511. Quiscalus quiscula 

 CROW BLACKBIRD, CRACKLE. 13 inches 



Male. Above and below iridescent tints of purple and bronze ; 

 long, rounded tail. Female. Much duller ; a browner and a 

 smaller bird. 



Sub-species ; Bronzed and Purple Crackles, habits of the two identi- 

 cal. Bronzed has more metallic lustre than the Purple. They 

 walk, feed on grubs, caterpillars, army worms, etc. Notice their 

 flight; it is straight and direct, and the tail is used as a rudder. 

 Bronzed is more common in Massachusetts and northward. 

 Arrives in March. 

 Note. A creaking, grating call. 

 Nest. Usually in an evergreen in gardens. 

 Breeds. Throughout New England. 



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