Wayne: Birds of South Carolina. 131 



die America, 1 says the range of alleni is "Florida (grading into 

 P- erythrophthalmus in Georgia, lower South Carolina, etc.)." 

 I have always been of the opinion that alleni is a distinct species 

 and not a subspecies, which, in the majority of cases requires a 

 magnifying glass to bring out the distinguishing characters. 

 I think that alleni should be accorded full specific rank. 



This form breeds on all the coast islands where there are thick- 

 ets or clumps of low bushes. 



224. Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). Cardinal; Redbird. 

 The Redbird, as this species is universally known throughout 



the whole state, is a permanent resident and breeds everywhere — 

 in the densest swamps as well as on the high land, and also in 

 the city of Charleston. Three broods are raised each year. I 

 have found eggs containing large embryos as early as April 15, 

 but the great majority of the birds begin to incubate towards 

 the latter part of the month. The nest is bulky and is construct- 

 ed of dead leaves, twigs, Spanish moss, and grass, being lined 

 with fine grass and weeds. From two to four eggs are laid, gen- 

 erally three and rarely four. They vary endlessly in color, being 

 white, bluish white, or even greenish white, speckled, spotted, 

 or even very heavily blotched with brownish gray, reddish brown 

 and chocolate, and measure 1.00X-73. The nest is generally 

 built in bushes or low trees and ranges from four to twelve feet 

 from the ground, but it is sometimes placed as high as thirty feet. 

 In the family Fringillidae, the female alone constructs the nest 

 as well as incubates the eggs; the male merely stays near at hand 

 and sings; he assists, however, in feeding the young until they 

 are fully fledged. 



The Cardinal sings all through the winter months when the 

 weather is clear and mild. In spring and summer these birds 

 are insect eaters, but in autumn and winter they feed upon seed 

 and grain. They are very destructive to crops of rice and millet. 



This fine bird breeds regularly as far north as New York City. 



225. Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rose-breasted 

 Grosbeak. 



Audubon says of this species in Birds of America: 2 



It is never seen in the maritime parts of Georgia, or those of the Carolinas, but 

 some have been procured in the mountainous portions of those States. This 

 species is never seen in South Carolina. 



1 1, 426. * III, 210-212. 



