The confidence exprest toward man by selection of nesting sites close to human habitations by these social birds, is seldom betrayed. But cats and other enemies are less considerate and the mortality among the first eggs and young is extreme. If it were not for persistence in the face of tragedy, CHIPPING SPARROWS would be among our rare birds. The second or third brood is usually saved to carry on the race.

Individuals sometimes are carried away by bursts of anger and deliberately tear the nest apart, allowing the eggs or young to fall to the ground. Pitiful cries from the young are unheeded. The parents calmly repair the nest, lay another set of eggs and raise another family!

Horse hair is essential building material and birds forsake an area when horses are not in evidence.