THE TINKLING GEAKLE. 
145 
One of the first birds a stranger notices in Jamaica^ ac- 
cording to their historian^ is the Tinkling Grakle {Quiscalus 
crassirostris) , His fine glossy plumage and considerable 
size attract attention^ added to his active habits and very 
peculiar cry, which Mr, Gosse compares to the sounds pro- 
duced by repeatedly striking with force a piece of sonorous 
metal, occasionally mingled with a creaking, like that of a 
schoolboy^s pencil on a slate. It is a gregarious bird, but 
does not associate in very great numbers ; it walks much like 
the rook, and is similarly engaged with that bird when on 
the ground, searching after worms and grubs, on which it 
chiefly feeds. Like some other members of the family to 
which he belongs, he is fond of the parasites found on cattle ; 
and is frequently to be seen on the backs of cows, picking 
off the ticks, and in this way renders essential service to the 
poor beasts, who appear to be grateful to their kind friends. 
He is very wary however of the human race : only show your 
person,^^ says Mr. Gosse"^, and you see the singular- look- 
ing white eye turned up towards you ; stir a step towards 
him, and away he flies, uttering his very peculiar cry, his 
long tail folded on itself, and resembling a vertical fan.^^ It 
would seem occasionally to eat fruit, and even to suck the 
* Birds of Jamaica, p. 218. 
