352 LIFE-HISTORIES OF' BIRDS 



Caloptenus fcmur-rubrurn. and Ac he to, nigra 

 among orthoptera; besides Formica sanguinca and 

 various species of Aphidcc. In the autumn it sub- 

 sists upon the seeds of Zizauia aquatica, Setaria 

 italica, Poa comprcssa and the tassels of corn. It 

 is now in a very fine condition and is eagerly 

 hunted by the sportsman for the peculiar flavor 

 and delicacy of its flesh. 



The song of the Bobolink is pre-eminently its 

 own, and cannot be compared to that of any of our 

 feathered songsters. For variety, rapidity, and 

 peculiar and touching pathos and melody of its tune 

 and expression, it cannot be excelled. It is clearly 

 the most attractive and pleasing of all our original 

 sorigsters. It is rather amusing to listen to a con- 

 cert which is sometimes given when a number of 

 birds have congregated together seemingly 'for 

 this avowed purpose. The performance is begun 

 by one bird taking the lead, to be followed by 

 another, and so 'on until the entire choir have 

 joined their voices, each following the example of 

 the leader, and seemingly at a given signal. A 

 perfect medley of sounds is thus produced, far 

 from being unpleasing, and to which the pen 

 would be powerless to do justice. This concert 

 is repeated whenever the flock alights. 



The female is modest, retiring, and humble in her 

 deportment, always keeping near the ground, and 

 is attended by several aspirants for her affection. 

 Each endeavors to outsing his competitors. After 

 a very exciting contest the rivalries are settled; 



