54 



Anclote in April, 1899, are similar to those oi phoeniceus in 

 color and markings, but much smaller and rounder, with the 

 less abundant markings chiefly at the larger end. They 

 measure .85 inches by .69 and .87 by .71. Unfortunately 

 Mr. Meyer sent no description of the nest with these eggs. 



Agelaius phc3eniceus fortis. Noetherx Redwing. 



This form, recently described by Mr. Ridgway, proves to 

 be the breeding Redwmg of the Turtle Mountain and Devil's 

 Lake region of North Dakota. It nests in abundance in the 

 same marshes as the Yellow-headed Blackbird, its black and 

 crimson plumage contrasting beautifully with the black and 

 orange of the latter. But while the Yellow-headed Blackbird 

 selects the higher reeds growing m deeper water in which to 

 place its nest, the Redwing takes a tussock on the edge of the 

 slough, or, rarely, fastens its nest in a clump of marsh grass. 

 The nest is similar to that of the Red-winged Blackbird. 

 Its notes and habits are the same as those of the eastern 

 bird, but its plumage alwaj^s impresses me as more brilliant 

 and the male seems more fond of showing his crimson 

 shoulders. 



This Redwing reaches Towner County usually by the 

 middle of April, and breeds in early June. Four eggs is 

 the usual nest-complement, but I have once fomid five, 

 and in one nest four of this species and one Qgg of the Sora 

 {Porzana Carolina). This nest was elevated several inches 

 above the water and fastened in a clump of marsh grass, 

 wliicli rendered the presence of the Sora's Qgg the more 

 remarkable. This Qgg was fresh while the blackbird's were 

 almost hatched. 



The eggs closely resemble in color, markings and shape 

 those of A. phoeniceus^ and the average of the measurements 

 of twelve eggs is .97 inches by .QQ with extremes of 1.08 

 by .79 and .92 by M. 



Probably the eggs of the Red-winged Blackbird that iNIr. 



