178 . LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



of the most conspicuous and brilliant of our 

 summer occupants. From its appearance early 

 in May until its departure during the first week of 

 September, it accomplishes an immense amount 

 of good in the destruction of many insects in their 

 various developmental stages. 



Within secluded situations this species displays 

 a certain amount of shyness and timidity, which it 

 throws aside on its visits to the domains of man. 

 We have frequently approached within a few paces 

 of it without exciting undue alarm. In wooded 

 regions it seeks the topmost boughs of the tallest 

 trees, where it gleans for hours its daily subsist- 

 ence. The apple and pear are its favorite trees 

 outside of its natural haunts. In its habits of feed- 

 ing it is far from being strictly arboreal, as we 

 have known it to follow the plowman in company 

 with the Robin and Purple Grakle. 



This species is never gregarious. Early in the 

 season the sexes are dissociated, and lead solitary 

 lives. From their earliest appearance, it is obvious 

 that the male arrives in advance of the female. 

 Perhaps the modest and unassuming garb of the 

 female renders her a less conspicuous object of 

 notice than her more highly favored partner. 



The habits of the males on their arrival confirm 

 us in our opinion. They -seek the tops of the 

 loftiest trees, and for an hour at least pour forth 

 their choicest music, doubtless, with a view of at- 

 tracting the passing females. We have known 

 instances where a venturesome fellow had stationed 



