PAINTED BUNTING. 
239 
159 . FEIN GILL A C1EIS, WILSON AND TEM-MINCK. 
PAINTED BUNTING. 
WILSON, PLATE XXIV. FIG. I. MALE. — FIG. II. FEMALE. 
This is one of the most numerous of the little 
summer birds of Lower Louisiana, where it is univer- 
sally known among- the French inhabitants, and called 
by them “ le pape,” and by the Americans the non- 
pareil. Its gay dress and docility of manners have 
procured it many admirers ; for these qualities are 
strongly attractive, and carry their own recommenda- 
tions always along with them. The low countries of 
the Southern States, in the vicinity of the sea, and along 
the borders of our large rivers, particularly among the 
rice plantations, are the favourite haunts of this elegant 
little bird. A few are seen in North Carolina; in 
South Carolina they are more numerous; and still 
more so in the lower parts of Georgia. To the west- 
ward, I first met them at Natchez, on the Mississippi, 
where they seemed rather scarce. Below Baton Kouge, 
along the levee, or embankment of the river, they 
appeared in great numbers ; and continued to become 
more common as I approached New Orleans, where 
they were warbling from almost every fence, and 
crossing the road before me every few minutes. Their 
notes very much resemble those of the indigo bird ; but 
want the strength and energy of the latter, being more 
feeble and more concise. 
I found these birds very commonly domesticated in 
the houses of the French inhabitants of New Orleans; 
appearing to be the most common cage bird they have. 
The negroes often bring them to market, from the 
neighbouring plantations, for sale ; either in cages, 
taken in traps, or in the nest. A wealthy French 
planter, who lives on the banks of the Mississippi, a few 
miles below Ba}^o Fourche, took me into his garden, 
which is spacious and magnificent, to shew me his 
aviary ; where, among many of our common birds, I 
