i SS5 . ] Bicknell on the Singing of Birds. IC I 



a time, but they are resumed in their usual vehemence before the 

 species departs. 



Cardinalis virginianus. Cardinal Grosbeak. 



This bird is of irregular occurrence, but I have heard it in full 

 song in every month from April to August inclusive. I have also 

 seen it in every month from October to February, but through 

 this time its only utterance was a fine sharp chip or click. 



At this northernmost limit of its habitat its voice is certainly not 

 less loud and forcible than in the South. Before I was familiar 

 with its notes I was startled from sleep early one July morning 

 by a violent whistling. It sounded so nervously hurried and 

 intentionally loud that, in my sudden awakening, I thought it an 

 alarm intended to arouse me. A moment later could have been 

 seen at the window a figure en dishabille, and on a near grape- 

 vine trellis a Cardinal Grosbeak in the role of a fierv-coated 

 alarmist. 



Zamelodia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 



The few Rose-breasted Grosheaks which summer in the sec 

 tion of country covered bv my observations sing well into the 

 dog-days. I have heard them till the middle of August. 



In the autumn the adult male seems to be uncommon, and I 

 have never heard its song at that season ; but on September 23, 

 1S79, I shot a young male with crimsoning breast, which was in 

 full song. 



Passerina cyanea. Indigo-bird. 



The Indigo-bird sings faithfully through the midsummer ; 

 but the silencing influence that begins to overtake the birds at 

 this time, reaches it about the end of July, and it is soon quieted. 

 The last days of singing are between the end of July and mid- 

 August ; my records giving August 1^ and 16 as dates of latest 

 songs. 



I have ever found this bird uncommon in the fall, and my scant 

 data respecting its singing in that season are comprehended 

 between the last two weeks of September. 



