N 



THE INDIGO BIRD. 



OW that we are on Bluebirds, let us give a 

 thouoht to a smaller Bluebird without the brioht 



breast. 



The Indigo bird seems to be all blue till, looking 

 closely, we see a greenish cast in some lights, and 

 a trace of brownish color on under parts and wings 

 and tail. 



The Bluebird, as I told you, though smaller than the 

 Robin, is a near relative ; the Indigo bird is perhaps 

 as near a cousin to the Sparrow. Lady Indigo wears 

 brown for the most part, only adding her husband's 

 " colors," as a good wife shouM, on shoulders and 

 outer tail webs. 



This is a wise precaution, for these birds do not 

 carry on their family affairs high out of harm's way, 

 but build a nest in a low bush or on tall, stiff grasses. 

 They will build by the roadside sooner than close by 

 our homes, and they do not respond with confidence 

 to our friendly advances. 



But, while they nest and feed on or near the ground, 

 you will most often see one swinging from a topmost 

 twig of a tall tree, when its song makes you search 

 for the singer. 



