I04 



Bird - Lore 



At the lunch-counter, the female is composed, even dignified in manner, 

 feeding quietly until satisfied. The male, on the other hand, is nervous and 

 self-conscious, as if quite aware that his more brilliant plumage increases his 

 dangers. He fidgets under cover of the brush-pile provided for his benefit, 

 until his hunger gets the better of his caution. Then he slips out, snatches, a 

 hurried morsel or two, seizes a big kernel and retires with it to the friendly 

 shelter, where he devours it at his leisure, and gathers courage for another 

 sally. On very dark days he is able to feed more comfortably. The young 

 birds are brought to the lunch-counter and fed there until they are able to 

 help themselves. Often, in August, the young of two broods appear together. 

 Those of the first brood are easily distinguished, as by this time they have 

 begun to change their streaked brown plumage for that of the mature birds. 

 The change shows first on the lower parts, where a few black, white, or red 

 feathers mingle haphazard with the brown, giving the bird a peculiar mottled 

 appearance, quite disreputable for a Towhee. At these family gatherings the 

 female feeds the young of either brood indiscriminately, but the male not only 

 refuses to feed those of the older brood, but will not allow them to feed while 

 he is present. If they venture to approach, he promptly gives chase, and the 

 young birds retire to a safe distance, to await the departure of their 

 unfriendly parent. 



v^ 



MEADOWLARK 

 An admirable study in pattern of coloration showing how the margins of the feathers tend to 

 make continuous white lines 

 Photographed by Guy A. Bailey 



