232 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
island off the coast of the latter country, says that “‘in the 
spring of 1861, Mr. Cheney shot a fine g specimen and sent it 
to G. A. Boardman, Esq., in whose cabinet it now is.” This 
specimen has been spoken of as having been obtained in Maine, 
which I suppose to be an error.7? The Blue Grosbeaks are 
probably closely allied to the Indigo Birds otherwise than 
merely by their coloration and structure, but I can ascertain 
but little about their habits. ‘‘They are” says Wilson “timid 
birds, watchful, silent and active,” feeding ‘‘on hemp seed, 
millet, and the kernels of several kinds of berries.” 
(d). ‘*Their most common note is a loud chuck; they have 
also at times a few low sweet toned notes.” Their song is 
elsewhere described ‘‘ as a rapid, intricate warble, like that of 
the Indigo Bird, though stronger and louder.” ‘They also sing 
at night. 
XXII. HYDEMELES 
(A) xupovicrana.73 Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 
(A common summer-resident in Massachusetts, though still 
scarce in many places.) 
(a). About eight inches long. ¢, with the upper parts, 
whole head and neck, black. Rump and under parts, white. 
A large patch on the breast, and also the fore-part of the wing 
inside, bright carmine. Wings and tail, black, marked conspic- 
uously with white. @, with no white on the rump or tail, and 
but little on the wings, and with none of the male’s carmine, 
that on the wings being replaced by saffron, which sometimes 
tints the breast. Upper parts, flaxen-brown, and under parts, 
white, dark-streaked, most thickly above, and most finely upon 
the crown. Eye-stripe, dark; line below, superciliary stripe, 
and median line, dull white. Wings and tail, plain. 
721 have since learned that I am probably mistaken about the occurrence of 
this bird in New England, since Mr. Boardman (Proc. B. 8. N. H., IX, p. 127) 
speaks of it as ‘* very uncertain” at Calais, Maine, though “ common in the spring 
of 1861.” ; 
73 This species, having been placed in various genera, at last stands in Hydem- 
eles, 
