TUe Singing of Birds. E.P.BicknelJ. 
Molothrus pecoris. C 
OWBIRI). 
I he song-utterance of this species, although giving a slight 
reminder of its near relationship to the Blackbirds, is neverthe- 
less strikingly unique. It has an indefinite beginning, which 
is continued into a high attenuated note, ending with a sound 
curiously like that of bubbling water. This irresistibly suggests 
a bubble-like. bursting forth of sound after a long audible inhala- 
tion. It seems to be a sort of appendage to the ordinary song- 
notes, and is, perhaps, achieved only by vigorous individuals, or 
under the stimulus of courtship. Its production appears to be a 
matter of some difficulty, being attended by singular bodily con- 
tortions and a spreading and stiffening of the wings and tail- 
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 in 
use, but the bubble notes may be produced as long as the bird 
remains in voice. D-jtes 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. 
On October 8, 1882, I observed the male of a pair of Cow- 
birds striving, and with some success, to produce before its mate 
its full spring song, not forgetting the associated bodily contor- 
tions. Such behavior, in an autumn bird, was at least highly 
unseasonable, if not suggestive of illegitimate intentions. 
The singular bodily -action which accompanies the vocal 
expression of the Cowbird conveys the suggestion that the air- 
sacs of the body are brought into play in the production of song. 
Tne ducking of its head, the spasmodic motion of its tail, the- 
half-opening of its wings, the swelling of its body, which 
collapses with the culminating notes ; all this, seems to point to 
the utilization of the air-sacs— to their inflation and the muscular 
expulsion of the contained air — in the execution of its singular 
vocal performance. Indeed, from the peculiar bodily' action of 
many birds while in song, it is reasonable to suppose that the 
air-sacs are often important adjuncts of the lungs and vocal 
organs. Such bodily motions during singing, and the special 
