( 508 ) 



SWAMP SPARROW. 



Fringilla palustris, Wils. 



PLATE LXIV. Vol. I. p. 331. 



This bird is abundant, in company with the Tree Sparrow, dvu'ing 

 winter, about Boston. It is not mentioned by Dr Richardson as being 

 an inhabitant of the Fur Countries, although I found it plentiful in 

 Labrador and Newfoundland, as well as in all the districts suited to its 

 habits between these countries and the Texas. Dr Townsend informs 

 me that it is found on the Missouri, but was not observed beyond the 

 head-waters of that river. 



BLUE GROSBEAK. 



Fringilla ccerulea, Bonap. 



PLATE CXXII. Vol. IL p. 140. 



The Blue Grosbeak extends to the Rocky Mountains, on which it 

 has been procured by Dr Townsend. I found it abundant and breed- 

 ing in the Texas. In confinement it suflPers greatly during the moult. 

 One which is now in my possession in Edinburgh, and which was raised 

 from the nest, obtained its full summer plumage in the month of Sep- 

 tember, but was about two weeks nearly naked. The feathers of the 

 wings and tail fell gradually off whilst those of the other parts were 

 growing, and in about a fortnight more, when the bird was about one 

 year old, it became of a beautiful blue. This bird frequently sings in 

 the night, and before dawn. It is extremely tame, goes out and re- 

 turns to its cage, generally perches on the head-dress of my wife, and 

 on the bare heads of the other members of the family, alights on the 

 table, and feeds on almost any thing given to it. It is curious that if a 

 gold or silver coin be throvra on the table, while he is near, he goes to 

 it, takes it up in his bill, and tosses it about apparently with pleasure. 

 After bathing he invariably goes to the fire, and perches on the fender, 



