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The Red Grosbeak, or Virginia. Nightingale. Cocco-
thrauftus Indica Criftata.
Numb. LVTI.
IT is fomething bigger than the Skjr Lark; its Bill is like that of the
common Grosbeak, of a pale red Colour, the Bails of it encompailed
with a Border of black Feathers reaching to the Eyes. It hatha krge
Head and high Creft, ending in a pyramidal Form, of a bright Scarlet
Colour, as is alfo the whole Bird except the Back, fame Parts of the
Wings and the Tail, which is of a more dirty or brownifli red. Thefe
Birds are Natives of Virginia, New-England, and other Parts of North
America. Its Strength with its Bill is furprizing, it being able to crack
the Stones of Olives, Almonds, and Indian Maiz, very expeditiouily*
the Kernels of which it is very fond of. It feeds alfo upon Hemp-
feed, Bread, &c. They alfo deftroy the Buds of feveral Fruit Trees*
like the Balfinch. It hath an agreeable melodious Song, with fome
Notes like the Nightingale, from which fome call it the Virginia Nightingale,
and in Virginia, &c. they call: it the Red-Bird, but more properly
the Red Grosbeak The Hen is not fo beautiful as the Cock, being
more brown, with a Tin&ure of red. Thefe fing when in Cages
as well as the Cock, and are brought with them into England.