30 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 



At least one-third of the nests I have found contained 

 eggs of the cow-bird. 



Genus Spiza. 



97. *Spiza americana (Gmel.). Black-throated Bunting. 



A very common Summer resident, but they conceal their 

 nests with so much skill that I have never been able to 

 iind one. During May they sing a great deal ; their fa- 

 vorite perches when they are uttering their stridulous 

 notes being the tops of the stakes of rail fences. 



Family ICTERID.ffi : American Starlings. 



Genus Molothrus. 



98. *MoIothrusater (BoDD.). Cow-bird. 



A common Summer resident. The only parasitic bird we 

 have in the Eastern part of Nortli America. They con- 

 gregate in large flocks in the Fall, and leave for the South 

 about November 20th. 



Genus Agelaius. 



99. *Agelaius phceniceus (Linn.). Red-and-buff-shouldered 



Blackbird. 

 A common Summer resident. Arrives in large flocks 

 early in March. 



Genus Sturnella. 



100. * sturnella magna (Linn.). Meadow Lark. "Field 



Lark. " 

 Kesident all the year. Abundant in Spring and Fall. 

 There is a current belief, doubtless well founded, that, at 

 certain seasons, the flesh of this bird is infested with 

 worms, perhaps some species of cestoidea, but I have 

 never observed the phenomenon myself. 



