io8 A SUCCESSFUL PRETENDER 
which he naturally belongs* All summer they move 
about in small flocks, frequenting woods and open 
fields while other birds are busy with domestic 
duties* Their black and rusty plumage is incon- 
spicuous, the females being lighter than the males* 
Though naturally despised and avoided by other 
birds, they sometimes find favour with the English 
Sparrows* These pugnacious little fellows are 
ignorant or broadly tolerant of the Cowbird's 
reputation, and they accept him in open and gener- 
ous friendship* It may be that no bird 44 is useless 
while he has a friend.” 
