TOWHEE. 



151 



find it difficult to believe that, unknown to me, this beau- 

 tiful creature could long have been an inhabitant of my 

 woods. 



The Grosbeak prefers young second growths, with a 

 liberal proportion of oaks. In one of these trees he will 

 doubtless build his nest, a structure so lightly made that 

 one can almost see the blue, spotted eggs from below. 

 The male is not only an ardent lover but an admirable 

 husband, and, unlike most brightly attired birds, shares 

 with his mate the task of incubation, and, it is said, 

 sings while on the nest. His mate is so unlike him in 

 color that few would suspect their relationship. She 

 suggests an overgrown female Purple Finch, with the 

 eye-stripe especially prominent ; but if you should chance 

 to see the under surface of her wings, you would find 

 that they were lined with gold. However, the call-notes 

 of both sexes are alike — a sharp, characteristic peek, which 

 you will have no difficulty in recognizing after you have 

 learned it. 



The Grosbeak's song will remind you of a Robin's, 

 but it is in truth a much higher type of bird music. 

 It is a joyous carol, expressive of a happy disposition 

 and a clear conscience. 



The Towhee, or Chewink, is an important member of 

 any bird community. He comes early — April 20 may 



Towhee ^ n ^ mm W ^ L lls — an< ^ ne sta J s ^ ate » 



Rpilo sometimes remaining until November 1. 



erythropUhalmus. During this period there is not an hour 

 of the day when you can not find a 

 Chewink if you know how to look for him. At midday 

 you will perhaps have to summon him by a whistled to- 

 whee from the depths of his bushy home on the border of 

 a wood or thicket ; but he will soon respond, and with a 

 fi u ff~fluffl of his short, rounded wings, fiy jerkily up to 

 inquire what's wanted. 



