256 THE WESTERN BLUEBIRD. 



the male usually returned to the fence again, and warbled for a minute most 

 delightfully. This note altho somewhat like that of our common Wilsonii 

 [i. e., S. sialis], is still so different as to be easily recognized. It is equally 

 sweet and clear but of so little compass (at this season) as to be heard only a 

 short distance. In the spring it is louder, but it is at all times much less strong 

 than that of the common species." 



Dr. Brewer, condensing Nuttall, says'": "He [Nuttall] speaks of its 

 habits as exactly similar to those of the common Bluebird. The male is equal- 

 ly tuneful thruout the breeding-season, and his song is also very similar. 

 Like the common species he is very devoted to his mate, alternately feeding 

 and caressing her and entertaining her with his song. This is a little more 

 varied, fender, and szvcet [editor's italics] than that of the Eastern species, and 

 differs in its expressions." 



Our own Dr. Cooper testifies:'' "It also differs [i. e. from 5'. sialis] in its 

 song, which is not so loud as sweet, and is curiously performed to sound as if 

 two birds were singing at once and in dift'erent keys."' Here the tradition 

 begins to waver. More recent writers say: "The song of the Western Blue- 

 bird is not full but is, like his manners, gentle and sweet" (Lord) ; and, "It 

 has the soft warble of its kind" (Mrs. Bailey). But again Dr. Brewer 

 writes :° "In regard to their song Mr. Ridgway states that he did not hear 

 even during the pairing season, any note approaching in sweetness, or indeed 

 similar to, tlie joyous spring warble whicli justly renders our Eastern Blue- 

 l)ird (S. sialis) so universal a favorite." The doctors disagree. Some one 

 has l)een dreaming! 



All I can say is, that in an experience of some sixteen seasons in Wash- 

 ington. I ha\e never lieard tlie Bluebird sing, or utter any note more preten- 

 tious than the plaintive iniii already referred to. It has beside, howe\'er, a 

 note of protest, which sounds remotely like the kek of a distrustful Guinea 

 fowl: and it indulges certain ^'er^• unmusical cluttering and clucking notes 

 when endea\oring to attract the attention of its young. 



No : the Western Bluebird is no musician, but he is a beauty ; and he does 

 have the same gentle courtesy of bearing which has endeared the Bluebird 

 wherever he is known. It is impossible to treat of Bluebirds' domestic life 

 without recourse to humanizing terms. Bluebird is a gentleman, chivalrous 

 and brave, as he is tender and loving. Mrs. Bluebird is a lady, gentle, confid- 

 ing, and most appreciative. And as for the little Bluebirdses they are as well 

 behaved a lot of children as ever crowned an earthly affection. 



Both parents are unsparing in their devotion to the rising generation, and 

 so thoroly is this unselfish spirit reflected in the conduct of the children that it 



a. Baird, Brewer & Ridgway, Vol. I., p. 65 [Reprint]. 



b. Rep. Pac. R R.. Surv., Vol XII., i8f9, p. 173. 



c. Baird, Brewer & Ridgway, Land Birds, Vol. I., p. 66 [Reprint]. 



