me ears is much sweeter, better sustained, and more
musical. It equals in strength, according to one authority, that of the
Robin, but is uttered more hurriedly, is more "wiry," and much more
continued.
The Summer Tanager is to a greater or less extent known to farmers as
the Red Bee-Bird. Its food consists largely of hornets, wasps, and bees.
The male of this species requires several years to attain the full
plumage. Immature individuals, it is said, show a mixture of red and
yellow in relative proportions according to age. The female has more red
than the male, but the tint is peculiar, a dull Chinese orange, instead
of a pure rosy vermilion, as in the male.
An interesting study for many of our readers during the summer months
when the Tanagers are gay in their full plumage, would be to seek out,
with BIRDS in hand, the most attractive denizens of the groves,
identifying and observing them in their haunts until the entire group,
of which five species are represented in the United States, is made
familiar. When we remember that there are about three hundred and eighty
known species of Tanagers in Tropical America, it would seem a light
task to acquaint oneself with the small family at home.
THE AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.
"As stupid as a Goose!"
Yes, I know that is the way our family is usually spoken of. But then
I'm not a tame Goose, you know. We wild fellows think we know a little
more than the one which waddles about the duck-pond in your back yard.
He sticks to one old place all the time. Waddles and talks and looks the
same year after year. We migratory birds, on the other hand, fly from
place to place. Our summers are passed here, our winters there; so that
we pick up a thing or two the common Goose never dreams of.
"The laughing Goose!"
Yes, some people call me that. I don't know why, unless my _Honk, honk,
honk!_ sounds like a laugh. Perhaps, though, it is because the look
about my mouth is so pleasant.
Did you ever see a flock of us in motion, in October or November, going
to our winter home?
Ah, that is a sight! When the time comes for us to start, we form
ourselves into a figure like this >. a big gander taking the lead where
the dot is. Such a _honk, honk, honking_ you never heard. People who
have heard us, and seen us, say it sounds like a great army overhead.
Where do we live in summer, and what do we eat?
You will find us throughout the whole of North America, but i
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