260 LAND-BIRDS. 



nests. At this time there is always more or less commotion 

 in the communities which they usually form, and they con- 

 stantly fly back and forth, frequently chattering. This is 

 particularly the case with the males, who often perch upon 

 some tree to sing or whistle, and who consequently make 

 much noise about their family cares. They are certainly 

 most devoted parents, and often defend their nests bravely, 

 even when intruded upon by man. In July they become gre- 

 garious, some flying southward, and in the early part of 

 autumn they desert the inland meadows, resorting to their 

 various feeding-grounds. " In the salt marshes, or near the 

 sea, they collect in large flocks, which not unfrequently 

 contain more than a thousand individuals." Hawks, farmers, 

 and unambitious sportsmen diminish their numbers in a 

 certain measure, but not, I suppose, very appreciably. The 

 " Ked-wings " fly rapidly and strongly ; moving their wings 

 with more swiftness but less regularity than the Crows. 

 When perching, they often flirt their tails. Owing to the 

 nature of their haunts, rather than to any natural shyness, 

 they are not easily approached very closely. 



d. Their ordinary note is a loud, mellow chuck, or some- 

 times check. The variety of sounds, however, which they can 

 produce is correspondent with their general noisiness. The 

 chorus of a flock in spring suggests the combined creaking of 

 many wheelbarrows, being an indescribable confusion of vari- 

 ous unmusical notes. Later, their chatter, which has some 

 resemblance to the Cow-bird's, though distinct, may often be 

 heard, particularly when the birds are excited. The male's 

 song note, conk-cwee, is familiar to all who live near his 

 haunts ; but also, as if not satisfied with this musical (or un- 

 musical) effort, he frequently warbles during the season of 

 courtship. Perching prominently on some bush or tree, he 

 spreads his tail, slightly opens his wings, and produces what 

 is no doubt agreeable to his taste and that of his mate, even 

 if not wholly so to ours. It suggests the Catbird's song 

 deprived of melody. He has, however, a far pleasanter note, 

 a clear, plaintive whistle, which is sometimes merely " pheu," 

 but which at other times consists of three distinct syllables. 



