298 BIRDS 



though the smaller size and duller plumage readily distin- 

 guish them from the grackles. 



The bird lives practically upon insects, except during 

 the migrations, when a moderate amount of grain and small 

 wild fruit is consumed. It is therefore useful, and should 

 be protected. Brewer's blackbird, a species similar to the 

 rusty blackbird, is found breeding in the western portions 

 of the United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the 

 Pacific. 



Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Lab- 

 rador are favorite nesting grounds. The nests are composed 

 of stems, grass, and moss mixed with mud and usually 

 placed in coniferous trees similar to the abode of the purple 

 and bronzed grackles. The eggs are light blue, distinctly 

 marked with blotches and spots of dark brown and purple. 



BRONZED GRACKLE 



The Bronzed Grackle, or the " Crow Blackbird," or one 

 or more of its sub-species, is a familiar object in all the 

 States east of the Rocky Mountains. In size, habits, etc., 

 this bird is so much like the purple grackle that one plate 

 does for both. Throughout the year it is resident as far 

 north as southern Illinois, and in summer extends its range 

 into the British provinces. In the Mississippi Valley it is 

 one of the most abundant birds, preferring to nest in the 

 artificial groves and windbreaks near farms instead of in 

 the natural "timber" which it formerly used. It breeds 

 also in parks and near buildings, often in considerable colo- 

 nies. In New England, it is only locally abundant, though 



