iio THE BIRDS ABOUT Us. 



nothing to do with it. I am speaking for myself 

 only. It has always been a matter of surprise to me 

 that those who have had the best opportunities of 

 studying this bird have spoken of it in such an un- 

 enthusiastic way, even actually comparing it to the 

 tiresome cacophony of the commonplace robin. 



I have never seen any description of the song that 

 seemed to do it justice, although Nuttall's is an ap- 

 proach to it, when he says it is " with all the varied 

 and touching tones of the Nightingale." And adds, 

 " while thus earnestly engaged it seems to mount on 

 tiptoe in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight at 

 the unrivalled harmony of its own voice. The notes 

 are wholly warbled; now loud, clear, and vaulting 

 with a querulous air, then perhaps sprightly, and 

 finally lower, tender, and pathetic." 



In the West is found the Black-headed Grosbeak, 

 of which Dr. Coues says, 



" Like others of the same beautiful genus, it is a brilliant and en- 

 thusiastic vocalist, its song resembling that of the Rose-breasted 

 Grosbeak, and having much similarity to that of the Baltimore 

 Oriole." 



Its habits generally are the same as those of the 

 Eastern bird. 



The Blue Grosbeak belongs to the " more southern 

 eastern United States," and comes north " regularly 

 (but very locally) to Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Kansas, 

 etc." 



There is no possibility of confusion or doubt as to 

 the distribution in summer of the Indigo-bird. It 

 is too abundant for that, and cannot be mistaken for 

 any other species. 



