FINCHES, SPARROWS 



(595) Zamelodia ludoviciana 



{Linn.) (Gr., much melody). 



ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 

 Bill very heavy and light colored. 

 Ad. 6^ — Plumage as shown by the 

 lower bird — largely black; upper 

 breast and linings of wings rosy pink; 

 belly, bases of primaries, tips on wing 

 co\erts, rump and tail coverts white. 

 Ad. 9 — As shown by the upper 

 bird — sparrow like in color; a light 

 median line and white supercihary 

 stripe; streaked below. L., 8.25; W., 

 4.10; T., 3.25; Tar., .90. Nest — 

 Fragile; of twigs and rootlets in 

 bushes or trees; eggs bluish-green, 

 spotted with reddish-brown, i. 00 x .75. 



Range — Eastern North America; 

 breeds from southern Quebec, Ont. 

 and jMackenzie south to N. J., Ohio 

 and Kan. Winters from Mexico 

 southward. 



Birds of such brilliant coloring appear out of place on a 

 winter day, but Cardinals are quite hardy and are usually 

 resident even in the northern portions of their range. 



PYRRHULOXIAS, while less gaudy than Cardinals, are 

 fully as handsome, their demure gray plumage being appro- 

 priately relieved by the delicate rose-colored face, throat, 

 and breast. Their bills are very short, almost parrot-like, 

 and their crests, while more slender than those of Cardinals, 

 are capable of being thrown forward almost to the bill, to 

 express emotion. They are not uncommon in mesquite 

 along our southwestern border and their plumage as well as 

 their clear whistles, which are similar in character to those 

 of Cardinals, do much to relieve the dulness of their sur- 

 roundings. 



ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS would make welcome 

 additions to the avifauna of any country and we of the 

 Northeastern States certainly appreciate their presence while 

 with us. Arriving about the tenth of May, they remain in 



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