Birds of Massachusetts. 99 
it, they are fed and protected by their parents for 
several days. and then driven forth to try their own 
fortunes in the world. 
The motions of this bird are singularly animated 
and graceful. They are often seen clinging by the 
feet, like a rope-dancer, in order to reach some in- 
sect from a branch beneath them. In the spring, 
they feed almost entirely on insects, and it is evi- 
dent, that, numerous and active as they are, their 
services must be of great value. Nor can they be 
accused of doing harm to any extent, natural as it 
would seem for them to claim some reward for their 
labors. They are often charged with plundering 
the pea-vines in the garden; but Dr. Harris has 
shown that they resort to them for the sake of the 
grub of the pea-bug, which they draw out from its 
shelter, and thus protect the vegetable which they 
are said to destroy. But it is not necessary to 
plead the cause of. this universal favorite ; he seems 
to know the esteem in which he is held, and he 
builds as readily in the elm that swings over the 
city street, as on the tree that shades the cottage 
door in the country. 
"The Rrp-wixcep Buackeiro, Icterus pheniceus, 
‘is well known in all parts of Massachusetts, and 
though sometimes mischievous here as well as else- 
where, is not disliked and persecuted, as he is in 
many other states. On the contrary, the pleasant 
associations of spring are awakened by his coming ; 
some of his notes are agreeable to the ear, and his 
bright red wing coverts, contrasted with his glossy 
