12 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XVI 
like tree grows commonly close to water and is used liy several other birds in 
common with the Derbys ; among them the Hooded Cactus Wren {Hclcodytes 
capistratiis capistrafiis) , the Sclater and Lichtenstein Orioles {Icterus scloteri 
and Icterus gularis gularis), Giraiul Flycatcher, and Gray JJecard {Platypsans 
aglaiae latirostris) . These trees almost without exception were swarming with 
hre ants which lived in the greatly enlarged and swollen thorns and whose sting 
is very sharp and irritating. They seemed to cause the birds no inconvenience, 
even though the tearing apart of a nest would sometimes show the insects present 
in consideralile numbers. Wasps’ nests were encountered all too frequently 
for comfort and the above mentioned species sometimes built near them, un- 
doubtedly for the added protection. One Derby’s nest was built over and par- 
tially supported by a wasps’ nest as big as a foot-hall. That of a Hooded Cactus 
Wren was also observed in a like situation. It may be noted here that the country 
Derbys seem to be much more peaceably inclined than are their city kin, often 
nesting in close association with one or more pairs of other species. In one case 
four nests were found in one small tree, a Derby’s, a Giraud Flycatcher’s, a Les- 
son’s and a Lichtenstein’s Oriole. Three other nests may be recorded as being 
in rather nnnsnal locations; one in a dead tree sticking out of a mud flat about 
two hundred yards from shore at Lake llopango, another in a tangle of vines 
hanging over a bank, and the third thirty feet up in a great creeper-hung tree 
and almost hidden in a cluster of purple orchids. 
Remarkable similarity in construction, material and shape of nests was 
noticeable. The body, including the roof, made up of fine dead grass stems wirh 
the addition of much soft stuff, such as fea.thers, plant down and small rags 
(when avadable), was rather loosely put together. The cup (or more properl}' 
saucer, in this case) consisted of slightly coarser grass stems \vell packed and 
smoothed down and placed well toward the 'back of the nest ; entrance on the 
side and pointing slightly downward, thus making a more effective water-shed. 
Measurements; outside, eighteen inches long by ten wide by eight high; inside, 
(nest cavity) seven inches long by five wide by five high, the saucer taking up the 
whole floor. These measurements were taken from the first nest collected and 
may be a little larger than the average. B) the time the young are ready to 
leave, the formerly purse-shaped nest has been flattened out and blackened by 
the tropical rains and sun, and the young birds have so enlarged the entrance 
that the entire cavity can be plainly seen. 
Fresh eg'2's were found from March 28 to the first of Inne, so tw'O broods 
at least are raised each year. In every instance a new nest was built tor the 
reception of the second set, whether the birds succeeded in raising a first brood 
or not ; but in neither case was material ever taken from the first nest to be used 
in the second. Number of eggs ran from four usually, three occasionally, to 
two once. 
In the city of San Salvador are a great many birds which are without doubt 
non-breeders (as only two nests were found in the city proper), even though they 
;ire mostly in pairs. These individuals, having nothing better to do, contrive to 
keep things lively by scrapping not onlv with each other but with anything that 
happens to attract tlieir attention, such as a stray house-cat or a wandering hawk. 
A favorite lookout is a tall flag pole or similar'point of vantage, and this is 
taken possession of to the exclusion of all other birds, most especially of their 
own kind ; in fact, the advent of another pair onto their preserve is the signal 
for a battle royal which generally ends as it should — in favor of the home team. 
From dawn till an hour or so after sunrise, and in the cool of the late afternoon 
