with small pieces of dried leaves and lichens. The lining consists of fine round stems 
of weeds and small tendrils, together with catkins which compose the bulk of the nest. It measures, 
in diameter, about four and three-fourths' inches, in depth about two and three-fourths. Concavity is 
very slight, in fact it is almost flat on the upper surface. The nest is rather difficult to find, owing to 
it being built in dense foliage. It is well known that the foreign Cuckoos are parasites, and, like 
the Cow bird, deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving them to be reared by their foster- 
mother. The American Cuckoo is occasionally guilty of the same misdemeanor. The bird is shy, and 
shows but little attachment to her nest and eggs, and rarely complains when robbed. Authorities state 
that it plunders the nests of other birds, after the habit of the Blue Jay, and even devours the young. 
46 
