110 THe Brrps Asout US. 
nothing to do with it. I am speaking for myself 
only. It has always been a matter of surprise to me 
that those who have had the best opportunities of 
studying this bird have spoken of it in such an un- 
enthusiastic way, even actually comparing it to the 
tiresome cacophony of the commonplace robin. 
I have never seen any description of the song that 
seemed to do it justice, although Nuttall’s is an ap- 
proach to it, when he says it is ‘“ with all the varied 
and touching tones of the Nightingale.” And adds, 
“while thus earnestly engaged it seems to mount on 
tiptoe in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight at 
the unrivalled harmony of its own voice. The notes 
are wholly warbled; now loud, clear, and vaulting 
with a querulous air, then perhaps sprightly, and 
finally lower, tender, and pathetic.” 
In the West is found the Black-headed Grosbeak, 
of which Dr. Coues says,— 
“Like others of the same beautiful genus, it is a brilliant and en- 
thusiastic vocalist, its song resembling that of the Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak, and having much similarity to that of the Baltimore 
Oriole.” 
Its habits generally are the same as those of the 
Eastern bird. 
The Blue Grosbeak belongs to the “ more southern 
eastern United States,” and comes north “ regularly 
(but very locally) to Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Kansas, 
ete: 
There is no possibility of confusion or doubt as to 
the distribution in summer of the Indigo-bird. It 
is too abundant for that, and cannot be mistaken for 
any other species. 
