cow TROOPIAL, OR COW BLACK-BIRD. 179 



until the return of autumn, when, with the colds of Oc- 

 tober, they again reappear in numerous and augmented 

 flocks, usually associated with their kindred Red-wings, 

 to whom they bear a sensible likeness, as well as a 

 similarity in notes and manners. They pass the winter 

 in the warmer parts of America as well as in the South- 

 ern States, where I have observed them in the ploughed 

 fields, gleaning along with the Red-wings and the common 

 Black-birds. They are also very familiar around the cattle, 

 picking up insects which they happen to disturb, or that 

 exist in their ordure. When on the ground, they scratch up 

 the soil and appear very intent after their food. Some- 

 times even, infringing on the rights of the Plover, individ- 

 uals, in the winter, frequent the margins of ponds in 

 quest of aquatic insects and small shell-fish ; and they may 

 be seen industriously occupied in turning over the leaves 

 of the water-plants to which they adhere. They also fre- 

 quent occasionally the rice and corn fields, as well as 

 their more notorious associates, but are more inclined to 

 native food and insects at all times, so that they are 

 more independent and less injurious to the farmer. As 

 they exist in Mexico, it is probable, that they are also 

 bred in the higher table land, as well as in the regions 

 of the north. In Louisiana, however, according to Audu- 

 bon, they are rare visitors at any season, seeming more in- 

 clined to follow their route through the maritime districts. 

 Over these countries, high in the air, in the month of 

 October, they are seen by day winging their way to the 

 remoter regions of the south. 



We have observed that the Red-wings separate in par- 

 ties, and pass a considerable part of the summer in the 

 necessary duties of incubation. But the Cow-pen Birds 

 release themselves from all hindrance to their wanderino-s. 

 The volatile disposition and instinct, which prompt 



