THE ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, CROWS, AND JAYS. 161 



a degree, as to cause the total loss of the grass in 1749, when 

 the colonists had to get their hay from Pennsylvania and 

 even from Great Britain." 



The RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD is a summer denizen of swamps 

 and marshes throughout temperate North America. It is one 

 of the earliest birds to appear in spring and one of the earliest 

 to leave its breeding-places, though the final departure of the 

 great flocks that congregate in suitable places in August is 



THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 

 (After Biological Survey.) 



often delayed till October or November. While feeding their 

 young, red-wings frequently come to the field for grasshoppers 

 and such other insects as are to be found there. At other 

 seasons they are seed-eaters for the most part. Where abun- 

 dant, they do considerable injury both to newly sown grain 

 and to ripening crops. In some States bounties have been 

 offered for their heads. Their custom of congregating in 

 large flocks makes their evil work very great where it occurs. 



11 



