AmTiquing Trivia:

Dickcissel

Trade Card for Arm & Hammer baking soda; illustration by M E Eaton
The Dickcissel, or Black-throated Bunting, has an interesting history. Prior to 1880 it was a rather common bird in the Middle Atlantic States, but is now of very rare occurrence in this region. Even in the Middle West, where it is still common, the distribution is irregular and has changed in recent years. In the summer the Dickcissel makes its home in wide grassy fields where it builds its nest on the ground or in low trees or bushes. The eggs are four or five in number and pale blue in color. The Dickcissel is a tireless singer. The unmusical song, which is given with great earnestness, resembles the syllables 'dick dick chee chee chee chee,' and from this the birds name is derived. In winter, when they visit South America and when migrating, Dickcissels associate in large flocks.

The ClassyArts Digital Image Collection