ORIOLES. 



This is a numerous and beautiful genus of birds, the greater 

 number of which belong to the American continent. They 

 are remarkable for docility and sagacity, as well as the inge- 

 nuity they display in constructing their nests. Among those 

 kept in cages are the cacique, the red-rumped, and the black- 

 headed. But the favorite is the icterus oriole, or tropical, 

 which comes from Brazil, and is a noted whistler. It sells in 

 the New York market for from $7 to $10. This beautiful spe- 

 cies is of a lively disposition, and possesses in an eminent de- 

 gree all the qualifications of his tribe. It easily becomes 

 domesticated ; will visit every room in the house, will answer 

 to a name, and come when called. It learns to know the 

 footsteps of all the inmates of the house, and will sound an 

 alarm upon the approach of strangers. He will play or fight 

 with the members of the family, and loves to be fondled, like 

 a dog. He will sit on the hand of his mistress, and accom- 

 pany her everywhere. 



DESCRIPTION. 



This bird is larger than the crow-blackbird; the head, 

 throat, middle of the back, wings, and tail, are jet black ; the 

 rest of the plumage is of a bright orange color. Across the 

 wings there are two oblique bars of white ; on the top of the 

 head, and below the bill, there are elongated feathers, which 

 the bird can raise at pleasure. The plumage of the female is 

 duller and fainter. 



FOOD. 



Orioles may be fed on meal and milk, with a bit of meat 

 occasionally, either cooked or raw. Berries in summer, and 

 black currants in winter, and water to wash every day. They 

 require a large cage. 



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