514 LAND BIRDS 
“Tn April before pairing, hundreds used to frequent 
daily the parade ground of Fort Randall, where, as the 
grass was yet scarcely sprouted, good opportunity was 
offered of observing their characteristic habit — one not 
so generally known as it should be, since it is related to 
the peculiar shape of the bill. The birds may be seen 
scattered all over the ground, busily tugging at some- 
thing; and on walking over the scene of their opera- 
tions, the ground, newly softened by the spring thaw, is 
seen to be riddled with thousands of little holes, which 
the birds make in search of food. The holes are quite 
smooth, — not a turning over of the surface of the 
ground, but clean borings like those made by sinking in 
the end of a light walking stick, just as if the birds had 
inserted their bills, and then worked them about till the 
holes were of sufficient size. Whether they bored at 
random or were guided by some sense in finding their 
prey, and what particular object they were searching for, 
I did not ascertain; but the habit was so fixed and so 
continually persevered in as to attract general attention.” 
To this Major Bendire adds his opinion, based on 
close observation, that they were feeding upon ‘the eggs 
of the locust, which are deposited just below the surface 
of the ground. 
504. SCOTT ORIOLE. — Icterus parisorum. 
Famity : The Blackbirds, Orioles, ete. 
Length: 7.70-8.50. 
Adult Male: Uniform black, except white and yellow markings on wings 
and tail, and bright yellow belly, shoulders, and posterior parts of 
back ; the rump and upper tail-coverts, usually tinged with olive. 
