While the robin redbreast cheers us in England during winter with its
song, the beautiful little blue-bird performs the same office with its
rich sweet notes to the inhabitants of the United States; arriving from
Mexico, and still further off regions, as soon as the first signs of
approaching spring appear--even before the snow has melted away.
Associating fearlessly with human beings, it holds the same place in
their affections as the robin.
It is about seven inches long--a rich azure-blue covering the whole
upper surface of the head and neck, while the quill-feathers of the wing
and tail are jet-black. The throat, breast, and sides are of a ruddy
chestnut, the lower portion of the body being white. It builds its nest
in the hollow of a decayed tree, sheltered from the rain and cold, and
there deposits from four to six eggs at a time, generally rearing two,
and sometimes three broods in the season. Its food consists chiefly of
spiders and small worms, and soft fruits and seeds.
It is a hardy little bird, and makes its way through all parts of the
United States; sometimes, indeed, remaining through the whole winter,
when it takes shelter in some warm hollow beneath the snow, from whence,
when the sun shines forth, it comes out to enjoy its warmth, and to sing
a few cheerful notes. It is especially interesting to watch it take
care of its nest and young; perching near them and singing merrily,
occasionally flying off to procure a caterpillar for their gaping
mouths.
So confiding is the blue-bird, that when a box with a hole in it is
arranged in some convenient situation near a house, it will at once take
possession, building its nest in it, and never failing to utter its
sweet music in acknowledgment of the boon.