THE
AMERICAN CROSS BILL.
| AMERICAN CROSSBILLS
are notable for their small size, being considered and
described as dwarfs of the family. Their food consists
exclusively of pine, fir, and larch, which accounts for
the fact that they are more numerous in Northern
latitudes where these trees abound. When the cones are
abundant they visit in great numbers many places where
they have not been for years, appearing at irregular
intervals, and not confining themselves to particular
localities. They are very social even during the nesting season. Their nests are built among the branches of the fir trees, and there they disport themselves gaily, climbing nimbly, and assisting their movements, as parrots do, with their beaks. They will hang downward for minutes clinging to a twig or cone, seeming to enjoy this apparently uncomfortable position. They fly rapidly, but never to a great distance." The pleasure they experience in the society of their mates is often displayed by fluttering over the tops of the trees as they sing, after which they hover for a time, and then sink slowly to their perch. In the day time they are generally in motion, with the exception of a short time at noon. During the spring, summer and autumn they pass their time in flying from one plantation to another." |
The Crossbill troubles itself but
little about the other inhabitants of the woods, and is
said to be almost fearless of man. Should the male lose
his mate, he will remain sorrowfully perched upon the
branch from which his little companion has fallen; again
and again visit the spot in the hope of finding her;
indeed it is only after repeated proofs that she will
never return that he begins to show any symptoms of
shyness. In feeding, the Crossbill perches upon a cone with its head downwards, or lays the cone upon a branch and stands upon it, holding it fast with his sharp, strong pointed claws. Sometimes it will bite off a cone and carry it to a neighboring bough, or to another tree where it can be opened, for a suitable spot is not to be found on every branch. The nest is formed of pine twigs, lined with feathers, soft grass, and the needle-like leaves of the fir tree. Three or four eggs of a grayish or bluish white color, streaked with faint blood red, reddish brown, or bluish brown spots, are generally laid. The following poem is quite a favorite among bird lovers, and is one of those quaint legends that will never die. |
| On the cross the dying Saviour Heavenward lifts his eyelids calm, Feels, but scarcely feels, a trembling in his pierced and bleeding palm. And by all the world forsaken, Sees he how with zealous care At the ruthless nail of iron A little bird is striving there. |
Stained with blood and never
tiring, With its beak it doth not cease, From the cross it would free the Saviour, Its Creator's son release. And the Saviour speaks in mildness: "Blest be thou of all the good Bear, as token of this moment, Marks of blood and holy rood!" |
|
|