YELLOW-HEADED TROOPIAL. 31 
four genera corresponding to our Icterus. But, if the latter name 
was considered as utterly inadmissible, we see no reason why he 
did not accept that of •X'anthornus, applied to this genus by Pallas. 
All the species of Troopial are peculiar to America. We divide 
them into four sub-genera, the present bird belonging to the second, 
to which we apply the name of JCanthornus. The species of this 
sub-genus are peculiarly social in their dispositions, and their asso¬ 
ciations are not liable to interruption from the influence of love 
itself. Not only do many individuals of the same family combine 
and labour in concert, but they also unite with very different spe¬ 
cies. Their aspect is animated, and their movements are quick, 
bold, and vigorous; they fly rapidly, at a good height, and are 
much attached to the places of their birth. Their song is a kind 
of whistling; they walk with the body nearly erect, with a slightly 
hurried step, and are seen sitting on the ground, or perched on the 
blanches of trees. They seek no concealment, and never enter 
the woods, though they are very careful to construct their nests in 
a safe situation. The Troopials eat no fruits, but derive their 
subsistence from insects, worms, grains, and small seeds. They 
leave the temperate climates at the approach of winter, and are 
amongst the first birds of passage that return with the spring. 
