BIRDS OF 



others nests or into that of a different species. The nest they 

 build is of the most temporary description, and the eggs are 

 deposited in such a desultory manner, that it is no uncommon 

 occurrence to find fresh eggs and young birds therein at the same 

 time. 



Of the two Cuckoos we have in Ontario, the Yellow-billed 

 seems the more southern, apparently finding its northern limit 

 along our southern border, where it is rather scarce and not 

 generally .distributed. 



159. COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (WiLs.). 388. 

 Black-billed Cuckoo. 



Above uniform satiny olive-gray, or "quaker color," with bronzy reflec- 

 tions. Below pure white, sometimes with a faint tawny tinge on the lore 

 parts. Wings with little or no rufous. Lateral feathers not contrasting with 

 the central, their tips for a short distance blackish, then obscurely white. 

 Bill blackish except occasionally a trace of yellowish below. Eye-lids red ; 

 bare circum-ocular space purplish. Length, 11-12 ; wing, 5-5^ ; tail, 6-6 ; 

 bill, under i. 



HAB. Eastern North America, from Labrador and Manitoba south to 

 the West Indies and the valley of the Amazon ; west to the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. Accidental in the British Islands and Italy. 



Nest, loosely constructed of twigs, grass, strips of bark, leaves, etc., 

 placed in a bush. 



Eggs, 2 to 5 ; light greenish-blue. 



The Black-billed Cuckoo is a regular summer resident in 

 Ontario, where it arrives about the end of May, after which its 

 peculiar note may often be heard, especially before rain, and its 

 lithe slim form be seen gliding noiselessly among the evergreens. 

 Though not an abundant species, it is generally distributed 

 throughout the province, and w r ell known to the country people 

 as the rain-crow. 



The food of the Cuckoos consists chiefly of caterpillars, with 

 an occasional change to ripe fruit in the season. They also 

 stand charged with sucking the eggs of other birds. They 

 retire to the south early in September. 



162 



