32 WEST VIRGINIA [W. 



Geog. Dist. Eastern North America, west to Alaska and the 

 Plains. Breeds from New England northward. 



W. Va. Dist. Seen occasionally in the spring and fall. I have 

 observed a number of flocks of this Blackbird at French Creek, 

 Upshur County. 



Nest In coniferous trees or on the ground. Little is know of 

 this northern Blackbird in its breeding region. 



Food Grains, seeds, insects. Not of economic importance in 

 this state. 



511. Purple Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). Male and female. Not 

 common in the region of the state that lies west of the Alleghenies. 



Geog. Dist. East of the Alleghenies from Georgia to Massachus- 

 etts. 



W. Va. Dist. Common only in the eastern part of the state. 



Nest Breeds m colonies. Nests placed high up in trees. 



Food Somewhat destructive to corn and other grains. Yet 

 Forbush says, "Crow Blackbirds ***** are indespensible because of 

 the vast amount of insects they destroy. ' ' 



511b. Bronzed Gackle (Quiscalus quiscula aeneus). One adult. 

 The more western form of the Crow Blackbird. 



Geog. Dist. From Alleghenies to Rocky Mountains, north to- 

 Great Slave Lake. 



W. Va. Dist. Common in all parts of the state west of the- 

 mountains. Not so common, however, in the higher sections. Dr. 

 Rives says that specimens which he examined from the mountainous 

 sections of the state seemed to be intermediate between the typical 

 species and aeneus. 



Nest Nesting habits the same as in the last. 



Food Insects, grains, and fruits. 



517. Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus). Male and female. 

 For beautiful colored plates of this and many other species of birds, 

 address the National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broad- 

 way, New York City. The Purple Finch is roving in disposition, 

 and is not often seen except by one who knows just where to find it. 

 The plumage is not purple, but rosy. A very good songster. Eugene- 

 P. Bicknell says, "The song bursts forth as if from some uncontroll- 

 able stress of gladness, and is repeated uninterruptedly over and 

 over again, while the ecstatic bird rises high into the air, and, still 

 singing, descends into the trees.'' 



