LIST AND DESCRIPTION 109 
of the Baltimore Oriole in our State. It is paler than the Balti- 
more, the male nearly resembling the female Baltimore, while 
his own female is dull gray with very little yellow showing. It 
prefers to nest in tall cottonwood trees, and its basket is not so 
bulky as that of its eastern cousin. It weaves hair from the tails 
of horses and cattle into its nest instead of strings or yarn, pos- 
sibly because these are more available in ranching regions. 
509. Rusty BLackpirp (Euphagus carolinus.) 
Nests north of us, hence may be looked for only in migra- 
tion. About the size of the Redwing, but in color the male is 
greenish black with rusty markings. The female is grayish, with 
some rusty above and streaked with black below. 
Both sexes may be recognized by a whitish line over the 
eyes. 
510. Brewer's BLracksirp (Euphagus cyanocephalus.) 
A western species, but frequently seen in migration in 
South Dakota. Slightly larger than the preceding and dis- 
tinguished from it by its violet purple head and uniform black 
body. 
511b. Bronzep GRACKLE (Quiscalus quiscula aeneus.) 
This is the largest Blackbird in the State, and the one that 
comes familiarly about our homes. They are quite unafraid on 
our lawns, and walk in stately fashion, swinging their long tails 
from side to side. They sometimes become unpleasantly numer- 
ous and crowd other birds out, especially if a good nesting grove 
is near. 
Head and neck steel blue; back and under parts bronze; 
wings and tail purple. The tail of the old birds is often V-shaped 
when flying. Nests in shade trees, often several in the same 
tree. 
PAMILY HREINGILELIDAS, FINCHES; GROSBEAKS AND 
SPARROWS 
The Finch family is the largest of our bird families, num- 
bering nearly 600 species, over ninety of which are in North 
America. They are seed eating birds and have strong bills for 
crushing their food. The family comprises the Finches proper, 
