48 



PURPLE GRAKLE. 



The Purple Grakle is easily tamedj and sings in confinement. 

 They have also in several instances been taught to articulate some 

 few words pretty distinctly. 



A singular attachment frequently takes place between this 

 bird and the Fish Hawk. The nest of this latter is of very large 

 dimensionsj often from three to four feet in breadth, and from four 

 to five feet high ; composed, externally^ of large sticks, or faggots, 

 among the interstices of which sometimes three or four pair of 

 Crow Blackbirds will construct their nests, while the Hawk is sit- 

 ting, or hatching above. Here each pursues the duties of incuba- 

 tion and of rearing their young; living in the greatest harmony, 

 and mutually watching and protecting each other's property from 

 depredators. 



