INTRODUCTION. 9 



the Thrush, the Blackbird, and the Nightingale of Europe, preemi- 

 nent for song, are all of the plainest colors and weakest tints. 



The natural tones of birds, setting aside those derived from edu- 

 cation, express the various modifications of their wants and passions ; 

 they change even according to the different times and circumstances. 

 The females are much more silent than the males ; they have cries 

 of pain or fear, murmurs of inquietude or solicitude, especially for 

 their young ; but song is generally withheld from them. The song 

 of the male is inspired by tender eniotion, he chants his affectionate 

 lay with a sonorous voice, and the female replies in feeble accents. 

 The Nightingale, Avlien he first arrives in the spring, without his 

 mate, is silent; he begins his lay in low, faultering, and unfrequent 

 airs ; and it is not until his consort sits on her eggs, that his en- 

 chanting melody is complete ; he then tries to relieve and amuse 

 her tedious hours of incubation, and warbles more pathetically and 

 variabl}'^ his amorous and soothing tale. In a state of nature this 

 propensity for song only continues through the breeding season, for 

 after that period it either entirely ceases, becomes enfeebled, or loses 

 its sweetness. 



Conjugal fidelity and parental affection are among the most con- 

 spicuous traits of the feathered tribes. The pair unite their labors 

 in preparing for the accommodation of their expected progeny ; and 

 during the time of incubation, their participation of the same cares 

 and solicitudes continually augments their mutual attachment. 

 When the young appear, a new source of care and pleasure opens 

 to them, still strengthening the ties of affection ; and the tender 

 charge of rearing and defending their infant brood requires the 

 joint attention of both parents. The warmth of first affection is thus 

 succeeded by calm and steady attachment, which by degrees ex- 

 tends, without suffering any diminution, to the rising branches of 

 the family. 



This conjugal union, in the rapacious tribe of birds, the Eagles 

 and Hawks, as well as with the Ravens and Crows, continues com- 

 monly through life. Among many other kinds it is also of long endur- 

 ance, as we may perceive in our common Pewee and the Blue-bird, 

 who year after year continue to frequent and build in the same cave, 

 box, or hole in the decayed orchard tree. But, in general, this asso* 

 elation of the sexes expires with the season, after it has completed 

 the intentions of reproduction, in the preservation and rearing of 

 the offspring. The appearance even of sexual distinction, often 

 vanishes in the autumn, when both the parents and their young are 



