PASSERES ICTERID^E. 133 



- *< v .- 



do not touch. It is therefore one of the birds which should 

 be rigidly protected. 



182. (506.) ICTERUS SPURIUS (Linn.).' 119. 



Orchard Oriole. 



Synonyms: Oriolus spurius. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162. 



The Orchard Oriole is a fairly common summer resident 

 throughout the state. In Lorain county it has increased, 

 during the last ten years, from scarcely more than casual 

 to fairly common. Writing in 1882, Dr. Wheaton states 

 that in the vicinity of Columbus, at least, it resorts to "the 

 low banks of sparsely wooded streams and willow thickets," 

 preferring such places to orchards. In Lorain county it is 

 more often found in orchards than elsewhere. 



The birds are not numerous enough to figure economical- 

 ly, but if they were their food would be found to consist 

 largely of insects injurious to fruit. The birds probably -eat 

 some ripe fruit in its season, but so little of it as to be of 

 no consequence. Ripe mulberries are eaten with a good deal 

 of relish. 



The Orchard Oriole reaches our southern border during 

 the last week in April and spends nearly a week in travers- 

 ing the state, seldom appearing at Oberlin before the first 

 of May. Its departure southward is a little uncertain, but 

 seems to be about the middle of August. 



183. (507.) ICTERUS GALBULA (Linn.). 120. 



Baltimore Oriole. 



Synonyms: Icterus baltimore, Oriolus baltimore, Coracias gal- 



bula. 

 Golden Robin, Hangnest, Firebird, Peabird, Hanging-bird. 



Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162. 



This is the common Oriole throughout the state, and is 

 apparently on the increase in most sections. It is one of the 

 first birds which the would-be bird student sees and hears, 

 because it comes into the door-yard to nest, and sings fear- 



