446 
INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 
chard tree, which has served as the cradle of preceding 
generations of his kindred. Affection and jealousy, as 
in the contending and related Thrushes, have considera- 
ble influence over the Blue-Bird. He seeks perpetually 
the company of his mate, caresses and soothes her with 
his amorous song, to which she faintly replies ; and, like 
the faithful Rook, seeks occasion to show his gallantry 
by feeding her with some favorite insect. If a rival 
make his appearance, the attack is instantaneous, the 
intruder is driven with angry chattering from the pre- 
cincts he has chosen, and he now returns to warble out 
his notes of triumph by the side of his cherished consort 
The business of preparing and cleaning out the old nest 
or box now commences ; and even in October, before 
they bid farewell to their favorite mansion, on fine days, 
influenced by the anticipation of the season, they are 
often observed to go in and out of the box as if examin- 
ing and planning out their future domicil. Little pains, 
however, are requisite for the protection of the hardy 
young ; and a substantial lining of hay, and now and then 
a few feathers, is all that is prepared for the brood be- 
yond the natural shelter of the chosen situation. As the 
Martin and House Wren seek out the favor and conven- 
ience of the box, contests are not unfrequent with the 
parties for exclusive possession ; and the latter, in vari- 
ous clandestine ways, exhibits his envy and hostility to 
the favored Blue-Bird. The eggs are 5 or 6, of a very 
pale blue, and without spots. As they are very prolific, 
and constantly paired, they often raise 2 and sometimes 
probably 3 broods in the season ; the male taking the 
youngest under his affectionate charge, while the female 
is engaged in the act of incubation. 
Their principal food consists of insects, particularly 
beetles, and other shelly kinds ; they are also fond of 
