1 8 OUR HOME PETS 



The rose-breasted grosbeak, nearly related 

 to the cardinal, is, in my opinion, a more beau- 

 tiful bird, though not so well known. He is 

 black and white, with an exquisite rose-colored 

 shield on his breast. He resembles his more 

 brilliant cousin in characteristics, though he is 

 not so fine nor so persistent a singer. He is, 

 indeed, rather shy, and not particularly satis- 

 factory as a pet. 



The orchard oriole, while not so brilliant in 

 coloring as the Baltimore, is a ready and fine 

 singer, and a beautiful bird. The female is a 

 charming songster and a pretty bird, in soft 

 yellow olive, with bright blue legs and feet. 

 The male of this family I have not found 

 pleasant in disposition. He is quarrelsome 

 and jealous, and would do better alone than 

 in the room with others. One that I kept 

 fretted his mate to death. 



The red-winged blackbird is a pleasing house 

 bird, with a bewitching wild song of few notes, 

 which, however, breathes the very spirit of 

 the woods, and is most attractive to wood- 

 lovers. He is a seed-eater, and requires little 

 care, but does nqt show so great intelligence 

 as the thrushes. 



