Birds of Massachusetts. 101 
to death. When fired upon, they only remove from 
one part of the field to another; and as for scare- 
crows, they seem to be rather entertained by such 
exhibitions of human skill. 
The Cow Buacxsirp, Icterus pecoris, is never nu- 
merous, like the former, and is so much less inclined 
to the corn-field than to the insects which are found 
in it, that it cannot be regarded as an enemy of man. 
But it is generally detested for other good and suf- 
ficient reasons, that is, if we suppose the bird to be 
a moral agent, and fully acquainted with the enor- 
mity of its own proceedings. Inclined to perpetual 
roving, and having a strong aversion to all domestic 
cares, the cow-bird contrives to escape them by lav- 
ing its eggs in the nests of other birds, making 
them foundling hospitals for its own young. When 
the owner of the nest returns, for the cow-bird takes 
advantage of its absence, and when it finds the stran- 
ger in its premises, it manifests much uneasiness and 
agitation. Sometimes it throws it out, but as small 
birds are the victims on those occasions, it often has 
not strength for the effort. If that is the case, it 
sometimes covers up the egg by making a new 
floor to the nest. If unable to do either, it submits 
patiently to the imposition. The cow-bird's egg is 
always hatched first, and the young cow-bird some- 
times stifles the lawful heirs by its superior size. 
The parent bird, however, feeds it, and treats it with - 
more kindness than could be expected under the 
circumstances ; and the foundling, as if aware of his 
obligation, conducts with decency and respect, mak- 
