The Eggs of the Swallow-tailed Kite. 
Aubudon was the first to describe the eggs of 
the Swallow-tailed Kite (Eknioides forficatus) 
He tells us that “ the nest is usually placed on the 
top branches of the tallest oak or pine tree, situat- 
ed on the margin of a stream or pond. It resem- 
bles tliat of the Common Crow externally, being 
formed of dry sticks, intermixed with Spanish 
moss, and is lined witli coarse grasses and a few 
feathers. The eggs arc from four to six, of a 
greenish-white color, witli a few irregular blotches 
of dark brown at the larger end.” (Audubon’s 
Birds of America, Vol. I, p. 80, Edition of 1840). 
This statement has been followed by all writers 
down to the present day. Dr. Coues, in his Birds 
of the Northwest, quotes the above passage, without 
comment as to the strange mis-statement as to the 
number of eggs laid by this bird ; and repeats the 
assertion, in the revised edition of liis Key, that 
they lay from four to six. 
An old and experienced oologist informs us 
that he has never heard of more than two being 
laid in one nest, and an experienced collector in 
Texas, who has found tlie eggs repeatedly, says 
that their number is always two. A fine set col- 
lected in Lavaca County, Texas, on April 20th, 
1885, and now in the cabinet of a gentleman in 
Pliiladelpliia, were fresh when taken. Tlio ident- 
ity was well proven, and the nesf was placed on 
the side branches of a live oak tree. Tlie eggs are 
two, and are smaller at one end than at the other. 
They are of a whitish color tinged with yel- 
low and are marked with large blotches 
of rich chestnut brown. No. 1 measures 1.80 
inches in length by 1.50 in breadth. No. 2 is 1.88 
long, and 1.48 broad. In No. 1 the markings are 
at the smaller end, wdiile in No. 2 they are cluster- 
ed around the larger end. Dr. Coues gives their 
measurements as 1.90 by 1.50 in liis Birds of the 
Northwest, basing them upon a single specimen 
then in the Smithsonian Institution collection, 
taken in Iowa. In his Key lie gives the same 
measurements, but does not say whether he had 
other specimens to examine. 
O.&O. XI. Jan. 1886. p. n. 
Tlie 
Swallow-tailed Kite, { Elanoides forficatus) . never 
lays more than two eggs, but their number lias 
been given for years as being from four to six. 
XI. 
A PhiladelphiaCollection of Eggs of 
the Raptores. 
Elanotdes forficatus. Swallow-tailed Kite. 
One set of two. 
0,&0. XIV. Mar. 1889 
Nest op the S wallow-tail Kite .— Some years since I 
was informed that Swallow-tailed Kites nested on Indian 
Creek in the lower cross-timbers, about seven miles east of 
Gainsville, Texas. 
During a recent visit (June 2d) to a friend in that locality, 
I was informed where I could see a nest which had been oc- 
cupied this season. It was in the extfeme top of a large 
Cottonwood tree, the stem supporting the twigs on which 
the nest rested being only two or three inches in diameter. 
The nest was quite small and shallow, reminding one of 
that of the Green Heron. I could not ascertain definitely 
that a brood had been raised there this season, but my 
friend was under the impression that it had, but this is 
doubtful as one of the birds had been shot. None were to be 
seen about the nest on June 2. — 
Cook Co., Texas. 0 « ^ 
6r. //. Ragsdale, Gainsville, 
.July. 1884. 
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