FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 361 



"When seen in the roadside thickets or in tall weeds 

 such as the field sparrow chooses to frequent, it shows little 

 fear of man unless actually approached and threatened. 

 Whether this fearlessness comes from actual confidence or 

 stupidity, is not certain. Whatever the motive for its inac- 

 tivity, it accomplishes the desired end, for its presence is 

 seldom suspected by the passer-by, and its grassy nest on a 

 tree branch, containing three or four pale bluish-white eggs, 

 is never betrayed by look or sign to the small boy." 



This species makes an interesting pet. It is fond of 

 hemp seeds and becomes very much devoted to its keeper, 

 but is apt to become melancholy and refuse food if placed 

 in strange surroundings after being kept for some time as 

 a pet in one household. 



The nest is of grass, in bushes or in high weeds. Three 

 or four pale bluish-white eggs are laid. 



INDIGO BUNTING 



The Indigo Bird of eastern and middle North America 

 is about the size of our goldfinch, and is the only small bird 

 we have with us whose plumage is entirely blue. The 

 female is very plain and her plumage is suggestive of the 

 female bobolink or scarlet tanager. 



The Indigo Bunting, with the red-eyed vireo, dickcis- 

 sel, and field sparrow, comprises the Noonday Quartette. 

 These birds sing during the heat of the day, when other 

 songsters are silent. The indigo bunting sings through 

 August, when most birds are no longer heard. It loves to 

 haunt the Iiighest bough of a shade tree, sing sweetly for 



