260 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 



FAMILY ICTERID^. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 



This distinctively American family is most abundantly represented 

 in the tropics, where the majority of the one hundred and fifty known 

 species are found. With the exception of the Orioles, they are gre- 

 garious after the nesting season, while some of the species nest in col- 

 onies and are found in flocks throughout the year. 



They differ markedly in habits, and are found living in ground of 

 every nature, from dry plains and wet marshes to the densest forest 

 growth. Some species possess marked vocal ability, while the voices 

 of others are harsh and unmusical. They feed on fruit, seeds, and 

 insects. 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 



I. With yellow or orange in the under parts. 



A. Throat black. 



a. Back black 507. BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 



b. Back greenish 506. ORCHARD ORIOLE ( $ im.). 



B. A black or blackish crescent on the breast ; outer tail-feathers white. 



501. MEADOWLARK. 501a. WESTERN MEADOWLARK. 



C. Entire under parts yellow, yellowish, or orange. 



a. Rump and tail orange . . . 507. BALTIMORE ORIOLE ( 9 and im.). 



b. Upper parts yellowish green . 506. ORCHARD ORIOLE ( 9 and im.). 



c. Upper parts brownish, streaked and spotted with black ; tail-feath- 

 ers pointed 494. BOBOLINK ( 9 and im.). 



D. Throat and breast yellow or yellowish ; belly black or dark grayish 



brown 497. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 



II. Under parts black, with or without metallic reflec- 

 tions. 



A. Outer tail-feathers '75 or more shorter than middle ones ; bill 1*00 or 



more in length. 



a. Tail over 6*00 513. BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE <J . 



b. Tail under 6-00. 



b 1 . Back bronzy purple or shining, brassy bluish green, the feathers 

 with iridescent bars ...... 511. PURPLE GRACKLE ( 6 ). 



6 a . Back bronze, without iridescent bars. 



5116. BRONZED GRACKLE $ . 



b 9 . Back bottle-green, the feathers more purple at their base, and 

 with a narrow iridescent bar near the middle. 



511 a. FLORIDA GRACKLE <5 . 

 b*. Back bluish black, with or without iridescent bars. 



511. PURPLE GRACKLE ( 9 ). 511a. FLORIDA GRACKLE 9. 



B. Outer tail-feathers little if any shorter than middle ones ; bill less 



than I'OO in length. * 



a. Entire plumage bluish black, the feathers sometimes tipped with 



buffy or rufous 509. RUSTY BLACKBIRD. 



b. A red and buff shoulder-patch. . 498. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD ( $ ). 



