io8 NATURE-STUDY 



turkey-cock. The ruffed grouse does a similar thing, and 

 makes a drumming noise with his wings by flapping them 

 against his sides. A common sight is the clamorous atten- 

 tions bestowed upon a female sparrow by several chirping, 

 dancing males at the same time, all spreading their wings 

 like little turkey-cocks — each apparently saying, "Take me, 

 take me!" Sometimes the males engage in fierce combat 

 over a mate, the victor winning the female which was the 

 cause of all the trouble. 



The most cheering thing about birds, is their song. This 

 is a general statement, for many, probably the majority of 

 birds, do not sing, though they may make sounds. But 

 certain species have become great artists in song. 



The canary, European lark, nightingale, and the mocking- 

 bird have the reputation of the greatest artists. They have 

 the power of prolonged singing, and at the same time their 

 notes are exquisite and true. The catbird will sing by the 

 hour, and the brown thrasher and the robin also sing at 

 length; but their song, though cheerful and entertaining, is 

 less excellent. Other birds, such as the song sparrow and 

 the bobolink, sing short bursts of sweet melody. Thrushes, 

 bluebirds, meadow-larks, vireos, and warblers have short, 

 sweet songs. With other birds the song is still more reduced, 

 only one or two syllables of music, as in the case of the tow- 

 hee, bobwhite, phoebe, etc. The lower birds, swimmers and 

 waders, do not, as a rule, sing. Yet they have their calls. 



Why do birds sing ? Probably the earliest function of the 

 voice was to call the mate, or the young, or companions. It 

 is still so used. ' But the song, no doubt, is meant at times to 

 please, to serenade and cheer the mate. Oftentimes the 

 song is simply a joyous overflow of spirit and energy — the 



