ALFRED DUCES. 



179 



THE COWBIRD, MOLOTHRUS ATER. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF PROF. ALFRED DUGES, 

 BY E. IRENE ROOD. 



This bird, named in Mexico " Tordo," seems not to 

 migrate, for it is seen during the whole year almost every- 

 where. 



In the city of Guanajuato they appear some time in March, 

 and may then be seen by the hundred sitting on the cornices 

 of large buildings and on the long roofs of the silver- 

 smelting works. They go in pairs, live on friendly terms 

 with the domestic pigeons, and partake of their food. 



In the country the Cowbirds travel in large flocks resem- 

 bling dark clouds, and their rapid flight produces a sound 

 similar to that of a hard shower. They follow the capricious 

 evolutions of their leader, changing at every moment the 

 forms of their masses, and finally alight in the pasture 

 among the cattle. 



Though the Cowbird willingly eats insects and angle- 

 worms, it prefers grain, and can be kept for years on corn 

 mush, bread, and red pepper. It is easily tamed and 

 becomes a great favorite, running loose about the house, 

 singing its peculiar gurgling notes. 



When one is killed the others gather around him, making 

 it an easy matter to shoot a number. 



The farmers dread them and teach their children to chase 

 them from the newly sowed fields ; for they come down in 

 large numbers as soon as the insect supply fails, and then 

 eat the grain. To give an idea of their numbers, I must 



