ceases until the shades of evening close around him. Day after day the song of the Red-bird beguiles the weariness of his mate as she assiduously warms her eggs; and at times she also assists with the modesty of her gentler sex. Few individuals of our own race refuse their homage and admiration to the sweet songster. How pleasing is it, when, by a clouded sky, the woods are rendered so dark that, were it not for an occasional glimpse of clearer light falling between the trees, you might imagine night at hand, while you are yet far distant from your home, how pleasing to have your ear suddenly saluted by the well-known notes of this favorite bird, assuring you of peace around, and of the full hour that still remains for you to pursue your walk in security! How often have I enjoyed this pleasure, and how often, in due humbleness of hope, do I trust that I may enjoy it again!”
In addition to its great esthetic value of song and plumage, the Cardinal has another important character which should endear it to the husbandman. Its food is varied, consisting of wild fruits, such as grapes, berries, mulberries, cedar berries, seeds of grasses and of many species of weeds, also large numbers of adult beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, flies, ants, and their larvæ: it is especially fond of rose-bugs. The Cardinal is from every point of view a bird of great interest and value, and any person who makes its intimate acquaintance will form a life-long friendship.
Questions for Teachers and Students
What is the local name of the Cardinal in your vicinity? Describe the plumage of the male and the female bird, or reproduce them on the outline sketch. Describe the plumage of the nestling. How long is a bird called a nestling? Does the Cardinal sing during the entire year? If not, during what months is it silent? Describe the alarm note. If possible, imitate the song. Give size of Cardinal, shape of body, wings, tail and feet. Compare it with some well-known bird, like the Robin. Are Cardinals ever seen in flocks? What is the largest number you have ever seen together? Have Cardinals any peculiarities of flight? Do they breed in your locality? Describe the nest in detail. What food have you observed Cardinals eating, either vegetable or animal? Describe the food in detail.
Note.—Follow suggestions given in questions in the Goldfinch leaflet, and always bear in mind that the observation notes and papers presented by the student are of far greater value if they are the result of studies made of the live bird in the garden, field or forest.
When you think you have learned something new about the song, or habits, or food of the Cardinal, send a short note of it to Bird-Lore, for the benefit of other students.
Notice—This leaflet, with outline figures for coloring, can be obtained of the National Association, 141 Broadway, New York. Price: 1 dozen. 15 cents; 100, $1; 1,000. $9.
