210 THE SNOW-BIRD. 



the same office with its rich sweet notes to the inhabitants of 

 the United States ; arriving from Mexico, and still further off 

 regions, as soon as the first signs of approaching spring 

 appear — even before the snow has melted away. Associating 

 fearlessly with human beings, it holds the same place in their 

 affections as the robin. 



It is about seven inches long — a rich azure-blue covering 

 the whole upper surface of the head and neck, while the quill- 

 feathers of the wing and tail are jet-black. The throat, 

 breast, and sides are of a ruddy chestnut, the lower portion of 

 the body being white. It builds its nest in the hollow of a 

 decayed tree, sheltered from the rain and cold, and there 

 deposits from four to six eggs at a time, generally rearing two, 

 and sometimes three broods in the season. Its food consists 

 chiefly of spiders and small worms, and soft fruits and seeds. 



It is a hardy little bird, and makes its way through all 

 parts of the United States ; sometimes, indeed, remaining 

 through the whole winter, when it takes shelter in some warm 

 hollow beneath the snow, from whence, when the sun shines 

 forth, it comes out to enjoy its warmth, and to sing a few 

 cheerful notes. It is especially interesting to watch it take 

 care of its nest and young ; perching near them and singing 

 merrily, occasionally flying off to procure a caterpillar for their 

 gaping mouths. 



So confiding is the blue-bird, that when a box with a hole 

 in it is arranged in some convenient situation near a house, 

 it will at once take possession, building its nest in it, and 

 never failing to utter its sweet music in acknowledgment of 

 the boon. 



THE SNOW-BIRD. 



As the cold winter approaches, large flocks of little birds 



