io8 
SINGING BIRDS. 
about in the woods until, at length, they instinctively Join com- 
pany with those of the same feather, and now becoming more 
bold, are seen in parties of 5 or 6, in the fields and lanes, 
gleaning their accustomed subsistence. They still, however, 
appear shy and watchful, and seem too selfish to study any- 
thing more than their own security and advantage. 
The song of the Cowbird is guttural and unmusical, uttered 
with an air of affectation, and accompanied by a bristling of 
the feathers and a swelling of the body in the manner of the 
Turkey. These are also all the notes of the species in the 
season of their attachment ; so that their musical talent rates 
lower than that of any other bird perhaps in the genus. Some- 
times the tones of the male resemble the liquid clinking of the 
Bobolink and Red-winged Blackbird. Sitting on the summit 
of a lofty branch, he amuses himself perhaps for an hour with 
an occasional 'Muck 'tsee, the latter syllable uttered in a drawl- 
ing hiss like that of the Red-wing. Accompanied by his mates, 
he also endeavors to amuse them by his complaisant chatter ; 
and watching attentively for their safety, they flit together at 
the instant he utters the loud tone of alarm ; and they are 
always shy and suspicious of the designs of every observer. 
On a fine spring morning, however, perched towards the sum- 
mit of some tree in the forest where they seek rest after their 
twilight wanderings, small and select parties may be seen grate- 
fully basking in the mild beams of the sunshine. The male on 
such occasions seems as proud of his uncouth jargon, and as 
eager to please his favorite companions, as the tuneful Night- 
ingale with his pathetic and varied lay. 
The Cowbird is a common summer resident of New England, 
though of rather local distribution. Dr. Wheaton reported it as 
abundant in Ohio during the summer months, and Mr. Mcllwraith 
made a similar report for Ontario. It is rather uncommon in the 
Maritime Provinces, but ranges as far northward as the 50th par- 
allel. In January, 1883, two specimens were taken near Cambridge, 
Mass., by Mr. William Brewster and Mr. Henry M. Spellman. 
