BIRDS OF VERMONT. 
221 
Rusty Grackle. Scolecophagus ferrugineiis^ Sw. 
Nests in Vermont, but not abundantly. Does not take pains 
to hide its nest, but builds on bushes, in out of wa}^ places, or in 
alders that overhang a brook. Builds of grasses and twigs mixed 
with mud. 
Purple Grackle ; Crow Blackbird. Quiscalus purpureus, Licht. 
A common bird in some parts of the state, yet hardly seen in 
others. Nests in a tree at almost any height. Nest loose and 
bulky. 
FAMILY CORVID^.— Crows and Jays. 
Raven. Corvus cor ax. 
Very rare, but one has been killed to my knowledge, in the 
state. 
Common Crow. Corvus frugivorus^ Bartr. 
The farmers' friend, eating many noxious insects, caterpillars, 
slugs, grubs, grasshoppers, &c. Yet he is so black, and has 
such an unstately walk, and no music in his voice, so he is gen- 
erally hated. 
Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata^ Strickl. 
This bird is a vile robber, and almost the only bird that has 
no good thing about him. 
Canada Jay. Ferisoreus Canadensis^ Bp. 
Often seen in northern Vermont, and breeds there now and 
then. "Whisky Jack" has few friends though not as mean as 
the Blue Jay. 
FAMILY TYRANNID^.— Flycatchers. 
King Bird ; Bee-Martin. Tyraymus CaroUnensis^ Bd. 
This tyrant is quite common and well known, as no birds make 
more noise than the}'. This whole tribe are exclusively insectiv- 
erous in food, andso must go and come with the insects on which 
they prey. Build their nests with substances most convenient 
and do not screen them from sight any more than the Robin. 
Great Crested Flycatcher. Myiarclius crinitus^ Cab. 
Rather rare. Builds nests in the hollows of trees, post holes, 
and artificial retreats put up by man. Its nest may be known 
when found, for as far as I know, they always contain one or 
more of the cast olf skins of snakes. 
Pewee ; Pewit; Phcebe-bird. Sayiornis fusca, Bd. 
A little t^^rant, smart, but impatient, coming early yet never 
abundant in this state. Nests on crags, in roots of fallen trees 
or in banks. Nest is built like that of the barn swallow. 
