This is one of the most gaudily dressed of our birds who visits us regularly from southern climes, for the purpose of incubation; and when seen flitting through some of our fine green trees, with his bright scarlet body, and jet black wings and tail, his appearance is truly splendid. His sojourn with us is but short; he arrives here in May, and departs again about the latter end of August. His common call sounds like, chip churr the last syllable dwelt upon; he has, besides, a fine mellow note. They begin to moult before they leave us. The male then has a very curious appearance; the young feathers come out green, consequently he is all spotted over scarlet and green. Probably like the American Goldfinch, and others, he has two suits, and on leaving us puts off his scarlet, and dons the green.

Food

The food I have found most agreeable to these birds is grated stale bread, egg and bruised hempseed, the same as forthe Sky Lark, with the addition of fruit, berries and cherries in the summer, and in the winter apple and black currants. They must be fed sparingly, as they take but little exercise in the cage, and are apt to get too corpulent. The only way I know to guard against this is to give them plenty of fruit, and less of solids.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male in full plumage, is of a bright scarlet, the wings and tail jet black. The female has the upper parts of a dusky green, the lower parts of a dull yellow, and the wings brown.

Location

Found throughout the United States. Not numerous in New England - Migratory.