THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 



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to be watching near, the music is interrupted Ijy the harsh nasal thkiinp. or 

 kimp of chstrust and warning. 



The nest is usuahy a flimsy atTair of twigs, weed-stalks, and rootlets, 

 placed at moderate heights in thorn bushes, swamp willows, orchard trees, 

 and the like. One nest that I found in Black Swamp in Lorain County, 

 was composed entirely of fine grass-stems ; and the two eggs which it con- 

 tained were perfectly visible from below. Another, to which the male bird 



Talc Ch 1 I 



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A FAVOKITJi HAUNT OF THE GROSBEAK. 



P\ to bj (/ itti 



was kind enough to call my attention, by singing as he sat, was made of dried 

 sedge leaves. This carelessness of nest construction is considered evidence 

 of the fact that the bird was formerly accustomed to a warmer climate, to 

 a tropical range in fact, where warmth of bedding would be no object. The 

 male bird shares faithfully the duties of incubation ; and is sedulously devoted 

 to the care of his little flock. In this case at least, fine feathers have made 

 a fine bird. 



The food of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak consists largely of seeds and 

 wild fruits ; but insects, especially grubs and beetles, furnish a portion of 

 its fare. In some localities it has won the ill-sounding but certainly meri- 

 torious name of "potato-bug bird." 



