THE SAVANNAH BLACKBIRD. 



429 



seldom exceeding the dimensions of the common Blackbird. These birds are known by their 

 compressed and arched beaks, and the decided keel or ridge upon the upper mandible. 



The Savannah Blackbird is acknowledged to be the typical species of these birds, as it 

 exhibits the peculiar form of the beak in a very marked manner. As it is rather a conspicuous 

 bird, it is known by several other names, among which are Razor-billed Blackbird and Great 

 Blackbird. In some places it is called the Black Parrakeet, and in Mexico its native title is 

 Cacalototl. 



The food of the Savannah Blackbird is mostly of an animal nature, and consists chiefly of 

 grasshoppers, locusts, and similar insects, although the bird is very fond of lizards and other 

 small vertebrates, a prey which its peculiar beak is well calculated to secure. Seeds are also 

 said to be eaten by this bird. 



In some cases their insect-loving nature is directed -in a manner very useful to the cattle- 

 owners. In those regions, the cows are greatly troubled with ticks and other parasitic insects, 



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SAVANNAH BLACKBIRD.- Crotophaga ant. 



which fasten upon their backs where the poor beasts cannot reach them. The Anis are for- 

 tunately very fond of these noxious insects, and perching upon the cow's back, soon rid them 

 of their unpleasant companions. The cows are so well aware of the services rendered to them 

 by these birds, that when they find themselves much annoyed by ticks, they lie down in order 

 to permit the Anis to pursue their avocation without disturbance. Sometimes, according to 

 Brown, in his History of Jamaica, the Anis remind the cows of their reciprocal duties, and if 

 the great quadruped forgets to lie down for their mutual benefit, they hop about just in front 

 of its nose as it grazes, and give it no peace until it complies with their request. 



It is gregarious in its habits, associating in large flocks, and is a very fearless creature, 

 caring little for the report or the effects of a gun. Whether this insensibility to danger be due 

 to love of its comrades and to real courage, or only to that spurious bravery which fears 

 nothing because it knows nothing, is not certain ; but it is well known that if a flock of Anis 

 be fired at, and many killed by the discharge, the survivors will only rise and fly to a short 

 distance, and there settle as composedly as if no danger were at hand. 



The Anis are very noisy, as is often the case with gregarious birds, and the combined 

 loquacity of a large flock of Anis is almost deafening. They do not seem to use their wings 



