252 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
can produce is correspondent with their general noisiness. 
The chorus of a flock in spring suggests the combined creak- 
ing of many wheelbarrows, being an indescribable confusion 
of various unmusical notes. Later, their chatter, which has 
some resemblance to the Cow-bird’s, though distinct, may often 
be heard, particularly when the birds are excited. The male’s 
song note, ‘‘conk-a-rée,” is familiar to all who live near his 
haunts; but also, as if not satisfied with this musical (or un- 
musical) effort, he frequently warbles during the season of 
courtship. Perching prominently on some bush or tree, he 
spreads his tail, slightly opens his wings, and produces what 
is no doubt agreeable to his taste and that of his mate, even 
if not wholly so to ours. It suggests the Cat-bird’s song de- 
prived of melody. He has, however, a far pleasanter note, a 
clear, plaintive whistle, which is sometimes merely “ phew,” 
but which at other times consists of three distinct syllables. 
I can at present add nothing of interest to the history of 
the ‘‘ Red-wings,” but any omissions may easily be filled by 
the study of their habits, which is attended with little or no 
difficulty. : : 
Notse.—One specimen of a western species, the Yellow- 
headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus icterocephalus), ‘‘ was shot 
in an orchard, at Watertown, about the 15th of October, 1869.” 
(Maynard.) About 10 inches long. Black; head, etc., largely 
yellow ; wing-patch, white. Female and young; smaller, much 
duller. 
Vv. ICTERUS 
(A) BaLtimorE. Baltimore Oriole. Golden “‘Robin.” ‘“Fire- 
bird.” ‘*Hang-nest.” 
(In New England, a generally common summer-resident, 
thongh rare to the northward.) 
(a). About 73 inches long. , with the head, interscapu- 
lars, wings, and a part of the tail, black. Otherwise orange 
of varying intensity, but with white on the wings. 9, with 
duller colors, the black being skirted or glossed with olive, and 
‘sometimes entirely wanting.” 
