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. 
J 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 Fig. 79.—Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 
the nest. It was the first time re: 
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 faraway. 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. 
