208 BULLETIN UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA 



its brood, and at other seasons it invariably shuns the presence of man. 

 There is a noticeable difference in the dispositions of the representatives 

 of different species, and even of different individuals of the same species 

 in different localities, to confide in the associations of civilization. The 

 bird student M^ill note these differences of disposition whenever they 

 occur to him, and make them a part of his information regarding any bird 

 of his neighborhood. 



Furthermore, the disposition of any bird regarding its companions 

 soon becomes very manifest to the observer. He will not see the king- 

 bird many times before its pugnacious spirit exhibits itself in sundry 

 encounters with other residents of its domain or with unwelcome visitors 

 to its neighborhood. No other bird ventures near the home of the hum- 

 ming-bird without quickly arousing the anger of the tiny owner, and the 

 intruder is speedily reminded that he is a trespasser. Quite in contrast 

 to these, the good-natured osprey allows the blackbirds and swallows to 

 nest in the cavities of its bulky habitation. Some interesting scenes of 

 bird-life are brought to the notice of the observer who looks for these 

 incidents of the bird's associations with its neighbors. They are the real 

 key to the inner life of the neighborhood in avian circles, and a part of 

 that higher phase of bird-study of which we have already spoken. 



In considering the relationship of the bird with others of its own spe- 

 cies, we find that the mating affords a series of profitable and sometimes 

 amusing incidents. More individual character is manifested at this 

 period than at any other, and for obvious reasons the bird disregards much 

 of its ordinary dislike of observation^ frequently placing itself in situa- 

 tions where its actions can be easily watched. Most of the traits usually 

 denominated as human are then displayed, jealousy and gallantry char- 

 acterizing the males, while constancy and modest coyness are noticeable 

 in the conduct of the fairer sex. 



The courting and mating among some of the grouse is an instance 

 of the amusing scenes at this season in birdland. The males congregate 

 at a convenient place in the neighborhood, go through a series of strut- 

 tings, with inflated necks and drooping, quivering wings, apparently dis- 

 playing all the accomplishments of form and movement at their com- 

 mand, after which the most successful competitor takes the lady of his 

 choice and the couple begin housekeeping at once. 



Careful attention to the singing of any bird will disclose the fact that 

 any performer has a variety of musical numbers in his repertoire. Our 

 mountain song sparrow has at least half a dozen separate songs at his 

 command, and I have known the same male to sing as many as eight 

 different arrangements of his notes. The western meadowlark has from 

 six to eight different songs, and with all the variations of the different 

 songsters of this species, it is likely that twenty to thirty varying meadow- 

 lark songs could be formulated. The same song will be uttered several 

 times, then a variation will follow for several renditions, and thus change 

 alter change may be noted. In the singing there is manifested the same 

 individuality as in other phases of the bird's activities, so that it is pos- 

 sible for the attentive bird-student to identify particular birds in the 

 neighborhood by the execution of their songs. 



