They begin to nest about the 10th of May, and fresh eggs may be found as late as June 25th. The nest and eggs resemble those of the kingbird very much, and it is almost impossible to distinguish them from each other, unless they are well identified; but, as a general thing, the scissor-tails’ eggs have larger and more conspicuous blotches than those of the kingbird. During the summer of ’85 I found nests of the kingbird and scissor tail in the same tree, and the nests and eggs were identically the same; so to make sure of the identity, I had to wait until both birds had occupied their own nest.
Their favorite nesting places are in the scrubby postoak and mesquite bushes growing on our broad prairies. The nests are usually placed in forks at from six to thirty feet from the ground, and constructed of various materials, such as weed-tops, wool, cotton, rootlets, paper, rags, etc., and lined with fibrous roots, wool, cotton, etc.
The number of eggs laid are usually four or five in number, of a rounded-oval shape, the color being white, boldly blotched or marked with reddish-brown, and obscure lavender shell markings, chiefly at the larger end. The size of the eggs averages about .67 by .85.
E. C. Davis.
—THE—
Sunny South Oologist
A MONTHLY DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF ORNITHOLOGISTS AND OOLOGISTS.
Edited and Published by
EDWIN C. DAVIS,
GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.
We request all of our readers to send us descriptions of their collecting trips, or any items of interest relating to birds, their nests or eggs.
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