OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 341 



plumage, than by the variety and brilliancy of its 

 song, is but tolerably abundant. . It is a perma- 

 nent resident, and chiefly delights in low damp 

 woods where junipers and kalmias are exceedingly 

 abundant; in shady and secluded valleys along 

 water-courses bordered with alder-bushes. It is 

 a shy and timid bird, and difficult to approach. 



The Cardinal Grosbeak, as this species is popu- 

 larly called, is mostly found in pairs, male and 

 female together. From the many kind attentions 

 and endearments which the sexes manifest towards 

 each other, it is highly probable that a portion of 

 the same affection that characterizes the sexes 

 during the breeding-season, still remains and 

 prompts to such actions. The spirit of selfishness is 

 akin to its nature^ 



Its flight is low, firm, and but moderately sus- 

 tained. Its habits of feeding are slightly terres- 

 trial, the principal part of its time being spent in 

 low bushes. When closely pursued, it seldom 

 betakes itself to tall trees, even when the latter 

 are quite convenient, but always indulges in short 

 and rapid flights from bush to bush. 



The song of this species is varied and quite 

 melodious. From the variety and power of its 

 song, it is sometimes inaptly designated the 

 " Nightingale of America." It lacks the copious- 

 ness, variation, and sweetness of the European 

 Nightingale, which is frequently known to utter 

 twenty-four distinct combinations of harmonious 

 sounds in rapid succession. The female bird which 



