he 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.

THE SNOW-BIRD.

As the cold winter approaches, large flocks of little birds about six
inches in length, with snow-white breasts and slaty-brown or blue backs,
make their appearance in the neighbourhood of villages and farmhouses;
sometimes, indeed, coming into towns as familiarly as sparrows. Their
habits are very like those of sparrows; and when the snow deepens, they
mix with them, searching together for the seeds in the sheltered corners
of the fields, and along the borders of creeks and fences. They differ
from the snow-bunting of the far north, with which they must not be
confounded. In the summer they make their way to the northern regions
in large flocks, and build their nests together, being of a very
sociable disposition.

THE CAROLINA PARROT.

While viewing the birds of North America, we cannot pass by the
well-known, handsome Carolina parrot, which is, notwithstanding its
common name, a species of macaw. Large numbers of these beautiful birds
are seen winging their way in compact bodies through the Southern
States, flying with great rapidity and uttering a loud outrageous
scream, not unlike that of the red-headed woodpecker. Sometimes their
flight is in a direct line, but gener