40 Bird Portraits 
a piece of suet to the branches of trees near the house, not only 
Chickadees but other birds as well will be attracted to the spot, and 
will become regular winter visitors. They are by no means confined, 
however, to villages and farms. Often as we push through the deep 
snows of the winter forests, the only sound will be the distant lisp 
of this hardy bird. 
Besides the notes heard so commonly in winter, the Chickadee 
has a pensive and extremely gentle whistle, which it utters while 
sitting motionless, and oftener in spring than at other seasons, 
though it may be heard in every month of the year. It consists 
of two notes, an exact interval apart, and each accented. It is often 
mistaken, especially in early spring, for the song of the Pharbe, but 
it may be distinguished by its purity and sweetness. It is easily 
imitated by whistling, and the bird will often answer, or even fly 
toward the person whistling, and survey him with astonishment. 
It is generally believed by people who see the bird only in 
winter that the Chickadees retire northward in spring; it is true 
that they then no longer frequent the yards and gardens, but in 
the woods and retired orchards many a pair have excavated some 
decaying birch or apple stump, and after lining it warmly with 
moss and feathers, provided amply for the continuance of their race; 
sometimes as many as nine eggs are laid. In winter, the birds 
spend the night in holes, not necessarily the same in which they 
were bred. 
Several writers have mentioned instances of the extreme bold- 
ness of this bird; Mr. Chapman has had a Chickadee perch on his 
hand. One can easily imagine it, but we do not need such a mark 
of confidence to feel strong affection for this companionable and 
winter-loving bird. 
