156 Field and Forest Rambles. 



Another very common and attractive finch is the BOBOLINK 

 {DolicJionyx orynivorus), known in more southern latitudes by 

 the names of reed and rice bird ; it seldom makes its appear- 

 ance with us until the fine weather in June, when its attractive 

 form and numbers bring it to public notice generally. The 

 changes in the plumage of this finch are also peculiar and 

 abrupt. The black breeding attire of the male, with more 

 or less of a buff tinge on the tips of feathers, suddenly changes 

 to the less distinctive garb of the female immediately after the 

 duties of incubation are completed * It is a pretty sight to 

 observe the bobolink (so called from the call, which, however, 

 is not well expressed by the word) during the breeding time 

 fluttering from branch to branch along the sides of hay-fields, 

 where it makes its nest on the ground. 



Another prominent object in similar situations, and one 

 famous for its boldness and familiarity, is the KING-BIRD, or 

 tyrant fty-catcher {Tyrranus carqlinensis)\ the peculiar fluttering 

 mode of flying (during which it utters a chattering call) and per- 

 tinacity wherewith the tyrant sets to bully almost every animal 

 that approaches its haunts, render it a conspicuous object in 

 our summer landscape. I have seen a red squirrel almost 

 frightened out of its wits by the sallies of this bird, and even 

 cats get perturbated by its rapid and constant stoops and the 

 harsh screams uttered as it sweeps past close to them. 



The cries and notes of male mammals, birds, and some 

 insects during the breeding season are evidently more or less 

 intended to make known their presence to the females. The 

 roaring of the stag in the dense forest, and more especially the 

 aggravation of his bellowings when the sounds of a hind fall 

 on his ear, the boisterous chirpings and screams of bachelor 

 birds, are all produced by strong passions directed towards 

 the desire for the possession of the female. The hermit 

 moose, who has spent the winter and summer alone in the 

 wilderness, without perhaps ever coming across a companion 



* I have seen an albino of this species. 



