BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. II9 



head, neck, breast, and upper part of tlie back with metallic bronze 

 borders; iris, brown. Female, similar. 



Length 13.25, wing 6, tail S, tarsus 1.25, bill 1.20. 



The Ani, or Blackbird, as it is sometimes called by the inhabit- 

 ants, is a very abundant resident in the Bahamas. Its habits much 

 resemble those of our common Grackle. They are generally 

 observed in flocks, feeding in the fields or perched upon the 

 branches of a bush, uttering from time to time a curious, but not 

 unmusical whistle. They appear to eat almost anything that comes 

 in their way, insects of various kinds, beetles, berries, or fruits being 

 equally acceptable. 



Incubation commences about the ist of December, and we pro- 

 cured specimens of fully fledged young birds in January. It is 

 probable that they rear two broods in a season, as Mr. Gosse found 

 a nest containing eggs in July. He says, " In July I found a Black- 

 bird "s nest in a bastard cedar ; it was a rather laro-e mass of inter- 

 woven twigs, lined with leaves. Eight eggs were in the nest, and 

 the shells of many more were also in it and scattered beneath the 

 tree. The eggs were about as large as a pullet's, very regularly oval, 

 of a greenish blue, but covered with a coating of white chalky sub- 



& 



stance, which was much scratched and eroded on them all, and 

 which was displaced with a little force." 



Although very abundant around Nassau, they become quite 

 scarce on many of the more southern islands, and it is considered 

 a rare bird at Inagua. 



Bd. Bwr. and Ridg., Vol. II. 



