THE BIRDS 387 



of the warbling character of the song of the purple finch 

 and of the wren. It is wild and mournful, and well fits 

 its surroundings. 



Of a different type is the fox sparrow. A large, hand- 

 some, rather showily dressed bird is he, one that does not 

 hide his light under a bushel. As a musician he takes first 

 rank. He is a performer of high merit. His clear and 

 flutelike notes ring out with great purity, yet his song 

 has not the charm of some simpler bird melodies. . 



The redpoll belongs also in this zone, although it hardly 

 appears to have a local habitation, such a restlessly wan- 

 dering bird is it. Its chug chug as it flies recalls the white- 

 winged crossbill's call note, and its sweet dee-ar resembles 

 closely the similar note of its cousin goldfinch. Frequently 

 in the breeding season it waxes melodious in its own way, 

 and flies about in irregular circles, alternately chug chugging, 

 and emitting a finely drawn rattle or trill. 



The Tennessee warbler and the Wilson's warbler are both 

 found in this zone, the former a very plain, inconspicuous 

 bird, the latter bright yellow with a glossy black cap. The 

 Tennessee warbler is as inconspicuous in its habits as in its 

 plumage, and retires to the depths of thickets when the 

 observer endeavours to learn its secrets. The Wilson's 

 warbler, on the other hand, does not hesitate to display 

 .its charms at close range, and sings its simple little song. 



Two other birds, both fine singers, may be mentioned 

 here, for they belong in this Hudsonian Zone; namely, the 

 ruby-crowned kinglet and Alice's thrush. That the di- 

 minutive kinglet can produce such a loud and wonderfully 

 clear and varied song is always a surprise and delight. 

 The Alice's thrush is a common bird in the scrubby woods 



