cow BUNTING. 
183 
part of the country also abounds with suitable food, such as they 
usually subsist on. Many conjectures indeed might be formed 
as to the probable cause; but all of them, that have occurred to 
me, are unsatisfactory and inconsistent. Future, and more nu- 
merous observations, made with care, particularly in those coun- 
tries where they most usually pass the summer, may throw 
more light on this matter; till then we can only rest satisfied 
with the reality of the fact. 
This species winters regularly in the lower parts of North 
and South Carolina, and Georgia; I have also met with them 
near Williamsburg, and in several other parts of Virginia. In 
January, 1809, I observed strings of them for sale in the mar- 
ket of Charleston, South Carolina. They often frequent corn 
and rice-fields in company with their cousins, as Mr. Bartram 
calls them, the Red-winged Blackbirds; but are more common- 
ly found accompanying the cattle, feeding on the seeds, worms, 
&c. which they pick up amongst the fodder and from the ex- 
crements of the cattle, which they scratch up for this purpose. 
Hence they have pretty generally obtained the name of Cow- 
pen birds, Cow-birds, or Cow Blackbirds. By the naturalists 
of Europe they have hitherto been classed with the Finches; 
though improperly, as they have no family resemblance to that 
tribe sufficient to justify that arrangement. If we are to be di- 
rected by the conformation of their bill, nostrils, tongue, and 
claws, we cannot hesitate a moment in classing them with the 
Red-winged Blackbirds, Oriolus Phceniceus; not, however, as 
Orioles, but as Buntinqs, or some new intermediate genus; 
the notes or dialect of the Cow Bunting and those of the Red- 
wings, as well as some other peculiarities of voice and gesti- 
culation, being strikingly similar. 
Respecting this extraordinary bird I have received communi- 
cations from various quarters, all corroborative of the foregoing 
particulars. Among these is a letter from Dr. Potter of Balti- 
more, which, as it contains some new and interesting facts, and 
several amusing incidents, illustrative of the character of the 
bird, I shall with pleasure lay before the reader, apologizing to 
