CRACKLES 
375 
The Rusty Blackbird comes in great numbers in spring and autumn, 
joining and forming a considerable part of the large flocks of mixed black- 
birds that are seen about the fields and marshes. The name Grackle 
which is commonly applied to the two yellow (nearly white) -eyed black- 
birds is doubtlessly derived from the sound of their harsh, crackling notes. 
Economic Stains, Though the Rusty Blackbird is fairly omnivorous, 
it shows a decided preference for animal, over vegetable, food. The animal 
matter amounts to 53 per cent, very little of which is of sources beneficial 
to man. Grain constitutes a remarkably small percentage of the whole. 
As the bird is mostly a migrant through cultivated sections, coming in 
numbers only after the harvest, and haunting stubble principally, most of 
the grain taken is necessarily waste. 
510. Brewer’s Blackbird, le mainate a t£te pouhpree. Euphagus cyanoccphalus. 
I., 10. Plate LXXIV A. About the size of the Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds. All 
black. Much larger than the cowbird, considerably smaller than the Bronzed Grackle. 
Eyes, straw coloured in male, brown in female. 
Distinctions, With size and plain black coloration, easily confused with the Rusty 
Blackbird. The male has purple instead of green reflections on the head. In autumn 
there are very slight feather edgings of ashy on head, breast, and back, but never any 
distinct rusty. Females and juveniles are solidly smoky black, a little lighter than the 
female Rusty Blackbird, with slightly more of a brown, instead of a grey, tone, to under- 
lying body colour, and usually lightening to ashy on throat and face. In the average, the 
bill is slightly shorter and heavier. Some specimens are difficult to separate from that 
species, and on the whole the ashy tone of the breast, throat, and face is the best guide to 
separation. 
Field Marks. Medium size and solid black coloration, never with rusty overwash 
or strong ochreish superciliary line. Eyes of male pale straw-yellow. Male separated 
from the Rusty Blackbird by purple instead of greenish reflections on head, and female by 
having brown instead of light straw-coloured eyes. 
Nesting. A bulky structure of grasses, etc., in trees, stumps, low bushes, or on the 
ground. 
Distribution. Western North America. In Canada, from Manitoba west to the coast, 
north to central British Columbia and the heavy forests of the Prairie Provinces. 
Brewer’s Blackbird is one of the commonest birds of the west. It 
is not so restricted to the marshes as the Reel-winged or Yellow-headed 
Blackbirds, but scatters all over the country wherever a little brushy 
scrub occurs, preferably, but not necessarily, near water. It frequents the 
barnyard and often nests in the immediate vicinity of habitations. It is 
slightly gregarious in nesting and small colonies are common. It associates 
with cowbirds about sheep and cattle and may often be seen perched on 
their backs seeking the parasites. 
Economic Status. Although blackbirds flying in flocks that darken 
the air have always been looked upon with suspicion, few complaints have 
been laid against this particular species. An analysis of its food shows 
that 32 per cent is animal and 68 vegetable. Of the animal portion, a 
large amount consists of grasshoppers, caterpillars, and insect pupae, mostly 
of ground-inhabiting forms. Of the vegetable food, grain is largely repre- 
sented, but is greatest in the winter months when obviously waste. Though 
it takes some fruit, it has been known to desert cherries for newly ploughed 
fields nearby, and is evidently not a pronounced fruit destroyer. On the 
whole, it seems to be a most valuable bird. 
