This is an American bird, and has been described under various names by
various authors. It is found in the lower parts of Pennsylvania, in the
state of New York, and in New England, particularly in autumn, when the
berries of the sour gum are ripe, on the kernels of which it eagerly
feeds. As a singer it has few superiors. It frequently sings at night,
and even all night, the notes being extremely clear and mellow. It does
not acquire its full colors until at least the second spring or summer.
It is found as far east as Nova Scotia, as far west as Nebraska, and
winters in great numbers in Guatemala. This Grosbeak is common in
southern Indiana, northern Illinois, and western Iowa. It is usually
seen in open woods, on the borders of streams, but frequently sings in
the deep recesses of forests. In Mr. Nuttall's opinion this species has
no superior in song, except the Mocking Bird.
The Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks arrive in May and nest early in June. They
build in low trees on the edges of woods, frequently in small groves on
the banks of streams. The nest is coarsely built of waste stubble,
fragments of leaves, and stems of plants, intermingled with and
strengthened by twigs and coarser stems. It is eight inches wide, and
three and a half high, with a cavity three inches in diameter and one in
depth, being quite shallow for so large a nest.
Dr. Hoy, of Racine, states that on the 15th of June, within six miles of
that city, he found seven nests, all within a space of not over five
acres, and he was assured that each year they resort to the same
locality and nest in this social manner. Six of these nests were in
thorn-trees, all were within six to ten feet of the ground, near the
center of the top. Three of the four parent birds sitting on the nests
were males. When a nest was disturbed, all the neighboring Grosbeaks
gathered and appeared equally interested.
It is frequently observed early in the month of March, making its way
eastward. At this period it passes at a considerable height in the air.
On the banks of the Schuylkill, early in May, it has been seen feeding
on the tender buds of trees. It eats various kinds of food, such as
hemp-seed, insects, grasshoppers, and crickets with peculiar relish. It
eats flies and wasps, and great numbers of these pests are destroyed by
its strong bill. During bright moonshiny nights the Grosbeak sings
sweetly, but not loudly. In the daytime, when singing, it has the habit
of vibrating its wings, in the manner of the Mocking-bird.
The male takes turns with his mate in sitting on the eggs. He is so
happy when on the nest that he sings loud and long. His music is
sometimes the cause of great mourning in the lovely family because it
tells the egg hunter where to find the precious nest.