SUMMER RED BIRD. 
99 
so moderate, and where such an exuberance of fruits, seeds, 
and berries is to be found, even during winter, this, or any 
other bird, should take so much pains in hoarding a vast 
quantity of Indian corn, and attach itself so closely to it, is 
rather apocryphal. The same writer, vol. ii. p. 24, relates 
similar particulars of the Cardinal Grosbeak, ( Loxia cardinalis , ) 
which, though it winters in Pennsylvania, where the climate 
is much more severe, and where the length and rigours of 
that season would require a far larger magazine, and be a 
threefold greater stimulus to hoarding, yet has no such habit 
here. Besides, I have never found a single grain of Indian 
corn in the stomach of the Summer Red Bird, though I have 
examined many individuals of both sexes. On the whole, I 
consider this account of Du Pratz’s in much the same light 
with that of his countryman, Charlevoix, who gravely informs 
us, that the Owls of Canada lay up a store of live mice for 
winter ; the legs of which they first break, to prevent them 
from running away, and then feed them carefully, and fatten 
them, till wanted for use.* 
Its manners — though neither its bill nor tongue — partake 
very much of those of the Flycatcher ; for I have frequently 
observed both male and female, a little before sunset, in parts 
of the forest clear of underwood, darting after winged insects, 
and continuing thus engaged till it was almost dusk. 
* Travels in Canada , vol. i. p. 239. Lond. 1761. 8vo. 
