THE BLUEBIRll-THE REDPOLE. 
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THE BLUEBIRD. 
The bluebird, or blue robin, as it is sometimes called, resembles very 
much in manner the “robin redbreast” of Europe, and is hailed with us as 
the first harbinger of spring. 
They sometimes hibernate in the Northern States, by seeking out some 
sheltered sunny spot; but this is a very rare occurrence. They make their 
appearance early in March, and leave late in autumn, going as far as 
Mexico. The bluebird is very prolific, laying from four to six blue eggs, 
and raising several broods in the year. They usually select a nesting-place 
near the house, and in any sheltered crevice. We have often seen them 
nesting in old rail-holes in fence-posts. 
They will also appropriate the little boxes which have been nailed up for 
the martins, and frequently contest with the -wrens for lodgment in them. In 
summer they feed upon insects, changing in the autumn for cedar-berries, 
wild cherries, &c. They can be quite easily accustomed to the cage, and 
become agreeable pets. 
THE REDPOLE. 
This beautiful little bird is found in both the Old and New Worlds. It is 
a hardy northern species, inhabiting even Lapland and Greenland, and is a 
permanent resident of the fur countries. In winter, numbers of them 
migrate southward, proceeding in the United States as far as Pennsylvania. 
Its winter haunts are those spots which abound in alders, on the seeds of 
which, as well as on those of the fir and the berries of the ash, it delights 
to feed. Linseed and rape are also a favorite food with it. 
It is subject to bad feet, sometimes losing its toes, which drop off one 
after the other. This is a beautiful bird when in full plumage, the rump, 
under side of the neck, and breast being a rosy red color, and the vertex a 
bright crimson; across the wings are two transverse bars of white, clouded 
with rusty yellow, which is the color of the beak. In the female the tints 
