son) oe THE WESTERN BLUEBIRD. 
the male usually returned to the fence again, and warbled for a minute most 
delightfully. This note altho somewhat like that of our common Wilsonii 
[i. e., S. sialis], is still so different as to be easily recognized. It is equally 
sweet and clear but of so little compass (at this season) as to be heard only a 
short distance. In the spring it is louder, but it is at all times much less strong 
than that of the common species.” 
Dr. Brewer, condensing Nuttall, says*: “He [Nuttall] speaks of its 
habits as exactly similar to those of the common Bluebird. ‘The male is equal- 
ly tuneful thruout the breeding-season, and his song is also very similar. 
Like the common species he is very devoted to his mate, alternately feeding 
and caressing her and entertaining her with his song. This is a little more 
varied, tender, and sweet [editor’s italics] than that of the Eastern species, and 
differs in its expressions.” 
Our own Dr. Cooper testifies :> “It also differs [i. e. from S. sialis] in its 
song, which is not so loud as sweet, and is curiously performed to sound as if 
two birds were singing at once and in different keys.” Here the tradition 
begins to waver. More recent writers say: “The song of the Western Blue- 
bird is not full but is, like his manners, gentle and sweet” (Lord); and, “It 
has the soft warble of its kind” (Mrs. Bailey). But again Dr. Brewer 
writes :° “In regard to their song Mr. Ridgway states that he did not hear 
even during the pairing season, any note approaching in sweetness, or indeed 
similar to, the joyous spring warble which justly renders our Eastern Blue- 
bird (S. sialis) so universal a favorite.” The doctors disagree. Some one 
has been dreaming! 
All I can say is, that in an experience of some sixteen seasons in Wash- 
ington, I have never heard the Bluebird sing, or utter any note more preten- 
tious than the plaintive miu already referred to. It has beside, however, a 
note of protest, which sounds remotely like the kek of a distrustful Guinea 
fowl; and it indulges certain very unmusical chittering and clucking notes 
when endeavoring to attract the attention of its young. 
No; the Western Bluebird is no musician, but he is a beauty ; and he does 
have the same gentle courtesy of bearing which has endeared the Bluebird 
wherever he is known. It is impossible to treat of Bluebirds’ domestic life 
without recourse to humanizing terms. Bluebird is a gentleman, chivalrous 
and brave, as he is tender and loving. Mrs. Bluebird is a lady, gentle, confid- 
ing, and most appreciative. And as for the little Bluebirdses they are as well 
behaved a lot of children as ever crowned an earthly affection. 
Both parents are unsparing in their devotion to the rising generation, and 
so thoroly is this unselfish spirit reflected in the conduct of the children that it 
a. Baird, Brewer & Gaseuree MOLE sepE Bek [Reprint]. 
b. Rep. Pac. R R.. Surv., Vol XII., 1850, 173. . 
ce. Baird, Brewer & Ridgway, Land ‘Birds, Vol. I., p. 66 [Reprint]. 
