The ardent male usually arranges to have these antics witnessed 
by two or more of the plainer sex, as we are forced to speak of 
the females of most birds, and we cannot doubt their efficacy in 
captivating the objects of his ambitious passion. But as the 
breeding season wears on, and the novelty of being many-wived 
has, perhaps, come to be a matter of some concern with this 
polygamist, its enthusiasm diminishes, and many songs fail at the 
terminal note of ebullition. Songs of this character-are referred 
to beyond as half-songs. 
Cowbirds are somewhat uncertain and capricious in the use 
of their voices, and show much variability in different years in 
the continuousness of song. As a general thing singing is in- 
frequent in June, although, extending through this month and 
into July. At this time the half-song is almost exclusively m 
use, but the bubble notes may be produced as long as the bird 
remains in voice. Dgtes of latest songs . of the first period range 
from July 6 to 23. 
There seems to be no regularity about singing in the fall ; but 
I have heard imperfect notes and half-songs at different times 
within a month after the middle of September. Sometimes, in 
the autumn, when Cowbirds are assembled in small flocks, they 
become garrulous, when their commingled utterance of low notes 
produces a sound as of subdued warbling. 
the fndigo-bird sings faithfully through the midsummer ; 
but the silencing influence that begins to overtake the birds at 
this time, reaches it about the end of July, and it is soon quieted. 
The last days of singing are between the end of July and mid- 
August ; my records giving August 15 and 16 as dates of latest 
songs. 
I have ever found this bird uncommon in the fall, and my scant 
data respecting its singing in that season are comprehended 
between the last two weeks of September. 
