RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 36 



Tlie plumage of the male is uniform lustrous black, relieved with 

 a shoulder patch of rich scarlet or vermilion, bordered by a narrow 

 line of buff. The female is blackish brown above, and of a pjJe dusky 

 tint beneath, the whole streaked with brown of several shades. The 

 young birds resemble the female. 



The song of the red-wing— or what the bird furnishes for its 

 quota of song — is a variety of harsh grating notes, though when 

 heard at a distance the combined chatter of a flock is rather effective. 

 The principal notes of the male, which he delivers most frequently 

 in the mating season, has been written cotJc-a-ree and kmig-fpier-ree 

 sometimes they sound more like hob-a-tee. They have numerous 

 other notes and calls, a prolonged 'tshdy being the most melodious, 

 and an alarm note like kioe-ah. The birds are at all times restless 

 and noisy. 



