330 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



This bird migrates to the south early in autumn, and on its 

 way, is seen in many parts of the Union ; the nest is found 

 in New York and Pennsylvania, and regions farther north, but 

 in Labrador, Audubon did not find a single bird. The note of 

 this grosbeak is striking, particularly when heard, as it often 

 may be, in the silence of the night. It may be seen standing 

 with its wings lifted, as if to display the crimson lining, before 

 it begins its song. The young are three years in obtaining 

 their plumage. Till then, they resemble the female, except 

 that the red begins early to show its traces on the breast. The 

 descriptions usually given of the bird, do not agree with spe- 

 cimens that are often found with stripes of white on the head 

 and over the eye. The tail, instead of being forked, is very 

 slightly emarginate, if at all. The food of this grosbeak con- 

 sists of insects, berries and seeds. 



The Blue Grosbeak, Fringilla cmrulea, is not at present 

 known as one of our birds ; but a gentleman, whose authority 

 is unquestionable, is confident that he has seen more than one 

 in this State. It will without much doubt, be numbered with 

 our occasional visiters, by future observers. 



The Purple Finch, Fringilla purpurea, is not an uncom- 

 mon bird in this and more northern regions. Some of them 

 pass the breeding season here ; the greater number keep on 

 toward the British provinces, where they spend the summer, 

 and return to the south about the time when the leaves fall. 

 At that season their food consists of insects and berries ; when 

 these cannot be had, they eat the seeds and sometimes the 

 buds of trees. 



T le crimson linnet, as it is sometimes called, has a rich and 

 varied warble, clear as the softest tones of a flute. It sings not 

 easily and unconsciously, like the sweet vireo, which it resem- 

 bles, but more with the air of a performer, and as if it knew 

 that some one Avas standing still to listen. It runs through 

 various changes, with great rapidity and skill, and seems to 

 challenge all the feathered tribes, to rival its admirable song. 



