BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
27 
Plate VI. 
AGELAIUS PHCENICEUS, Yieillot. 
Redwing Blackbird. 
The Redwing Blackbird is found throughout North America, from 
ocean to ocean, and westward to the 57th parallel. From Texas and 
Florida to the plains of the Saskatchewan, wherever found, it breeds more 
or less abundantly. 
During the winter they congregate in large parties in Southern Vir- 
ginia, the Carolinas, and all the Gulf States, especially near the sea-coast 
and among old fields of rice and grain. Occasionally, small fiocks are 
found during the same season about stables and hay-stacks, in the vicinity 
of Vancouver. But in the Eastern, Middle, Western and Central sections, 
they are chiefly migrants. 
Early in March these large assemblies break up, a part se 2 iarating in 
jiairs and remaining among the Southern swamps, while the greater jior- 
tion, the males leading the way, direct their movements northward. Later 
in April they have re-established themselves in their favorite and accus- 
tomed haunts. 
On their arrival, the males consort together in high ojien fields, where 
their songs may be heard, at regular intervals, from morning until night. 
At this time they are rather susjiicious, and can be approached only by the 
exercise of great caution. But when the females make their ajipearance, 
their attention becomes so absorbed, that they are ajijiarently oblivious of 
events transjfiring around them. The presence of the latter is the signal 
for redoubled vigor in the line of music. From hush and tree, from ground 
and fence-rail, and from almost every available place, in loud, clear and 
