AVES— BUNTING. ..GROUND ROBIN. 529 



^ THE PAINTED BUNTING 



Is found in Lower Louisiana, where it is universally known among the 

 French inhabitants, and called by them " Le Rapei," and by the Americans 

 the Nonpareil. Its gay dress and docility of manners have procured it many 

 admirers;, for these qualities are highly attractive, and always carry their 

 own recommendation along with them. The low countries of the southern 

 states, in the vicinity of the sea and along the borders of our large rivers, 

 particularly among the rice plantations, are the favorite haunts of this ele- 

 gant little bird. A few are seen in North Carolina ; they are more numerous 

 in South Carolina, and still more so in Georgia. Their notes very much 

 resemble those of the indigo bird, but Avant their strength and energy. 



These birds are domesticated at New Orleans, and is the most common 

 cage bird they have. Six of these birds, says Wilson, which I brought Avith 

 me from New Orleans by sea, soon became reconciled to the cage. In good 

 weather, the males sung with great sprightliness. They were greedily fond 

 of flies, which accompanied us in great numbers during the whole voyage ; 

 and many of the passengers amused themselves with catching them, and 

 giving them to the nonpareils ; till at length, the birds became so well ac- 

 quainted with the amusement, that as soon as they saw any of the people 

 attempting to catch flies, they assembled at the front of the cage, stretching 

 out their heads evidently much interested in the issue of their success. 



They build their nests in orange trees, and sometimes in blackberry bushes. 

 They are formed of dry grass, and the silk of caterpillars, and lined with 

 hair and fine roots. The plumage undergoes great changes, not being per- 

 fect till the fourth season. The head and neck of the male is of a rich 

 purplish hue,, the chin and lower parts are vermilion ; back glossy yellow, 

 stained with green and sometimes with red ; Avings red, edged with green. 

 It is seven inches and three fourths long. The female is of a green olive ; 

 the lower parts are light yellow. It is five inches and a half long. 



The food of the painted bunting consists of rice, insects, and various kinds 

 of seeds, among which are the seeds of ripe figs. They frequent gardens, 

 and chant occasionally during the whole summer. In the fall they retire to 

 the south. 



THE TOWHEE-BUNTING, OR GROUND ROBIN. i 



This bird is also called chewink and swamp robin. It generally keeps close 

 to the ground, and frequents thickets and sheltered spots, scratching among 



1 Emberiza erythrophthalma, Wilson. 



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