Although this bird has not, as yet, been often kept in a cage, I see no reason why it should not be; and when its merits are known there is no doubt it will. For although for song it will not bear a comparison with the European bird, the sky lark, that rises on the wing, and with delightful warblings hails the dawning morn, yet the male is a beautiful bird, and sings a sweet and plaintive note. They frequent our pastures and rich meadows, where they build their nest, generally in a tussock of grass, and during this season, the males will mount to the tops of the trees, or bushes near, and serenade their mates below, with their fine, long, clear, and mellow notes.

Food

They are hardy birds, and will live in a cage on almost any kinds of seeds. They may be kept well on one-third hemp, and two-thirds Canary seed; a bit of beef occasionally, plenty of gravel, and water to wash.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

These birds are larger than our Robin. The male has the upper parts of a speckled reddish gray, all the lower parts a rich, bright yellow, a streak of black on each side of the head, and the breast ornamented with an oblong crescent of the same color. In the female the black is grayish, and the yellow is of a duller, dunnish hue.

Location

Found throughout the United States - Migratory. Numbers winter in the Southern States.