64 BIRD-KEEPER'S MANUAL. 



it is probable that this bird is originally from the 

 far West, and is now gradually spreading over 

 the country, as I believe the first that was seen 

 in Massachusetts was caught in a net set for 

 wild pigeons, in company with them, not many 

 years ago. It is still a rare bird here, although 

 sometimes seen. A gentleman, who resides in the 

 vicinity of Boston, told me, last summer, he saw 

 a pair near his house, and he hoped they would 

 breed somewhere on his premises. It is said to 

 choose the most secluded parts of the forest to 

 breed, and where the foliage is densest and thick- 

 est. It sings in the night, and has a clear, mel- 

 low and harmonious note. The female has no 

 song. 



FOOD. I have kept several of these birds, and 

 as they naturally incline to take but little exercise 

 in a cage they must not be over fed, as they are 

 apt to get too corpulent and fat. I have found the 

 best food for them is Canary and rape seed, with 

 occasionally a bit of bread, dipped in milk, and 

 a little scraped beef, gravel, and water to wash. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEXES. -The male of 

 this bird has the whole of upper parts black, 

 with two stripes of pure white on the wings ; the 



