240 
NhSTS AND EGGS OF 
lu the drawing beautiful and accurate representations of these Grackles 
appear. The male is readily identified, and may be known by the intense 
warmth of his bronzy, purplish or violet dress. This iridescence is vari- 
able, and seems dependent upon age, season and other circumstances. The 
female is blackish-brown, and sometimes quite lustrous. The bill, tarsi 
and toes are pure black, and the iris sulphur-yellow. The male differs 
from his partner in size, being from twelve to thirteen inches in length, 
while the latter ranges from eleven to twelve. In dimensions of wing and 
tail there are also perceptible differences, the former averaging five and 
two-thirds inches, and the latter five and one-third in the male. The 
young is entirely of a uniform slaty-brown color, with absence of gloss. 
The eggs of this species are variable in number. Nests with four, 
five and six eggs have been found, but most generally the two former. 
The ground is also subject to changes, specimens being seen with a deep 
rusty-brown color, and others with one of light greenish-white. It is a 
rare occurrence to meet with the two forms in the same nest-full ; the 
latter being the predominant hue. Eggs with the brown background have 
in addition to the black and dark-brown streaks and dashes which cover 
the other type, chiefiy about the larger extremity, a number of confluent, 
cloudy blotches of deeper shades of the same color. These markings are 
singularly grotesque in their pattern, and often bear strong resemblances 
to letters, figures and other characters. In measurement, eggs from the 
same locality, and even from the same clutch, show considerable differences. 
In New England specimens are sometimes obtained which measure 1.30 by 
.88, and others 1.18 by .84 of an inch. Brewer gives the average size as 
1.25 by .90. Specimens from Eastern Pennsylvania offer as much vari- 
bleness. A clutch before us shows the following dimensions : 1.18 by .86, 
1.15 by .87, 1.15 by .87, 1.13 by .88 and 1.12 by .84. Other specimens 
from the same locality avei’age 1.24 by .90. The Purple Grackle is quite 
easily tamed, and when confined to the cage utters its brief stock of notes 
with great freedom. It has also been taught to articulate certain words 
with considerable distinctness. 
