COMMON CROW-BLACKBIRD. 
197 
tree, and sometimes they have been known to thrust 
their nests into the interstices of the Fish-hawk’s eyry, 
as if for safety and protection. They begin their breed- 
ing operations from the commencement of April to May. 
The nest is composed outwardly of mud, mixed with 
stalks and knotty roots of grass, and lined with fine dry 
grass and horse-hair. The eggs, usually 5 or 6, are of a 
dull green like those of the Crow, blotched and spotted 
with dark olive, more particularly towards the larger end. 
According to Audubon, the same species in the Southern 
States nests in the hollows of decayed trees, after the mam 
ner of the Woodpecker, lining the cavity with a fev> 
weeds and feathers. They seldom produce more than a 
single brood in the season. In the autumn, and at the 
approach of winter, numerous flocks after foraging 
through the day, return from considerable distances to 
their general roosts among the reeds. On approaching 
their station, each detachment, as it arrives, in straggling 
groups like crows, sweeps round the marsh in waving 
flight, forming circles ; amidst these bodies, the note of 
the old reconnoitering leader may be heard, and no sooner 
has he fixed upon the intended spot, than they all descend 
and take their stations in an instant. At this time they 
are also frequently accompanied by the Ferruginous spe- 
cies, with which they associate in a friendly manner. 
The Blackbird is easily tamed, sings in confinement, 
and may be taught to articulate some few words pretty 
distinctly. Among the variety of its natural notes, the 
peculiarly affected sibilation of the Starling is heard in 
the wdttitshee , wottitshee, and whistle, which often accom- 
panies this note. Their intestines and stomach are 
frequently infested by long, cylindric, tapering worms, 
which probably increase sometimes in such numbers as 
to destroy the bird. 
17 * 
