SAVANNAH BLACKBIRD . — Crotophaga Am. 
The Savannah Blackbird is rather a conspicuous bird, and is known by 
several other names, among which are Razor-billed Blackbird, and Great Black- 
bird. In some places it is called the Black Parrakeet, and in Mexico its native 
title is Cacalototl. 
The food of the Savannah Blackbird is mostly of an animal nature, and 
consists chiefly of grasshoppers, locusts, and similar insects, although the bird is 
very fond of lizards and other small vertebrates, a prey which its peculiar beak 
is well calculated to secure. Seeds are also said to be eaten by this bird. 
In some cases their insect-loving nature is directed in a manner very useful to 
cattle owners. In those regions, the cows are greatly troubled with ticks and 
other parasitic insects, which fasten upon their backs where the poor beasts cannot 
reach them. The Anis are fortunately very fond of these noxious insects, and 
perching upon the cow’s back, soon rid them of their unpleasant companions. 
The cows are so well aware of the services rendered to them by these birds, that 
when they find themselves much annoyed by ticks, they lie down in order to 
permit the Anis to pursue their avocation without disturbance. Sometimes, 
according to Brown, in his “ History of Jamaica,” the Anis remind the cows of 
their reciprocal duties, and if the great quadruped forgets to lie down for their 
mutual benefit, they hop about just in front of its nose as it grazes, and give it no 
peace until it complies with their request. 
183 
