l88 SINGING BIRDS. 



the western world in either hemisphere; and the individuals 

 bred north of the Delaware, on this side the equator, are all 

 that ever migrate from their summer residence. A stUl more 

 partial migration takes place also, probably, from west to east, 

 in quest of the food and shelter which the maritime districts 

 afford. Though now so uncommon in that vicinity, 50 or 60 

 years ago, according to Bartram, it even wintered near Phila- 

 delphia, and made a temporary abode in the, mantUng ivy of 

 his venerable mansion. In summer a few proceed as far as 

 Rhode Island, following the mild temperature of the sea-coast ; 

 but farther north these birds are, I believe, nearly unknown, 

 except rarely and occasionally in Massachusetts near the sea. 

 With the advance of the season, also, in the country which it 

 inhabits, varies the time of incubation. Early in April the 

 nests are begun in the maritime parts of Georgia, but not before 

 the middle of May in Pennsylvania. 



In the winter these birds chiefly subsist on berries, partic- 

 ularly those of the Virginia juniper (called red cedar), wax- 

 myrtle, holly, smilax, sumach, sour-gum, and a variety of 

 others, which furnish them and many other birds with a plen- 

 tiful repast. Insects, worms, grasshoppers, and larvae are the 

 food on which they principally subsist when so eminently vocal 

 and engaged in the task of rearing their young. In the South- 

 ern States, where they are seldom molested, with ready saga- 

 city they seem to court the society of man and fearlessly hop 

 around the roof of the house or fly before the planter's door. 

 When a dwelling is first settled in the wilderness, this bird is 

 not seen sometimes in the vicinity for the first year ; but at 

 length he pays his welcome visit to the new-comer, gratified 

 with the little advantages he discovers around him, and seek- 

 ing out also the favor and fortuitous protection of human 

 society. He becomes henceforth familiar, and only quarrels 

 with the cat and dog, whose approach he instinctively dreads 

 near his nest, and never ceases his complaints and attacks until 

 they retreat from his sight. 



None of the domestic animals, or man himself, but partic- 

 ularly the cat and dog, can approach during the period of 

 incubation, without receiving an attack from these affectionate 



