130 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [1891 



no marked changes had taken place in the character of the 

 country. This plain, but neat-looking bird selects grassy places 

 and the borders of fields near roads, and there it may often be 

 seen perched upon a fence, pouring forth its song of simple 

 notes. It arrives here about the second week in May, and gen- 

 erally leaves during the latter part of September. We have 

 observed a single specimen as late as the second day of October. 

 It may also be mentioned that this bird is better known here by 

 the name of " Black- throated Bunting." 



Molotlirus ater (Bodd.). Cow bird. 



Early in April, or about that time, the " Cowbird " makes its 

 appearance, but it does not seem to be abundant near Balti- 

 more ; and especially throughout summer it is only occasionally 

 to be seen. During the fall, however, particularly in October 

 and part of November, it appears quite common ; frequenting 

 the same localities and spots as the swamp blackbird. It may 

 be seen flying to and fro over the marshes in the same manner 

 as that species, in small flocks, and often associating with it and 

 the " Rusty-wing Blackbird." 



On one occasion, with one load of shot, we brought down a 

 cowbird, blackbird and a rusty blackbird. 



Its curious habit of laying the eggs in the nests of other birds, 

 is so well-known that it is hardly worth while to reiterate it here. 



It leaves this region about the middle of November, and the 

 writer has never observed a single specimen at a later date. Its 

 note is peculiar, forming a long-drawn whistle, rather high 

 pitched. 



Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). Red-winged Blackbird. 



It would seem that there is hardly a bird better known by 

 everybody, and particularly by our gunners, both young and 

 old, than this " Blackbird," not even excepting the Robin and 

 Bluebird ; nevertheless, it is frequently confounded with the 

 " Rusty-winged Blackbird," and even with the " Cowbird." Al- 

 though the bird is seen throughout the whole year, yet a vast 

 difference appears in their numbers according to the season. 



