528 
CRANIV OROUS BIRDS. 
May, where it has a nest of 5 eggs, and then retires in 
August. It is also unknown in the Southern States. Ac- 
cording to Bonaparte, its nest is concealed amidst the 
thick foliage of the shady forests, where it delights to 
dwell in solitude. Externally it is composed of twigs, and 
lined with slender grass ; and the eggs are 4 or 5, white, 
spotted with brown. My friend, Mr, Cooper, remarks, 
that though this species is rare in the vicinity of New 
York, a few probably breed in the woods of the Hudson, 
as at Tappan, 30 miles up that river, they are frequently 
seen in the cherry trees in the month of June ; and 
they are said to be numerous in the forests along the 
south shore of Lake Erie, and usually breed there. It 
thrives very well in a cage, is a most melodious and in- 
defatigable warbler, frequently, in fine weather, as in its 
state of freedom, passing a great part of the night in sing- 
ing, with all the varied and touching tones of the Night- 
ingale; while thus earnestly engaged, it seems to mount 
on tiptoe in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight, at the 
unrivalled harmony of its own voice. The notes are wholly 
warbled, now loud, clear, and vaulting, with a querulous 
air, then perhaps sprightly, and finally lower, tender, and 
pathetic. In short, I am not acquainted with any of our 
birds superior in song, to the present, with the solitary 
exception of our Orphean Mocking-Bird. 
The Louisiana Grosbeak is fed upon the usual kinds of 
bird-seed, and in their wild state seem to be peculiarly 
fond of the kernels of the sour-gum berries ; they proba- 
bly also feed upon the berries of the juniper, which 
abound in the regions they usually inhabit. 
This species is 8J inches long, and 13 in extent. Above black, 
except the 2d row of wing-coverts, which are broadly tipt with 
white ; a spot of the same exists on the primaries. The chin, neck, 
and upper parts of the breast are also black. Lower part of the 
