The Birds and Poets 123 



In the elm trees about our village this fine bird 

 may be seen all through the summer, hopping 

 about well up in the branches. He is so friendly 

 and unafraid that he will often continue his carol 

 in the trees above while one passes on the sidewalk 

 beneath. 



Nuttall says that, with the solitary exception of 

 the mocking bird, he is not acquainted with any 

 of our birds superior in song to the rose-breasted 

 grosbeak. 



The male rose-breasted grosbeak is easily iden- 

 tified by his bright rose-red breast. He resembles 

 a large sparrow in form and has a sparrow bill, 

 although it is heavier and stouter, with bristles at 

 its base. His head, throat, back and wings are 

 black, and his white rump and white tail feathers 

 are conspicuous. The female is more modestly 

 attired with colors less distinct, and a white line 

 over the eye. 



The little olive green red-eyed vireo, with his 

 slaty gray cap and conspicuous white eye line, 

 is also a common summer resident, and in the 

 localities where he nests his song is incessant, 

 even during the heat of long summer days. Wil- 

 son Flagg's description reflects accurately the 

 character of this little bird's song: "We might 

 suppose him to be repeating moderately, with a 

 pause between each sentence, 'You see it — you know 

 it — do you hear me? — do you believe it?' All 

 these strains are delivered with a rising inflection 

 at the close, and with a pause, as if waiting for 



