168 BIRDS 



So they quarrel in the furrows, and they quarrel on the 



wing, 

 But they're peaceabler in pot-pies than any other 



thing." 



The flight of the Grackle is marked by a lateral or 

 side wobbling of its body, as it guides its course through 

 space with its trough or keeled tail. 



These birds are very sociable and may often be seen, 

 even in the breeding season, in small flocks in the top of 

 some coniferous tree, carrying on a neighborhood talk- 

 fest, or in a dignified manner strolling across some re- 

 cently mowed meadow or golf course, all the while talk- 

 ing in an undertone as if discussing some local bird 

 scandal. If disturbed they fly only a few paces, guiding 

 their flight with their rudder-like tails. 



