260 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 



Family IcTEEiDiE. Blackbibds, Orioles, etc. 



This distinctively American family is most abundantly represented 

 in the tropics, where the majority of the one hundred and fifty known 

 species are found. With the exception of the Orioles, they are gre- 

 garious after the nesting season, while some of the species nest in col- 

 onies and are found in flocks throughout the year. 



They differ markedly in habits, and are found living in ground of 

 every nature, from dry plains and wet marshes to the densest forest 

 growth. Some species possess marked vocal ability, while the voices 

 of others are harsh and unmusical. They feed on fruit, seeds, and 

 insects. 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 



I. With yello'w or orange in the under parts. 



A. Throat black. 



a. Back black . •. 507. Baltimore Oriole. 



J. Back greenish 506. Orchard Oriole ( s im.). 



£. A black or blackish crescent on the breast ; outer tail-feathers white. 

 501. Meadowlaek. 501a. Western Meadowlark. 

 C. Entire under parts yellow, yellowish, or orange. 

 a. Eump and tail orange . . . 507. Baltimore Oriole ( 9 and im.). 

 J. Upper parts yellowish green . 506. Orchard Oriole ( 9 and im.). 

 c. Upper parts brownish, streaked and spotted with black ; tail-feath- 

 ers pointed 494. Bobolink ( 9 and im.). 



J). Throat and breast yellow or yellowish ; belly black or dark grayish 



brown 497. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 



H. Under parts black, with or without metallic reflec- 

 tions. 

 A. Outer tail-feathers -75 or more shorter than middle ones ; bill 1-00 or 

 more in length. 



a. Tail over 6-00 513. Boat-tailed Graokle $ . 



b. Tail under 6-00. 



bK Back bronzy purple or shining, brassy bluish green, the feathers 



with iridescent bars 611. Purple Gbaokle (S). 



b'. Back bronze, without iridescent bars. 



5116. Bronzed Graozle i . 

 i'. Back bottle-green, the feathers more purple at their base, and 

 with a narrow iridescent bar near the middle. 



511a. Florida Graokle S . 

 i«. Back bluish black, with or without iridescent bars. 



511. Purple Graokle ( ? ). 511a. Florida Graokle 9. 

 £. Outer tail-feathers little if any shorter than middle ones ; bill less 

 than 1"00 in length. 



a. Entire plumage bluish black, the feathers sometimes tipped with 



buify or rufous 509. Kustt Blackbird. 



b. A red and buff shoulder-patch, , 498, Red-winged Blackbird ( t }. 



