61 



THE BLUE, OR INDIGO BIRD. 



Spiza Cyanea. 



This bird is of the same size as the Canary. Its 

 plumage is of a most beautiful blue — still more brilliant 

 on the head. It is a native of the Southern States, but 

 in the warm season visits some of the Northern. It ar- 

 rives in our neighborhood about the beginning of. May, 

 and remains with us till the cold weather comes on, 

 when it returns to its more congenial quarters. It has 

 quite an agreeable song, which may sometimes be heard 

 in the middle of the night. 



The Indigo Bird changes its color twice a year, turn- 

 ing to a grayish color in the winter. The female may 

 be easily distinguished from the male, being always of 

 a gray color, and still more in winter. 



They thrive well on being fed on canary, rape, and 

 millet seed. They like a little green food, and are fond 

 of bathing. 



