COW TROOPIAL, OR COW BLACK-BIRD. ] 79 
until the return of autumn, when, with the colds of Oc- 
tober, they again reappear in numerous and augmented 
flocks, usually associated with their kindred Red-wings, 
to whom they bear a sensible likeness, as well as a 
similarity in notes and manners. They pass the winter 
in the warmer parts of America as well as in the South- 
ern States, where I have observed them in the ploughed 
fields, gleaning along with the Red-wings and the common 
Black-birds. They are also very familiar around the cattle, 
picking up insects which they happen to disturb, or that 
exist in their ordure. When on the ground, they scratch up 
the soil and appear very intent after their food. Some- 
times even, infringing on the rights of the Plover, individ- 
uals, in the winter, frequent the margins of ponds in 
quest of aquatic insects and small shell-fish ; and they may 
be seen industriously occupied in turning over the leaves 
of the water-plants to which they adhere. They also fre- 
quent occasionally the rice and corn fields, as well as 
their more notorious associates, but are more inclined to 
native food and insects at all times, so that they are 
more independent and less injurious to the farmer. As 
they exist in Mexico, it is probable, that they are also 
bred in the higher table land, as well as in the regions 
of the north. In Louisiana, however, according to Audu- 
bon, they are rare visitors at any season, seeming more in- 
clined to follow their route through the maritime districts. 
Over these countries, high in the air, in the month of 
October, they are seen by day winging their way to the 
remoter regions of the south. 
We have observed that the Red-wings separate in par- 
ties, and pass a considerable part of the summer in the 
necessary duties of incubation. But the Cow-pen Birds 
release themselves from all hindrance to their wanderings. 
The volatile disposition and instinct, which prompt 
