370 SINGING BIRDS. 



vicinity of Philadelphia, in the State of New York, particularly 

 along the borders of Lake Ontario, and in Connecticut, but 

 rarely in this part of New England. Pennant speaks of its 

 arrival in the State of New York in May, where it has a nest of 

 5 eggs, and then retires in August. It is also unknown in the 

 Southern States. 



My friend Mr. Cooper remarks that though this species is 

 rare in the vicinity of New York, a few probably breed in the 

 woods of the Hudson, as at Tappan, 30 miles up that river, it < 

 is frequently seen in the cherry-trees in the month of June, 

 and is said to be common in the forests along the south shore 

 of Lake Erie, and usually breeds there. It thrives very well 

 in a cage, is a most melodious and indefatigable warbler, fre- 

 quently in fine weather, as in its state of freedom, passing a 

 great part of the night in singing, with all the varied and touch- 

 ing tones of the Nightingale. 



While thus earnestly engaged, it seems to mount on tiptoe 

 in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight at the unrivalled har- 

 mony of its own voice. The notes are wholly warbled, now 

 loud, clear, and vaulting with a querulous air ; then perhaps 

 sprightly; and finally lower, tender, and pathetic. In short, 

 I am not acquainted with any of our birds superior in song 

 to the present, with the solitary exception of our Orphean 

 Mocking Bird. 



The Louisiana Grosbeak is fed with the usual kinds of bird- 

 seed, and in its wild state seems to be particularly fond of 

 the kernels of the sour-gum berries ; it probably also feeds 

 upon the berries of the juniper, which abound in the regions 

 it usually inhabits. 



Though somewhat local in its distribution, this attractive bird 

 occurs regularly throughout the Eastern States, but is uncommon 

 in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is found in some 

 parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec, and is quite 

 common in Ontario, and abundant in Manitoba. 



Though generally selecting a secluded spot for nesting, a pair 

 will occasionally wander away from the forest and thicket, and even 

 build in the heart of a town. In 1890 a nest was built and a brood 

 raised not a hundred yards from where I am penning these words, 



