The Red-winged Blackbirds 



Taken in Merced Count, 



BIRDS AND RUSHES 



Photo by the Author 



extracted at midday, high noon seems to be the appointed time for on- 

 slaught upon the grain fields. At such a time one may see countless 

 thousands of blackbirds moving over the face of the fields with the in- 

 exorability of a threshing gang. The empty heads of oats or barley 

 attest the fact that the birds are not looking for weevils. As in the reputed 

 flock behavior of the Passenger Pigeon, there is always a vanguard working 

 into new territory, as well as a steady stream of detached bevies making 

 their way to and from the main camp. To say that the damage in- 

 flicted by these birds is inconsiderable is to prevaricate, and to invite 

 ridicule. In especial, rice-growing, which might be developed into a 

 leading industry in certain water-favored sections of the San Joaquin 

 Valley, is at a standstill, and will be until sensible relief is afforded from 

 the depredations of blackbirds. 



No. 19 



Red-winged Blackbird 



No. 19a San Diego Redwing 



A. O. U. No. 498e part. Agelaius phoeniceus neutralis Ridgway. 



Synonyms. — San Diego Redwing. Red-shouldered Blackbird. Swamp 

 Redwing. Marsh Blackbird. 



Description. — Briefly: Male in spring: Plumage glossy black; the lesser wing- 

 coverts red; the middle coverts ochraceous orange. Female: General plumage streaked 

 dusky and white; above dusky bordered with grayish and dull ochraceous; below heavily 

 streaked or striped dusky and white, clearing (nearly spotless) on chin and upper 

 throat. More particularly (Descriptions based on 12 spring adults, 6 males and 6 



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