326 



THE COW TROUP 1 A L. 



gradually into brown at their tips. The central feathers of the tail are dark brown, and the 

 remaining feathers are bright yellow. There is also ;i green tinge upon the thighs and the 

 middle of the breast. Upon the top of the head there is a long and pointed crest, and the horny 



CRESTED ORIOLE.— Ostinops cristata. 



portion of the bill is green, and, as may he seen in the illustration, extends above the eye. The 

 legs and feet are black. The Crested Oriole is larger than either of the preceding species, 

 being about the size of a common jackdaw. 



In the Cow Bird, or Cow Troopial, of America, we have a curious instance of the fre- 

 quency with which a remarkable habit, supposed to he almost unique, and especially character- 

 istic 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, hut 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 remark- 

 able 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 mistak- 

 ing 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 five from the intrusive habits of the Cow Troopial, and not only builds its 

 own nest, hut rears and tends its young with great affection. 



The Cow Bird (Molothrus ater) 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 



