BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 287 



RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 



The Red-winged Blackbird, or Red-shouldered Black- 

 bird, or Red-winged Starling, inhabits the United States 

 and southern Canada, west to the Plains. Abundant where 

 marshes and lakes are common, of late years several divi- 

 sions have been made in the geographical distribution of this 

 species, and as a result several sub-species have appeared 

 on our bird list, though the habits and general appearance 

 is the same in all. The males have a scarlet patch on the 

 bend of the wings, and the females, while not possessing 

 any of the bright effects, are also handsome birds, as 

 streaks of black, grayish, and white run lengthwise on the 

 under parts of the female, giving her a pleasing appearance. 



The call, " Konk-la-ree," the last syllable having a 

 drawn-out effect, is the song of the redwing, and, though 

 his attempt at singing is really a failure, the notes are well 

 in keeping with the dismal swamps and marshes frequented. 

 His haunts are the retreats of many other birds, but he is 

 the only red-plumaged bird among them. Both sexes pro- 

 duce the mellow "chink" characteristic of blackbirds in 

 general. It may be heard in August and September, when 

 great flocks of the redwings descend upon the grain fields 

 and wild rice. At that season they are frequently served 

 on the bill of fare as reed birds, which name supposedly 

 refers to the bobolink only. 



Before the snow disappears from the shady fence cor- 

 ners, and thin ice still forms after sunset, the redwing 

 returns, and we welcome the notes, " konk-la-ree," which 



