48 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 



There are many interesting traits in the manners of Brewer's black- 

 bird. In the late fall, they sit frequently on the roofs of barns, arranging 

 themselves in regular order along the ridge or on other parts of the roof, 

 so that nearly the same distance intervenes between any two; if others 

 join them, the newcomers do not crowd among those already seated, but 

 dispose themselves in the same order. It is customary for a flock thus 

 to spend a short time before retiring to their roosting-place for the night. 



In our city streets during the late fall days, the blackbirds are much 

 like the English sparrows in more eastern localities in their boldness and 

 disregard of human surroundings, gleaning in the backyards and about 

 the kitchen doors, moving out of the way when disturbed, but acting 

 otherwise as if perfectly at home. 



Distinguishing features: Plumage glossy black, the head and neck 

 with metallic reflections; female slaty brown; length 9-10 inches. 

 511b. BRONZED CRACKLE. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. 



This blackbird occurs in the eastern portion of the county, along the 

 Musselshell borders. Dr. J. A. Allen reports it as abundant on the Mis- 

 souri at Fort Rice, common along Heart River, and on the Yellowstone a? 

 far up as it was ascended (Pompey's Pillar). He states also that along 

 the Yellowstone and Musselshell are found nearly all the species observed 

 at Fort Rice, though more sparingly represented. Dr. McChesney reports 

 this blackbird as common in the Big Horn region, and Dr. Elliott Coaes tracec' 

 it westward along the northern boundary of the state to the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. The writer has not observed it in the vicinity of Lewistown. 



Distinguishing features: Plumage bronze black or brassy olive, neck 

 with metallic hues; length 12-13 inches. 



515a. POCKY MOUNTAIN PINE GROSBEAK. Pinicola enuncleator 



montana. 



The pine grosbeak is common as a winter visitant, appearing irreg- 

 ularly in the foot-hills and mountains in the late fall. It is a handsome 

 bird, of striking appearance, a worthy accompaniment of the evergreen 

 hillsides where it comes and goes in the winter season. On October 15, 

 1901, a fine specimen was brought to me from the foot-hills of the North 

 Moccasin Mountains, where it is reported to be common in winter. The 

 natives know this grosbeak as the "deer bird." 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts generally dark reddish pink; 

 shoulders, flanks, and under parts chiefly ashy gray; wings and tail darker, 

 coverts marked with dull white; length 8-9 inches. 



521. AMERICAN CROSSBILL. Loxia curvirostra minor. 



The American crossbill is mentioned in Dr. J. A. Allen's list as quite 

 frequent in occurrence on the Musselshell in the vicinity of the pine cov- 

 ered bluffs and ravines. It doubtless occurs more commonly in the west- 

 ern portions of the county, where mountainous conditions prevail. I have 

 not noted its occurrence near Lewistown. In the late summer the cross- 

 bill is likely to appear after or during stormy weather, roaming the woods 

 in small flocks or troops in quest of food. The crossbill is fond of the seeds 



