THE COW TEOOPIAL. 



443 



In the Cow Bird or Cow Teoopial of America we have a curious instance of the 

 frequency with which a remarkable habit, supposed to be almost unique, and especially 

 characteristic of some particular species, is found to occur in a totally distinct species 

 inhabiting another continent. That the cuckoo of Europe is no nest-maker, but only 

 usurps the homes of other birds, and forces them to take care of its progeny, is a well- 

 known fact, and it is really remarkable that the Cow Bird, which inhabits the opposite 

 quarter of the globe, and belongs to an entirely different order of birds, should follow the 

 same principle. 



Before commencing the description of this bird, I must caution the reader against 

 mistaking the present species for the American cuckoo, which is by many persons called 

 the Cow Bird on account of its cry, which resembles the word " cow, cow," frequently 

 repeated. The American cuckoo is free from the intrusive habits of the Cow Troopial, 

 and not only builds its own nest, but rears and tends its young with great affection. 



OOW IROO'PlAli.—Molothrus picorls. 



The Cow Bird is one of the migrators, arriving in Pennsylvania about the end of 

 March or the beginning of April, and is somewhat gregarious, being found in little parties, 

 generally accompanied by the red-winged starling, which bird will soon be described. 

 Towards the middle or end of October the Cow Birds begin to leave the place of their 

 temporary residence, and again assembling in flocks, together with the red-winged starHng, 

 take their departure for their winter quarters in Carolina and Georgia. While remaining 

 in the coimtry, they are generally seen near streams, perched on the trees that skirt rivers 

 and creeks. It is a rather curious fact that during the months of July and August the 

 Cow Troopials suddenly vanish, and are not seen again until September, when they make 

 their appearance in considerable numbers. Whether they take a journey during that time, 

 or whether they retire into the depths of the forest, is not clearly ascertained. 



Unlike the generality of birds, the Cow Bird seems to be actuated by no attachment 

 to those of the opposite sex. No pairing has yet been observed, nor does the male bird 

 take possession of a number of females as is the case with many species. Indeed, there 

 would be no need for such an alliance, for the female Cow Bird makes no nest, neither 

 does she trouble herself about rearing her young, but searching out for the nest of some 

 little bird, she deposits her own egg among the number, and then leaves it to its fate. 

 The remarkable feature in the matter is, that the poor bird on whom this intruder has been 



