-30 WEST VIRGINIA [W. VA. 



Wesley an College at Buckhannon. Since that time I have observed 

 the species many times, most frequently in Wood and Marshall 

 Counties. Large flocks of these birds have been reported from the 

 -eastern and southern parts of the state during migration seasons. 



Nest Grassy nest on the ground. There are no breeding records 

 for West Virginia. 



Food Seeds, grains and insects. 



495. Cowbird (Molothrus ater). The pretty black and brown 

 -colors of these common birds are to be seen in the male and female 

 specimens. 



Geog. Dist. United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 



W. Va. Di-st. Very common in the summer time. For awhile, 

 'however, in mid-summer, these birds are strangely absent. In the 

 autumn they gather in large flocks as they prepare to go on their 

 southward migration flights. Occasionally this bird may be seen 

 in mid-winter. 



Nest This bird builds no nest, but always lays its eggs in the 

 nest of some smaller bird. 



Food Insects and seeds. Watch these birds following the cows 

 out in the fields and see them catching the insects that the cows stir 

 up. 



498. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius plweniceus}. The very 

 marked difference between the male and female is shown by these 

 two specimens. When the male flies the bright red shoulder marks 

 are most beautifully displayed. The young birds are colored much 

 as the female is. 



Geog. Dist. North America in general, from Great Slave Lake 

 south to Costa Rica, 



W. Va. Dist. One of the most common birds along the streams in 

 the more developed parts of the state. Abundant along the larger 

 rivers. In the glades about Cowen, I have found these birds breed- 

 ing in large numbers. 



Nest In low bushes or reeds. Breeds commonly in West Vir- 

 ginia, 



Food Fruits, insects, grains. 



501. Meadowlark ( Stumella magna). Male and female. 

 Geog. Dist. Eastern United States and southern Canada to the 

 Plains. 



