282 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



plundering the pea-vines in the garden ; but Dr. Harris has 

 shown that they resort to them for the sake of the grub of the 

 pea-bus - , which they draw out from its shelter, and thus protect 

 the vegetable which they are said to destroy. But it is not 

 necessary to plead the cause of this universal favorite ; he 

 seems to know the esteem in which he is held, and he builds 

 as readily in the elm that swings over the city street, as on the 

 tree that shades the cottage door in the country. 



The Red-winged Blackbird, Icterus phasniceus, is well 

 known in all parts of Massachusetts, and though sometimes 

 mischievous here as well as elsewhere, is not disliked and per- 

 secuted, as he is in many other states. On the contrary, the 

 pleasant associations of spring are awakened by his coming ; 

 some of his notes are agreeable to the ear, and his bright red wing 

 coverts, contrasted with his glossy black plumage, make him a 

 striking object in the meadows where he resides. As soon as 

 these birds hear the voice of spring, they set out from the 

 southern states for the north, in small flocks, the males singing 

 an invitation for the females to follow. They often reach us 

 before the snows are gone, and are seen laboring to collect 

 worms, grubs and caterpillars, as they walk with a rapid and 

 graceful step over the meadoAvs and fields. They often follow 

 the ploughman to collect the insects turned up by the share, 

 and move with easy confidence, knowing that they may trust 

 his good nature then, if at no other time. In fact, they seem 

 to know, that they can do for us, in the way of exterminating 

 these enemies of all vegetation, what nothing else can ; and to 

 take it for granted, that man, who is blessed with reason, will 

 make some use of it and not deprive himself of services which 

 no other creature can render. This calculation, like many 

 others made on human wisdom, is often disappointed, and men 

 and hawks combine to reduce their numbers, but in vain. 



The red-wings build their nests in marshes or wet meadows, 

 forming the exterior of coarse dried weeds, lined with fine 

 grass or hair, and sometimes secured to the ground by such 

 cordage as the place affords. The eggs are from four to six, 



