180 
Distinctions. The plumages in seasonal and sex variation closely follow those of the 
Indigo Bunting, from which it can be told by size and its Grosbeak bill. In mixed plumage 
it may resemble the Bluebird even to the reddish breast, but the bill is entirely unlike the 
bill of that bird. (See Figure 50, p. 26). 
Field Marks. The above will suggest field marks, but the Blue Grosbeak is too rare 
in Canada to safely rely on sight identification. 
Distribution. Eastern North America, in the north stopping normally considerably 
short of the Canadian border. 
SUBSPECIES. The subspecies of the Blue Grosbeak to be expected in Canada is 
the eastern form, the Eastern Blue Grosbeak, the type race of the species. 
The records of this bird’s occurrence in Canada are too fragmentary 
for the species to be expected otherwise than as a rare and accidenta 
straggler. It can only be hoped for in the southern parts and perhaps 
the southern coast. 
598. Indigo Bunting. FR.—LE PINSON INDIGO. Passerina cyanea. L, 5°59. A 
rather small sparrow; the male, brilliant blue all over, the female nearly uniformly 
buffy rust colour with occasional faint suggestions of the blue of the male, slightly whitish 
below with faint and indistinct stripes. Autumn birds show intermediate stages between 
the above coloration or with stronger reddish rust. 
Distinctions. The Indigo Bunting is our only all blue bird; the Bluebird, the only 
comparable bird, has a reddish breast. The even, almost unvaried dull rusty colour of the 
female and juvenile distinguishes them from other species. 
Field Marks. ‘The all blue colour of the male and the even reddish of the females 
and juveniles. 
Nesting. Generally in the crotch of a bush 2 to 3 feet above ground, in nest of grasses, 
dead leaves, and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses, rootlets, and long hairs. 
Distribution. orth America east of the plains and north well into Canada. 
The Indigo Bunting commonly frequents brushy overgrown wastes, 
burnt land, or slashes. It has a pleasing song. 
Economic Status. Our knowledge of the food of the Indigo Bunting 
is not complete. There is little doubt that it has the usual food habits 
of its family; and it is credited with doing good work against the Brown- 
tailed Moth. It is undoubtedly as worthy of protection as the others 
of its kind. 
604. Dickcissel. Spiza americana. L, 6. Back striped with dark brown and 
ruddy buff changing to solid dull red on wing coverts; hind neck slate-grey to crown 
where it is strongly tinged with yellow; cheeks grey with pure yellow eyebrow line. 
Wee below; breast pure yellow and throat with a sharply defined black throat-patch 
or bib. 
Distinctions. The yellow breast and black throat, slightly suggesting a small Meadow- 
lark, are distinctive. 
Distribution. Eastern America, mostly in the interior and central portions. In 
eastern Canada, irregularly across our borders in southwestern Ontario. 
This beautiful open field species is rare in Canada. A few have 
appeared for a short series of years in the region at the west end of lake 
Erie and then vanished to reappear some years later. 
FAMILY—TANGARIDA. TANAGERS. L, 7:25-7-50. 
General Description. Brilliantly coloured birds with bills resembling those of spar- 
rows but slightly elongated, with an evenly curved culmen, a slight notch in the upper 
mandible opposite the tip of the lower one and a tooth and notch in the middle of the 
upper cutting edge (Figure 53, p. 26). In some species the notch is too slight to be 
seen without careful examination. 
Distinctions. Besides the bill features above, the eastern Canadian species can be 
easily recognized by colour. The spring males are birds of brilliant red coloration, the 
females and autumn birds are dull warm yellows or greens with no sharp, detailed mark- 
