76 BIRD-KEEPER'S MANUAL. 



best friends, the birds, devour the fruits of his 

 orchards, as well as his fields. The Purple 

 Grakle is very docile; even an old bird, after 

 being caught, is easily tamed, and soon becomes 

 very familiar. They sing well in a cage, will 

 imitate the notes of other birds, and have been 

 taught to articulate words. 



FOOD. These birds are hardy, and easily 

 kept ; they will almost eat anything that is given 

 to them ; but will thrive well on meal and milk, 

 and a bit of meat, either raw or cooked. Gravel 

 in the cage, and plenty of water to wash. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEXES. The male of 

 this bird is black, with beautiful bine, green, and 

 purple reflexions. The female has the upper 

 parts dark brown, the lower parts duller and 

 paler. 



LOCATION. Found throughout the United 

 States, in summer. In the Southern States 

 Resident. 



