The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak {Zameiodia ludomdana) 



By I. N. Mitchell 



Length, 8 inches. 



Range: Breeds from Kansas, Ohio, Georgia (mountains'), and New Jersey, 

 north to southern Canada ; winters from Mexico to South America. 



Habits and economic status : This beautiful grosbeak is noted for its clear, 

 melodious notes, which are poured forth in generous measure. The rosebreast 

 sings even at midday during summer, when the intense heat has silenced almost 

 every other songster. Its beautiful plumage and sweet song are not its sole claiqi 

 on our favor, for few birds are more beneficial to agriculture. The rosebreast 

 eats some green peas and does some damage to fruit. But this mischief is much 

 more than balanced by the destruction of insect pests. The bird is so fond of the 

 Colorado potato beetle that it has earned the name of ''potato-l3ug bird," and no 

 less than a tenth of the total food of the-rosebreasts examined consists of potato 

 beetles — evidence that the bird is one of the most important enemies of the pest. 

 It vigorously attacks cucumber beetles and many of the scale insects. It proved 

 an active enemy of the Rocky Mountain locitst during that insect's ruinous 

 invasions, and among the other pests it consumes are the spring and fall canker- 

 worms, orchard and forest tent caterpillars, tussock, gipsy and brown-tail moths, 

 plum curculio, army worm, and chinch bug. In fact, not one of our birds has 

 a better record. 



It is indeed a red-letter day that brings the acquaintance of this beautiful 

 bird. Here, again, the beginner feels the pleasure of certainty. There is no 

 painstaking comparison and study of details as among the sparrows or thrusihes. 

 It is like shooting at a barn from the inside of the barn. A rose-colored breast 

 and a gross bill, how could anything be more delightfully direct and simple ? To 

 see him is to know him. 



Not so. however, with his mate. She shows her relationship to the sparrows, 

 and were it not for her very stout bill would be much more frequently mistaken 

 for one of them. 



The illustration is excellent both of birds and nest. The latter is noticeable 

 for the looseness of its structure and the absence of the lining of feathers, 

 hair, plant down or other soft, warm material that so many birds use. This 

 nest seems unusually well made for a grosbeak's ne.st. It appears to be actually 

 anchored or tied to the limbs upon which it rests. In speaking of the nest of 

 this bird Mr. Dugmore says : "The nest when, found will probably cause some 

 surprise by the apparently insecure manner in which it is placed. IMost birds 

 weave their nests around branches or vines, but the grosbeaks seldom take such 

 precaution ; they usually build their nests in or on the fork of a branch from 

 which it may be removed without disturbing it in any way." 



Fortunately for those who now enjoy the acquaintance of this beautiful bird,. 



13S 



