THEIK ECONOMIf KKr.ATlON S TO THE AGRICUr.TUKIST 



THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 



13 



However injuriuus the group of blackbirds become in late 

 summer and fall, in the spring and early summer they almost or 

 quite pay for their depredations by consuming large numbers of 

 injurious insects. The Red-wing is a welcome arrival in the early 

 spring. Its reall}- melodious note at that time is tuneful comfort 

 to bird lovers, after a long winter de\'(iid of feathered singers. 

 At that time, the position taken by the bird in uttering its char- 

 acteristic note or notes discloses to advantage its scarlet shoulders 

 well set ofT by glossy black of wings, body, and tail. The gray- 

 ish-brown female, streaked with black, we mav not notice, but 

 the male compels attention. 



The Department of Agriculture has made an exhaustive study 

 of this bird's food habits and finds about Js of its diet consists of 

 harmful insects and weed seeds. Locally when in large flocks, as 

 above intimated, it — with others of its tribe — may be very harm- 

 ful and a resort, on the part of the farmer, to extreme measttres 

 is justified. 



