26 RED-WINGED STARLING. 



orange, that marks the shoulders of the males, and which 

 increases in space and brilliancy as winter approaches. It has 

 been frequently remarked, that, at this time, the young birds 

 chiefly associate by themselves, there being sometimes not 

 more than two or three old males observed in a flock of many 

 thousands. These, from the superior blackness and rich red 

 of their plumage, are very conspicuous. 



Before the beginning of September, these flocks have become 

 numerous and formidable ; and the young ears of maize, or 

 Indian corn, being then in their soft, succulent, milky state, 

 present a temptation that cannot be resisted. Reinforced 

 by numerous and daily flocks from all parts of the interior, 

 they pour down on the low countries in prodigious multitudes. 

 Here they are seen, like vast clouds, wheeling and driving 

 over the meadows and devoted corn-fields, darkening the air 

 with their numbers. Then commences the work of destruction 

 on the corn, the husks of which, though composed of numerous 

 envelopments of closely wrapt leaves, are soon completely 

 or partially torn off; while from all quarters myriads continue 

 to pour down like a tempest, blackening half an acre at a 

 time ; and, if not disturbed, repeat their depredations, till 

 little remains but the cob and the shrivelled skins of the 

 grain ; what little is left of the tender ear, being exposed to 

 the rains and weather, is generally much injured. All the 

 attacks and havoc made at this time among them with the 

 gun, and by the hawks, — several species of which are their 

 constant attendants, — has little effect on the remainder. 

 When the hawks make a sweep among them, they suddenly 

 open on all sides, but rarely in time to disappoint them of their 

 victims ; and, though repeatedly fired at, with mortal effect, 

 they only remove from one field to an adjoining one, or to 

 another quarter of the same enclosure. From dawn to 

 nearly sunset, this open and daring devastation is carried on, 

 under the eye of the proprietor ; and a farmer, who has any 

 considerable extent of corn, would require half-a-dozen men 

 at least, with guns, to guard it ; and even then, all their 



