310 
SINGING BIRDS. 
musical shake on the fife, and is frequently repeated. The 
note of the female is a chattering, and appears almost like the 
rapid pronunciation of tshicky-tukky-tuk, tshicky-tukky-tuk, and 
is chiefly uttered in alarm when any person approaches the 
vicinity of her nest. From the similarity of her color to the 
foliage of the trees, she is, however, rarely seen, and is usually 
mute; while the loquacity and brilliance of the male render 
him, as he flits timidly and wildly through the branches, a most 
distinguished and beautiful object. 
The food of the Summer Red Bird is very similar to that of 
the preceding species ; bugs, beetles, and stinging bees make 
part of his repast, as well as flies and cynips of various kinds, 
after which he often darts about until hindered by the ap- 
proach of night. The late suppers are probably necessary, 
from the almost nocturnal habits of some of these insect 
tribes. After the period of incubation, and until their depar- 
ture, whortleberries and other kinds of berries form no incon- 
siderable part of the food of these birds. 
This species does not occur regularly north of New Jersey, 
southern Ohio, and southern Illinois. Occasionally stragglers are 
found in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and two examples have 
been taken in New Brunswick, one in Nova Scotia, four near 
Montreal, and one at Hamilton, Ontario. 
Note. — One specimen of the Louisiana Tanager {Piranga 
ludovicia 7 ta) — a Western species — has been taken in New Eng- 
land. It was shot near Lynn in 1878. 
INDIGO BUNTING. 
Passerina cyanka. 
Char. Male : indigo blue, intense on head and throat, other parts 
tinged with green ; black bar from bill to eyes ; wings dull brown, the 
edge of feathers tinged with dull blue. Female : above, brown ; below, 
much paler, with dark streaks. Length about 5% inches. 
Nest. On the margin of a meadow or country road, or in an orchard 
or garden, in a bush or low tree, placed in an upright crotch ; a rather 
