546 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEW JERSEY. 



other season. Build annually in cedar trees, raising but one 

 brood. During the summer spends much of its time on the 

 ground, scratching among the dead leaves. Were it not for its 

 shrill whistle and bright plumage, would, like the * tanager,' be 

 difficult to detect." 



GUIRACA, Swains. 

 G. ccerulea, L. Blue Grosbeak. 



Male rich blue ; feathers about bill, wings and tail, black ; 

 wing bars chestnut ; female yellowish brown, with whitish wing 

 bars. Length, 7 inches; tail, 2| inches. A southern bird, 

 locally rare in summer in our latitude. 



HABIA, Reich. 



(Zamelodia, Coues.) 

 H. ludoviciana, L. Eose-breasted Grosbeak. 



Under wing coverts rose red in male, saffron yellow in female ; 

 male with head, neck and upper parts mostly black, with white 

 on rump, wings and tail ; belly white ; female olive brown, much 

 streaked ; head with whitish bands. Length, 8| inches ; tail, 3^ 

 inches. Brilliant in plumage and in song. 



" This magnificent bird arrives in May, remaining till Octo- 

 ber. Not abundant, and, as its plumage is so beautiful, they are 

 eagerly sought after by taxidermists. Their nests are built in 

 closely-leaved trees, one brood being raised. Their food consists 

 of beetles principally, and seeds. They are strictly inoffensive, 

 and should be protected." 



PASSERINA, Vieill. 

 P. cyanea, L. Indigo Bunting. 



3Iale indigo blue, clear on head, greenish behind ; female 

 plain, warm brown, obscurely streaked ; a dusky line along the 

 gonys. Length, 5| inches; tail, 2| inches. "A tireless 

 songster." 



"Arrives early in May, and is an abundant species. Nidifi- 

 cates in June, building its nest in briar-patches. Prefers unfre- 

 quented, woody districts, but is not unfrequently seen in towns. 

 Strictly inoffensive. Disappears in September." 



