88 RED-WINGED STARLING. 



taken away, or destroyed, he continues for several days near the 

 place, restless and dejected, and generally recommences build- 

 ing soon after, in the same meadow. Towards the beginning 

 or middle of August, the young birds begin to fly in flocks, and 

 at that age nearly resemble the female, with the exception of 

 some reddish or orange, that marks the shoulders of the males, 

 and which increases in space and brilliancy as winter approaches. 

 It has been frequently remarked that at this time the young 

 birds chiefly associate by themselves, there being sometimes 

 not more than two or three old males observed in a flock of 

 many thousands. These, from the superior blackness and rich 

 red of their plumage, are very conspicuous. 



Before the beginning of September these flocks have become 

 numerous and formidable, and the young ears of maize, or In- 

 dian corn being then in their soft, succulent, milky state, 

 present a temptation that cannot be resisted. Reinforced by 

 numerous and daily flocks from all parts of the interior, they 

 pour down on the low countries in prodigious multitudes. Here 

 they are seen, like vast clouds, wheeling and driving over the 

 meadows and devoted corn fields, darkening the air with their 

 numbers. Then commences the work of destruction on the 

 corn, the husks of which, though composed of numerous envel- 

 opments of closely wrapt leaves, are soon completely or par- 

 tially torn off; while from all quarters myriads continue to pour 

 down like a tempest, blackening half an acre at a time; and, if 

 not disturbed, repeat their depredations till little remains but 

 the cob and the shrivelled skins of the grain; what little is left 

 of the tender ear being exposed to the rains and weather is gen- 

 erally much injured. All the attacks and havock made at this 

 time among them with the gun, and by the Hawks, several 

 species of which are their constant attendants, has little effect 

 on the remainder. When the Hawks make a sweep among them 

 they suddenly open on all sides, but rarely in time to disappoint 

 them of their victims; and though repeatedly fired at, with mor- 

 tal effect, they only remove from one field to an adjoining one, 

 or to another quarter of the same inclosure. From dawn to 

 nearly sun-set, this open and daring devastation is carried on, 



