1532 



THE PERCHING BIRDS 



of the common cowbird is of a lustrous greenish black, with blue and purple reflec- 

 tions; the head and neck being deep wood brown, with some purplish lustre. 

 The female is dull colored, of a nearly uniform grayish brown above, and paler 

 beneath. 



Writing of a South-American member of the genus, Mr. W. H. Hudson 

 observes that the male of the "screaming cowbird of L,a Plata, when perched, 

 emits a hollow-sounding internal note that swells at the end into a sharp metallic 



THE COMMON COWBIRD. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



ring, almost bell -like; this is uttered with wings and tail depressed, the whole 

 plumage being puffed out as in a strutting turkey cock, while the bird hops briskly 

 up and down on its perch as if dancing. The bell-like note of the male is followed 

 by an impetuous scream from the female, and the dance ends. Another species, the 

 common Argentine cowbird (M. bonariensis) of La Plata, when courting, puffs out 

 his rich violet plumage, and, with wings vibrating, emits a succession of deep 

 internal notes, followed by a set song in clear, ringing tones; and then suddenly 



