BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. n 
some fellow, seemingly unconscious of his surroundings, and wholly 
absorbed in his voluntarily-imposed task, take his station upon a lofty 
tree by the road-side, in full view of jjassers-by, and pour forth his 
harmonious utterances with all the animation and pathos of his being. 
Tired at last, he ceases his efforts, preens his feathers, and is off to try 
his foi tunes elsewhere. Thus he keeps uj) these movements, with neces- 
sary intermissions of rest and recreation, during the livelong day, until his 
song has arrested the attention of some impressible female. This ditty, 
which IS uttered m a low and pensive manner, and which may be rather 
accurately represented by the syllables cM-chi-chi-char-ee-char-ee-chi, has 
been likened to the well-known notes of the Baltimore Oriole, but we are 
unable to trace the least resemblance thereto. 
His efforts being finally crowned with success, the happy lover is 
profuse in his attentions and caresses, and leads his willing bride to other 
scenes, where they spend a brief season of enjoyment, before entering into 
preparations for establishing a home. As they move through the branches 
and foliage together, they utter their affection in a low whispering warble, 
and in tones of singular sweetness and tenderness. 
Having celebrated their nuptials, they settle down to the duties of 
nest-building in earnest. The selection of a site is the first thing that 
commands attention. This is a matter of no little importance, and one 
that requires the exercise of considerable judgment. Both birds generally 
go^ together on this essential business, and carefully ransack the fields and 
thickets until a location is obtained which is wholly eligible. Nothing 
occurs in these examinations, if we are to judge from the behavior of the 
participants therein, to give offence, or mar the happiness of the w^edded 
pair. 
The places selected vary according to latitude and the fancy of the 
builders. Orchards, and groves of che.stnuts, oaks, and nut-trees are fre- 
quented, and often a preference is manifested for swampy woods if not too 
dense. In jfiaces contiguous to human habitations the builders, especially 
