THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 41 



my inquirer represents him to be. In that re- 

 spect he ranks with the oriole and the scarlet 

 tanager. 



He is distinguished also for his song, which is 

 a flowing warble, wonderfully smooth and sweet. 

 To most ears it bears a likeness to the robin's 

 song, but it is beyond comparison more fluent and 

 delicious, although not more hearty. Keep your 

 ear open for such a voice, by the middle of 

 May if you live in New England, a little earlier 

 if your home is farther south, and you will be 

 likely to hear it ; for at that time the bird is not 

 only common, but a very free singer. 



In addition to his song, the rosebreast has 

 a short call-note, which sounds very much like 

 the squeak of a pair of rusty shears a kind 

 of hie, which you will find no difficulty about 

 remembering if you have once learned it. His 

 nest is generally built in a bush, often within 

 reach of the hand, but I have seen it well up in 

 a rather tall tree. The two birds spell each 

 other in brooding, and are not only mutually 

 affectionate, but very brave. I have known the 

 mother bird to keep her seat even when I took 

 hold of the bush below the nest and drew her 

 almost against my face. She, by the way, is 

 a very modestly dressed body, being not only 

 without the rose-color, but without the clear 



