CLASS AVES. 



173 



FIG. 296. 



Dolichon'yx or y ziv'o rous. 

 Bobolink, or Rice-bird. ( \.) 



FIG. 397, 



The Bobolink is one of the most beneficial or destruc- 

 tive of birds, according to the season 

 of the year and the locality. In its 

 spring migrations, it is the pest of 

 the Southern wheat-fields ; and in its 

 autumnal flight, of the rice planta- 

 tions. It renders, however, a redeem- 

 ing service in devouring cotton-worm 

 larvae, and in its breeding-places it 

 is purely insectivorous. The female 

 conceals her nest on the ground 

 amidst the standing grass, alighting 

 or rising a distance from it.* 



The Larks are distinguished by long and nearly straight 

 hind claws. The Shore-lark is the only representative in- 

 digenous to North America ; 

 but the most noted is the 

 European Sky -lark, which 

 has been introduced into cer- 

 tain localities of the United 

 States. It rises with quiver- 

 ing wings almost perpendic- 

 ularly, singing the while, 



Erenwph'lla cor nu> ta. Shore-lark. ( J., unt jl J t passes Out of sight, 



though not out of hearing; and then drops headlong 

 down into the meadow again, in a very ecstasy of song. 



ready to fly, the old bird procured a piece of twine at least two feet in length, 

 and, after winding several inches of one end many times around the part of the 

 branch still imbedded in the matting of the nest, drew all taut and then fastened 

 the other end by a tuck-under knot to a fork in the branch full ten inches above. 

 Fig. 295 is engraved from a photograph of this curiously-mended nest. 



* The grotesque, though charming song of the Bobolink is a curious medley 

 of jingling, incomprehensible notes, uttered with an earnestness that borders 

 upon the ludicrous, especially when thirty or forty begin, one after another, and 

 at length get into an exact concert ; but, when the listener is just beginning to 

 be enraptured, the music suddenly ceases. 



