ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF OUR BIRDS. 
551 
under my own observation shows how destructive they are to those leaf-rolleis 
which tie themselves up so securely in the leaves of various trees and shiubs. 
While walking through a dense grove of young oaks, my attention was attiacted 
by a loud noise of tearing leaves. On approaching the spot a family of Oiioles 
flew to a large tree near by, and the noise ceased. In the stomach of one of 
these birds were found twenty of the leaf-rolling larvae, which were veij com¬ 
mon at the time on the red oak. The strong beak of this bird fits it well for 
tearing open the firm cases which enclose these pests. It may be seen searching 
in the corners of the guards about shade-trees for chrysalids, and it often resorts 
to clover and grass-fields for insects. 
Food: Of eight specimens examined, six had eaten three, twenty-five, fifteen, 
four, two, and one caterpillars respectively. Three had eaten seven beetles; and 
two, two snails. Twenty-five of the caterpillars were leaf-rollers, and seven of 
them the larvae of a species of Vanessa. 
Caterpillars, bugs and beetles, particularly one of a brilliant metallic green 
color (Wilson). Of three specimens examined by Prof. Forbes three had eaten 
caterpillars; one, beetles; and two, blackberries. Flies, beetles and caterpillais 
(De Kay). Smooth and hairy caterpillars, and other injurious insects, particu¬ 
larly the tent-caterpillar (Samuels). Caterpillars and green beetles (Audubon). 
Canker-worms (Maynard). Canker-worm, tent-caterpillar and green peas 
(Brewer). Tent-caterpillar (Prof. J. H. Comstock). According to Harris it is 
said to eat the pea-weevil and to knock open the pod to get the grub in the green 
pea. Tent-caterpillar (Le Baron). 
119. ScoLECOPHAGUS FERRUGiNEUS (CoM.), Sw. RUSTY GRACKLE. Group I. 
Class a. 
This species is mainly a migrant in Wisconsin. It occurs as late as May 
16th at Berlin, and I have never obtained it in the fall earlier than the first of 
October; it is said, however, to pass through Ilhnois from September to the 
middle of November. It leaves too early in the spring and returns too late in 
the fall to do any injury to corn. 
Food: Of five specimens examined, three had eaten seven beetles — among 
them three aquatic species; one, moths; one, two small mollusks; and two, small 
seeds. 
Corn, principally, in October (Wilson). Grubs, beetles, moths and grains of 
various kinds (De Kay). Grasshoppers, caterpillars and other injuiious insects, 
worms, crustaceans, various weed seeds, and grains left in the fields (Samuels). 
120. SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS (Wagl.), Cab. BLUE-HEADED BLACK¬ 
BIRD; BREWER’S GRACKLE. Group I. Class a. 
This species is met with very rarely in the eastern portion of the state, but as 
it occurs regularly in Minnesota it may be found along the Mississippi. 
Food: A single mature male obtained in July on the large marsh just east of 
Princeton had its stomach greatly distended with grasshoppers. 
121. Quiscalus purpureus (Bartr.), Light. PURPLE GRACKLE. Group II. 
Class c. 
I am not at all certain that the only Purple Grackle of Wisconsin is CBneus, 
as appears to be the opinion of some recent writers. The birds which we have 
arrive early in April, are common during the summer, and by the middle of 
