ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 



387 



He is about ten and one-fourth inches long; black, gray and 

 white in color, and is at times something of a songster. Among 

 the injurious insects captured might be mentioned grasshoppers 

 and various caterpillars (Fig. 384). 



Chipping Sparrow (Plate 2, Fig. 6). This is one of our most 

 common garden birds. It is unobtrusive, friendly, useful, and 

 welcome; and is easily recognized by its modest, grayish and 

 brownish colors and the chestnut or bay patch on top of the head. 

 Its somewhat monotonous " chipping" note is a common sound in 

 many gardens and dooryards in this country. 



FIG. 384. Northern shrike or butcher bird with sparrow as prey. (After Fuertes.) 



It eats seeds in the fall, but during the summer it helps destroy 

 various insects, including caterpillars, beetles, plant lice, etc. In 

 June it is claimed that ninety-three per cent of its food consists 

 of insects. 



The chipping sparrow is a little over five inches long. It nests 

 in trees or vines near houses or in gardens or orchards. The nest 

 is generally lined with horsehair. The four or five eggs are bluish, 

 with blackish or brownish markings. 



Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Plate 4, Fig. 21). This beautiful 

 bird and excellent songster is common in many parts of the United 

 States. The male is at once recognized by the striking black 



