SONG BIRDS OF ORCHARD AND WOODLAND. 217 



tone, but much purer and of far finer quality. It seems to 

 convey to the listener not so much the bright good cheer of 

 the Robin, as a sort of pure joy, expressed in most exqui- 

 sitely liquid tones. 



In May, when the Grosbeaks are mating, two or more of 

 the males sometimes engage in fierce and even bloody battles 

 for the favors of some coveted female. At such times the 

 males join in a general melee, warbling meanwhile their 

 choicest strains, until the weaker come to the ground ex- 

 hausted, while the strong and favored bird leads his chosen 

 bride away in triumph. 



I well recall the day when, as a boy, I first found the nest 

 of this bird, built high in an alder bush by a little run, on 

 the edge of some great chest- 

 nut woods. A black-and-white 

 bird of striking appearance sat 

 on the nest, covering the eggs, 

 and manifesting no alarm at my 

 presence. I thought it a new 

 species, for there was certainly 

 no female Grosbeak of that color 

 in the books. The mystery 

 was solved when the bird left 

 the nest. It was the first time 

 I had discovered a male bird incubating. The Grosbeak is 

 a gallant fellow, and relieves his mate of a large part of her 

 duties. He is very affectionate and attentive. He sings 

 while sitting on the nest, perhaps to while away the time, or 

 to let his mate know that he is at his post. When danger 

 is near he subdues his tone, until the song, pure and clear 

 as ever, seems to come from far away. It dies down almost 

 to a whisper, and then, as the danger passes, rises again to 

 its full power. He is a model husband and a good father. 



The Grosbeak gets its food largely among the trees, seek- 

 ing it from the ground upward to the tallest tree top. Had 

 this bird acquired the habit of feeding on any of the products 

 of the farm or orchard, it might easily become a pest, as its 

 large size, robust appetite, and strong beak would make it 

 a formidable enemy to growing vegetables, grain, or fruit. 



pig. 79. — Eose-breasted Grosbeak, 

 female. 



