Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory 



565 



Bronzed Grackle. 



and Wisconsin. The majority arrive the first of April and leave again 

 in October (First Chicago record, March 16). 



It breeds from April to June. The nest is a rather large structure 

 of coarse grass, usually built in trees, but occasionally in cavities or 

 openings in dead trees and stumps. The eggs are from 3 to 6 in num- 

 ber, pale bluish or greenish, marked and scrawled with dark brown 

 and black, and measure about 1.16 x .82 inches. 



Family FRINGILLID^ Finches, Sparrows, 

 Crossbills, etc. 



The Fringiiiidse comprise the largest known family of birds, con- 

 taining over 500 species and distributed nearly throughout the world 

 (except Australia). They are granivorous, being principally seed 

 eaters, although they also feed upon buds, fruits, and insects. With 

 few exceptions they are not gregarious, although often seen in flocks. 

 Their nesting habits vary with different species. 



