Blackbird WESTERN BIRDS 



clined to albinism. It is no unusual thing to see in a 

 flock of birds, one with white feathers on head, back, 

 breast, or wings. 



The common call is a harsh check, which is given when 

 they fly, as well as at other times. One single note is a 

 high-pitched, though not unmusical spee-e, the only re- 

 minder that these birds belong to the same family as the 

 Orioles. See-ee or see-eep is given as they forage about 

 in the yard, and tut, tut, tut, is another friendly note 

 used by the flock. The nearest approach to a song is a 

 Chuck-a-ree-e, querulous notes which are given on the 

 ground, or higher resting place. During the mating 

 season it is amusing to see the handsome male with his 

 tail fully spread, his feathers on end and head thrown 

 stiffly back until his bill points upward, strutting before 

 an admiring female and giving his Chuck-a-ree-e song. 



The changing of the young males from the dull 

 plumage of the female to the glossy coat of the males 

 takes place in the fall, and during the transition they 

 present a curious, patch-work appearance; and a crazy- 

 quilt patch-work at that. The glossy feathers crop out, 

 here-and-there, making the bird look very ragged and 

 comical. But he is a happy-go-lucky fellow and cares 

 not so that food is forthcoming. 



Some complaint is made that these birds do damage 

 to sprouting grain, and grain as it is being sowed. But 

 they repay any damage done by the noxious insects 

 eaten. Wherever a field is being plowed, there you will 

 find the birds, and no cutworm escapes them. A rancher 

 who was starting an orange nursery, told me his expe- 

 rience with these birds. In preparing the soil for the 

 trees he drew in enriching which proved to be full of 

 worms. The trees were set in rows so that he could 

 plow between them. Whenever he did this, the birds 

 left the nearby eucalyptus trees and swarmed behind the 

 plow. This was their regular program until they had 

 eaten every worm. 



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