In
less than half a minute he darts into the bushes again, and again
tunes up, no Frenchman rolling his r's so fluently. c-r-r-r-r-r
--Wrrr,--that's it,--chee,--quack, cluck,--yit-yit-yit,--now hit
it,--tr-r-r-r,--when,--caw,caw,--cut, cut,--tea-boy,--who, who,--mew,
mew,--and so on till you are tired of listening. Observing one very
closely one day, I discovered that he was limited to six notes or
changes, which he went through in regular order, scarcely varying a
note in a dozen repetitions. Sometimes, when a considerable distance
off, he will fly down to have a nearer view of you. And such curious,
expressive flight,--legs extended, head lowered, wings rapidly
vibrating, the whole action piquant and droll!
The chat is an elegant bird, both in form and color. Its plumage is
remarkably firm and compact. Color above, light olive-green; beneath,
bright yellow; beak, black and strong.
The cardinal grosbeak, or Virginia redbird, is quite common in the
same localities, though more inclined to seek the woods. It is much
sought after by bird fanciers, and by boy gunners, and consequently is
very shy. This bird suggests a British redcoat; his heavy, pointed
beak, his high cockade, the black stripe down his face, the expression
of weight and massiveness about his head and neck, and his erect
attitude, give him a decided soldier-like appearance; and there is
something of the tone of the fife in his song or whistle, while his
ordinary note, when disturbed, is like the clink of a sabre.
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