S4 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 



the body bronzy without iridescent markings. It nests 



from Texas up the Mississippi Valley and eastward through 



central New York and Massachusetts to New Brunswick, 



north to Canada; and in migration is found in the range 



of the Purple Grackle. It winters from the Ohio Valley 



southward. 



Washington, rare T. V., Feb 20-Apl. 17. Ossining, common 

 T. V., Apl; Nov. Cambridge, abundant. S. R„ Mch. 10-Nov-i; 

 occasional in winter. N. Ohio, abundant, S. R., Mch. i-Nov. 15; 

 rarely winters. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Mch. 5— Nov. 15, SE. 

 Minn, common S. R., Mch, 18- No v. 1; rare in winter. 



The Grackle is the largest of our northern Blackbirds. 

 In the south it is exceeded in size only by the Boat- 

 tailed Grackle. It migrates in flocks and nests in colonies, 

 often in parks and cemeteries. It feeds chiefly on the 

 ground and is frequently seen upon our lawns when it 

 may be known by its rather waddling, walking gait, and 

 its long tail. Its notes are harsh, cracked and discordant, 

 but when heard in chorus make a pleasing medley. The 

 nest is sometimes placed in pines about 30 feet up, 

 but also in bushes and even in holes in trees. The 3-7 

 eggs are usually pale bluish, heavily blotched and scrawled 

 with brown and black. 



BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE 

 Megaquiscalus major major 



The male is a long-tailed, glossy blue-black bird. (L. 16.) 

 The female is much smaller (L. 12), blackish brown above, buff) 

 below. 



Range. Florida north on the Atlantic coast to Virginia; weal 

 to Texas. 



This giant Grackle frequents lakes, lagoons and bays, 

 where it feeds along the shore or among aquatic plants. 

 The male, a poseur among birds, strikes strange attitude* 

 with bill pointing skyward, and with apparent effort 

 forces out hoarse whistles. The female is quiet and 



