TOWHEE. 151 
find it difficult to believe that, unknown to me, this beau- 
tiful creature could long have been an inhabitant of my 
woods, 
The Grosbeak prefers young second growths, with a 
liberal proportion of oaks. In one of these trees he will 
doubtless build his nest, a structure so lightly made that 
one can almost see the blue, spotted eggs from below. 
The male is not only an ardent lover but an admirable 
husband, and, unlike most brightly attired birds, shares 
with his mate the task of incubation, and, it is said, 
sings while on the nest. His mate is so unlike him in 
color that few would suspect their relationship. She 
suggests an overgrown female Purple Finch, with the 
eye-stripe especially prominent; but if you should chance 
to see the under surface of her wings, you would find 
that they were lined with gold. However, the call-notes 
of both sexes are alike—a sharp, characteristic peek, which 
you will have no difficulty in recognizing after you have 
learned it. 
The Grosbeak’s song will remind you of a Robin’s, 
but it is in truth a much higher type of bird music. 
It is a joyous carol, expressive of a happy disposition 
and a clear conscience. 
The Towhee, or Chewink, is an important member of 
any bird community. He comes early—April 20 may 
seaes, find him with us—and he stays late, 
Pipilo sometimes remaining until November 1. 
Ka During this period there is not an hour 
; of the day when you can not find a 
Chewink if you know how to look for him. At midday 
you will perhaps have to summon him by a whistled éo- 
whée from the depths of his bushy home on the border of 
a wood or thicket; but he will soon respond, and with a 
Juff fluff of his short, rounded wings, fly jerkily up to 
inquire what’s wanted. 
