CHAPTER XV 



BLACKBIEDS^ ORIOLES, ETC. 



Blackbirds, Orioles, Crackles, Cowbirds, and Meadow- 

 larks are members of the Icteridae family. 



While birds of this family are usually tropical, some of 

 our very interesting species belong to this group. Except- 

 ing the orioles, they are gregarious after nesting; some 

 flock throughout the year, others during migration. They 

 are found living in all kinds of territory, from marshes to 

 the driest plains. They feed on fruit, seeds, and insects; 

 the males are often adorned with bright plumage. Some 

 of these birds are noted for song, as the meadowlark and 

 bobolink. 



BOBOLINK 



Most everybody knows the Bobolink, or Skunk Black- 

 bird, so called because of the pattern of the male's plumage. 

 Famous in prose and verse, he is the most popular songster 

 of the starling family. 



Bobolinks winter in South America, south of the Ama- 

 zon. The plumage at that season of the year is light 

 brown, the feathers being lighter on the margins, both 

 sexes being dressed alike. In March the northward flight 

 begins, and, when the birds reach Florida in April, the 

 males have acquired the black and white plumage, and 

 also their bubbling, rollicking song, so in keeping with the 



281 



