BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 205 



particularly one of a brilliant glossy green, fragments of which 

 I have almost always found in their stomach, and sometimes 

 these only. 



The song of the Baltimore is a clear mellow whistle, repeat- 

 ed at short intervals as he gleans among the branches. There is 

 in it a certain wild plaintiveness and naivete, extremeJy in- 

 teresting. It is not uttered with the rapidity of the ferruginous 

 thrush ( Turdus rufus), and some other eminent songsters; but 

 with the pleasing tranquillity of a careless plough-boy, whistling 

 merely for his own amusement. When alarmed by an approach 

 to his nest, or any such circumstances, he makes a kind of rapid 

 chirruping, very different from his usual note. This, however, 

 is always succeeded by those mellow tones, which seem so 

 congenial to his nature. 



High on yon poplar, clad in glossiest green, 

 The orange, black-capp'd Baltimore is seen, 

 The broad extended boughs still please him best; 

 Beneath their bending- skirts he hangs his nest; 

 There his sweet mate, secure from every harm, 

 Broods o'er her spotted store, and wraps them warm; 

 Lists to the noontide hum of busy bees, 

 Her partner's mellow song> the brook, the breeze; 

 These, day by day, the lonely hours deceive, 

 From dewy morn to slow descending- eve. 

 Two weeks elaps'd, behold a helpless crew! 

 Claim all her care and her affection too; 

 On wings of love th' assiduous nurses fly, 

 Flowers, leaves and boughs, abundant food supply; 

 Glad chants their gnardian as abroad he goes, 

 And waving breezes rock them to repose. 



The Baltimore inhabits North America, from Canada to Mex- 

 ico, and is even found as far south as Brazil. Since the streets 

 of our cities have been planted with that beautiful and stately 

 tree, the Lombardy poplar, these birds are our constant visitors 

 during the early part of summer; and amid the noise and 

 tumult of coaches, drays, wheelbarrows, and the din of the 

 multitude, they are heard chanting " their native wood notes 



