Field Marks. The red patches on the wings or shoulders distinguish 
this species from other blackbirds. 
Song. A rich "Kong-quer-r^e" or "Oucher-la-ree-e." Xote, "Chut 
chuck"' and "Chee-e-e-e-e." 
During the breeding season the red-winged blackbird seldom goes 
far from home, but after the young are reared these birds collect in 
flocks and roam about in search of food. 
The red-wings live chiefly upon injurious insects and seeds of weeds. 
The seeds of ragweed, barn yard grass, and smartweed amount to fifty- 
seven per cent, of their vegetable diet. Grasshoppers, weevils and beetles 
amount to nearly forty per cent, of their insect food. This species of 
blackbird is locally common throughout Vermont. These birds become at- 
tached to particular nesting sites, inhabiting the same ones for years. 
BALTIMORE ■ORTOLE-(/c/^r«.y ^a/^;«/a.) 
Male, head, neck, throat and upper back black; wings black, edged 
with white; tail black and orange about half and half; breast, under parts 
and lower back deep, rich, reddish orange. 
Female, upper parts brownish or grayish orange, brighter on the 
rump; head and neck mottled with black; wings dusky, under parts 
dull orange. 
Length about seven and one-half inches. 
Arrival. April 25 to May 12. 
Favorite Haunts. In the shade trees and orchards, along the high- 
ways, seldom far from habitation. 
Field Marks. The oriole's dress of orange and black easily dis- 
tinguishes him from other birds. 
Song. "There is a bright, vivacious song, an equally hearty scold, a 
high shrill whistle and a richly modulated love song, one of the most 
exquisitely finished and tender of bird songs."— Florence Merriam. 
With the exception of the scarlet tanager the golden robin is our 
most brilliantly colored bird. Aside from its brilliant colors the oriole 
is a favorite of bird loyers on account of the remarkable nest which it 
builds. Upon the drooping limbs of a tree, generally an elm or maple, 
is hung the pouch-shaped nest which is woven strongly and compactly 
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