98 Land Birds of New England 



its habit of keeping in the top of a high tree when 

 singing. Wilson speaks of finding it frequently 

 perched on fences, but I have been less fortunate. 

 The bird comes to us in mid-May, and leaves in 

 late September. 



The nest is built in bushes or open shrubbery, 

 usually " in the centre of a low, thick bush." In 

 one instance, at least, the same nest was repaired, 

 and used for a succession of years. Eggs are laid 

 about the end of May. 



The indigo-bird sings all day, and continues his 

 song nearly or quite through July. 



Its song is not one continued strain^ but a repetition 

 of sJiort notes, commencing loud and rapid, and fall- 

 ing^ by almost imperceptible gradations^ for six or 

 eight seconds, till tliey seem Jiardly articulate, as if t)ie 

 little -minstrel ivere quite exhausted; and, after a 

 pause of half a minute or less, commences again as 

 before. WILSON. 



