Notice that the bill of this species is very stout and short, more like that of a parrot. The crest is also composed of fewer feathers than that of the [Cardinal]. It is only in the highest of plumages that the red on the underparts is continuous from bill to tail; usually it is broken into patches. The female is much duller in color than the male, but always has a strong tinge of rose color. They frequent more open and exposed positions than do Cardinals and are more shy in their disposition.
Nest.—Shabby platforms of twigs and grasses placed at low elevations in thickets. The three or four eggs are whitish, specked with dark brown, most profusely at the large end (.90 × .70).
Range.—Abundant in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
595. Zamelodia ludoviciana. 8 inches
Male, black and white with rose breast and under wing coverts; female resembling a large striped Sparrow in color.
The centre of abundance of these beautiful creatures is in the northern half of eastern U. S. In beauty and song he fully atones for what we Northerners lose because of the southerly distribution of the [Cardinal]. We find them in swamps, small patches of woods, and, sometimes, in orchards. They are rather quiet birds, that is they do not move about much, but they can easily be found by their song.
Song.—A rich, full, whistling carol, almost without exception immediately preceded with a sharp chip. Call, a deep-toned chirp.
Nest.—A loose, frail cradle of twigs at low elevations in trees or thickets; eggs bluish green spotted with brown (1.00 × .75).