252 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



Its presence is always indicated by a low, soft 

 tc hick- tc hick- tc hick, repeated at irregular intervals, 

 but differing very much from that of C. leucoptera. 

 It has a song which it is probable it does not utter, 

 until it has reached its breeding-grounds. During 

 its prolonged stay, we have never heard its song; 

 the same dull monotonous note always greeting 

 our ears. Dr. Brewer describes its song in the 

 spring and summer as "varied and pleasing," but 

 not powerful nor in any degree remarkable. 



We have no reason to believe that this species 

 breeds in our midst, much less in any part of 

 Pennsylvania, although Mr. Audubon inferred that 

 it bred in pine forests in this state, from the fact 

 that birds had been seen by him in August. This 

 does not necessarily follow, as their breeding takes 

 place so early as to render it possible for birds to 

 be seen in midsummer after a migration from 

 remote localities. Prof. Baird affirms, however, 

 that he has seen them in the coal regions of Schuyl- 

 kill Co., Pa., during every day of the summer 

 feeding in pairs. 



This species breeds early in March, a nest and 

 eggs having been obtained then by Mr. Charles E. 

 Paine, in East Randolph, Vt. This nest was built 

 upon a leafless elm-branch; the ground was 

 covered with snow, and the weather very severe 

 at the time. The birds were extremely tame, and 

 refused to leave their eggs. While Mr. Paine 

 was descending a tree with the nest in his hand, 

 the female resumed her position as if to shelter 



