204 TOWHEE. 



find it difficult to believe tluat, unknown to me, this beau- 

 tiful creatui'e could long have been an inhabitant of my 

 woods. 



The Grosbeak prefers young second growths, with a 

 liberal proportion of oaks. In one of these trees he wdll 

 doubtless build his nest, a sti-ucture so lightly made that 

 one can almost see the blue, spotted eggs from below. 

 The male is not only an ardent lover but an admirable 

 husband, and, unlike most brightly attired birds, shares 

 with his mate the task of incubation, and, it is said, 

 sings while on the nest. His mate is so unlike him in 

 color that few would suspect their relationshij). She 

 suggests an overgrown female Purple Finch, with the 

 eye-stripe especially prominent ; but if you should chance 

 to see the under surface of her wings, you wonld find 

 that they were lined with gold. However, the call-notes 

 of both sexes are alike — a sharp, characteristic peel^^ which 

 you will have no difficulty in recognizing after you liaA'e 

 learned it. 



The Grosbeak's song will remind you of a Rolnn's, 

 but it is in truth a much higher type of bird music. 

 It is a joyous carol, expressive of a happy disposition 

 and a clear conscience. 



Tlie Towhee, or Chewink, is an important member of 



any bird community. He comes early — April 20 may 



_ , find him with us- — and he stays late, 



Towhee, _ _ , J i 



p;^,;i,, sometimes remaining until November 1. 



eri/throphthaimus. During tliis period there is not an hour 

 of the day when you can not find a 

 Chewink if you know how to look for him. At midday 

 you will perhaps have to summon him by a whistled to- 

 whee from the depths of his bushy home on the border of 

 a wood or thicket ; but he w^ill soon respond, and with a 

 fl^'ff-ffi'ff of his short, rounded wings, fiy jerkily up to 

 inquire what's wanted. 



