Rose-breasted Grosbeak 77 



or tree-top. The nest, a grassy cup, is placed in a bush close 

 to the ground. Four or five bluish-white eggs are laid. 



Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — Zamelodia ludovkiana. 

 8.12 



Common Summer Resident 



Field marks. — Large angular spot of rose-red on breast, the 

 lower point often extending in a narrow line down the 

 white belly; head, throat, upper back and wings black; 

 rump white; wings flecked with white; bill thick. 



When the novice meets this strikingly handsome bird for 

 the first time he is apt to believe that he has encountered some 

 wanderer from the Tropics. Later, when the denizens of the 

 feathered world have become known and it is found that the 

 Rose-breasted Grosbeak is quite common in this vicinity, the 

 student experiences a feeling of gratitude that Mother Nature 

 has been so kind. The rose-red breast and the black and 

 white upper parts of the male render identification easy; the 

 female looks like an enlarged edition of a sparrow. The nest 

 and eggs are very similar to those of the Scarlet Tanager but 

 generally built lower, in shrubs or small trees. The male, 

 during the love-season, warbles beautifully, the notes being 

 loud, clear and mellow. 



