THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 



101 



to be watching near, the music is interrupted by the harsh nasal thkimp, or 

 kimp of distrust and warning. 



The nest is usually a flimsy affair of twigs, weed-stalks, and rootlets, 

 placed at moderate heights in thorn bushes, swamp willows, orchard trees, 

 and the like. One nest that I found in Black Swamp in Lorain County, 

 was composed entirely of fine grass-stems; and the two eggs which it con- 

 tained were perfectly visible from below. Another, to which the male bird 



Taken in Ely Park, 



Etyria. 



Photo by the Author. 



A FAVORITE HAUNT OF THE GROSBEAK. 



was kind enough to call my attention, by singing as he sat, was made of dried 

 sedge leaves. This carelessness of nest construction is considered evidence 

 of the fact that the bird was formerly accustomed to a warmer climate, to 

 a tropical range in fact, where warmth of bedding would .be no object. The 

 male bird shares faithfully the duties of .incubation; and is sedulously devoted 

 to the care of his little flock. In this case at least, fine feathers have made 

 a fine bird. 



The food of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak consists largely of seeds and 

 wild fruits; but insects, especially grubs and beetles, furnish a portion of 

 its fare. In seme localities it has won the ill-sounding but certainly meri- 

 torious name of "potato-bug bird." 



