220 



THE BLUE-BIRD. 



songsters that tarry with us in the New England States, but in limited numbers. It is rather 

 common in the pine woods of Portsmouth, IS T . H., in June, and it is supposed to breed in the 

 vicinity. Its nests with eggs have been found near Boston. Wilson says but little of it. 



Wf 



THE BLACK-TUKOATED GREEN WAKBLEK.-Zfenofraca virena. 







Many of these pretty species are interesting, and descriptions of each would be very pleas- 

 ing had we room to devote to them. 



THE MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT (Geothlypis trichas) is a very familiar bird called in 

 New England, Yellow-bird and is not unlike a canary. Wilson says of it : "This is one of 

 the humble inhabitants of the briars, brambles, alder bushes and such shrubbery as grows most 

 luxuriantly in low, wet places, and might with propriety be called Humility ; its business or 

 ambition seldom leading it higher than the tops of the underbrush. Insects and larvae being 

 its principal food. It inhabits the whole United States, from Maine to Florida. Though 

 by no means shy, it seldom approaches the farm-house. 



THE YELLOW-RED POLL (Dendrceca palmarum) is a common species. Unlike others, it 

 spends much of its time feeding on the grotind. In the fall it is seen nocking with the 

 snow-birds. 



Several species of this great family of Warblers are unfavorably named " thrush," as the 

 Golden-crowned Thrush and Water Thrush. Water Wagtail is a more appropriate name for 

 one of them, as it has the habit of bobbing its tail constantly while feeding. There are three 

 of this genus (Slums). 



THE pretty little BLUE-BIRD of America is deservedly a great favorite in the country which 

 it inhabits, not only for its delicate blue back, red bosom, and sweet song, but from the 

 engaging familiarity of its character. 



In many respects the Blue-bird takes the place of the redbreast in the affections of bird- 

 loving persons, and fearlessly associates with mankind, even though it be not driven to such 

 companionship by cold or hunger. It is the harbinger of spring, and makes its appearance as 

 soon as the snow begins to melt away from the surface of the earth, and the soil to loose itself 

 from the icy bonds in which it had been held. Sometimes a few days of sharp frost or heavy 

 snow will drive the Blue-bird to its hiding-place, but it soon emerges when the inclemency of 

 the weather is past, and cheers the face of nature with its light-colored feathers and sweet rich 



