RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 
(Agelac/us phoeniceus.) 
ESSER wing coverts scarlet like arterial blood, bordered 
with brownish yellow. Males, a lustrous black. Fe- 
males everywhere streaked; above, blackish brown with 
pale streaks; below, whitish, with many sharp dusky 
streaks. Sides of head, throat, and bend of wing, tinged with 
reddish. 
Temperate North America chiefly east of Rocky Mountains. 
Breeds everywhere in its range. 
In August and September collects in immense flocks. 
Nest uszally in reeds or bushes near the ground; occasion- 
ally in vines or small trees. Eggs, four to six, pale blue marked 
with brown. Note a guttural chuck. 
“Most of our information concerning the Red-wing 
Blackbird,” Miss Sweet began, must be obtained from 
books, as city children have small opportunity for 
observation of the habits of these birds. They are 
always seen in large flocks. They have practically no 
home life, but are like the folks who live in large hotels 
and spend as much time as possible in having a good 
time. Although the birds do take time to build their 
nests and rear their young. 
“They suspend their nests somewhat like the Ori- 
oles, and are almost as dextrous. Instead of selecting 
the highest trees for their homes, as the Orioles do, 
they prefer to fasten them to a tuft of reeds, or to 
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