In Marsh and Swamp. 



307 



bird. The breeding habits and eggs of these birds are similar to those of 

 the Rusty Blackbird. 



The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the familiar birds seen in our 

 springtime walks through low meadows or about marshy ground. The birds 



Red-winsred Black- are a ^ out nme mcnes and a half long. The male when 

 bird. fully adult is clear black throughout, except on the 



Ageiaius phoeniceus (Linn.), shoulders, which are the brightest scarlet, divided from 

 the black parts of the wing by a band, varying from deep buff to almost 

 white in color. Many individuals, presumably younger birds, during the 

 breeding season have the black feathers edged or tipped to a greater or less 

 extent by rusty, buff, or gray. All the males in the fall have the black 

 feathers edged or tipped in a like manner, and in young birds of the year the 

 black is often much obscured by rusty and buff. 



RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. ADULT MALE. 



