38 PURPLE GRAKLE. 



and refuse straw, they pick the scattered grains that have fallen from the 

 stores with which the farmer has supplied his stock. They remain about 

 the farms until the commencement of spring. They are easily cavight in 

 traps, and shew little fear when seized, biting so severely as often to draw 

 blood, and laying hold with their claws in a very energetic manner. 



During the winter of 1821, I caught a number of them, as well as 

 many other birds, for the purpose of sending them alive to Europe. The 

 whole of my captives were confined together in a large cage, where they 

 were well fed and watered, and received all necessary attention. Things 

 went on favourably for several days, and I with pleasure saw them be- 

 coming daily more gentle. An unexpected change, however, soon took 

 place, for as the Grakles became reconciled to confinement, they began 

 to attack the other birds, beating and kiUing one after another so fast 

 that I was obliged to remove them from the cage. Even this did not 

 prevent further breach of the peace, for the strong attacked and killed 

 the weak of their own race, so that only a few remained in the end. The 

 Grakles thus mangled, killed and partially devoured several Cardinal 

 Grosbeaks, Doves, Pigeons, and Blue Jays. I look upon this remarkable 

 instance of ferocity in the Grakle with the more amazement, as I never 

 observed it killing any bird when in a state of freedom. 



What I have said respecting the Purple Grakle (which by some is im- 

 properly named the Boat-tailed Grakle) refers particularly to the habits 

 of those in the south, where some of them are found at all seasons. I 

 shall now speak of those of the Western and Middle States. Most of these 

 birds leave the south about the middle of February, setting out in small 

 detached flocks. They reach the State of New York in this straggling- 

 manner about the middle of May. Their migratory flight is performed 

 in short undulating lines, resembling small segments of very large circles. 

 It may be explained in this manner. Supposing the bird poised in the 

 air and intent on moving forwards, it pro}5els itself by a strenuous flap of 

 the wings, which carries it forw ard in a curve, along which it ascends un- 

 til it attains the level of its original point of departure, when it flaps its 

 wings again, and performs another curve. In this form of flight they 

 pursue their long journey, during which they keep up a continual low 

 chattering, as if they were discussing some important question. When 

 they reach Pennsylvania, they commence the avocations which I have al- 

 ready described, and are seen following the plough, while their kindred 

 that have been left in I^ouisiana are jirobably by this time feeding their 



