PASSERES OSCINES CORVID^. 73 



and some usually swing their grassy hammocks with the Orchard Ori- 

 oles in the shade trees of the public grounds in the city. [32G] 



113. (14G.) Scolecophagus ferrugineus (Gm.) Sw. Rusty Grackle. 



An abundant winter resident. It arrives the third week in October, 

 and remains until April, always in flocks, which frequent swampy local- 

 ities, plowed fields, and other localities where food is abundant. The 

 males are seldom, if ever, seen with us in full dress, this not being ac- 

 quired till they reach their northern breeding grounds. [331J 



114. (147.) Quiscalus purpureus (Bartr.) Licht. (Q. versicolor of the original edi- 



tion.) Crow Blackbird. 



A summer resident ; less abundant at that season than when flocking 

 during the spring and fall migrations. We have not observed that any 

 winter with us. These Blackbirds arrive in flocks about the 15th of 

 March, and depart late in October. Soon after their advent, those that 

 are to remain to breed begin their ludicrous courtships, which are a 

 common spectacle in the Smithsonian Grounds, where several pairs usu- 

 ually nest in holes in the larger trees. [335] 



115. ( — .) Quiscalus purpureus aeneus Ridg. Bronzed Grackle. 



Not ill the original edition ; since described as a new variety by Mr. 

 Eidgway. It occurs under the same circumstances as the last, the two 

 forms, if they be really such, mixing freely together. In our remarks 

 on the Jouy Catalogue we were indisposed to admit it, and we give 

 it a place now with hesitation. Mr. Eidgway notes for us " several 

 specimens seen," but considers it " rare." Mr. William Palmer notes 

 one in his possession shot by Lewis McCormick at Falls Church, Va., 

 and several obtained by Mr. Henry Marshall, at Laurel, Md. If we are 

 not mistaken, we see the supposed, species every spring in the Smithso- 

 nian Grounds. [33G] 

 Family COEVID^F : Crows and Jays. 



116. (148.) Corvus frugivorus Bartr. (C. americanus of the original edition.) 



Common Crow. 

 Eesident all the year ; found everywhere, and still abundant, partic- 

 ularly in winter ; less so during the breeding season. Crows are not 

 very noticeable during the summer, when scattered over the country to 



