PURPLE GRAKLE. 75 



of the primary, or longest feathers of the wings, 

 which are brown ; this is not seen, of course, 

 when the wings are closed. The female has the 

 upper parts of a brownish yellow, the lower parts 

 an orange yellow. 



LOCATION. Found from New York to Texas, 

 in the Middle States rather rare ; not found in 

 any of the New England States Migratory. 



PURPLE GRAKLE, OR CROW BLACK BIRD. 



THIS bird is rather longer than the European 

 Black Bird, but not so robust. They are very 

 social birds, building their nests in companies, on 

 the highest of our trees, from the tops of which 

 the males will pour forth some loud and musical 

 notes, in concert, which, at a little distance, have 

 a very pleasing effect. After breeding they as- 

 semble in flocks, and do some damage to the 

 farmer, among the Indian corn, while in its 

 seculent, or milky state; but for which they 

 compensate him in the spring, by the multitude 

 of worms, grubs, and caterpillars they destroy, 

 which would soon, if it was not for the farmer's 



