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Range (Breeds from New Brunswick)

Breeds from New Brunswick and Manitoba northward to Labrador and Alaska; winters from Virginia southward. Washington, common W. V., Oct. 25 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 26 to May 8; Sept. 28 to Nov. 27. Cambridge, very common T. V., Mch. to May 5; Sept. and Oct.

Nest, of twigs and coarse grasses lined with finer grasses, in coniferous trees or on the ground. Eggs, four to seven, grayish green to pale green, thickly blotched with light and dark brown and purple, 1.00 x 76 (Chamberlain). BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

This bird is found during the migrations in small flocks on freshwater meadows or about open, bushy swamps, feeding on the ground in alder thickets or along the edges of swampy woods. It resembles, more or less, the Red-winged Blackbird in size, flight, and notes, but unlike this species, with which it sometimes associates, it is comparatively quiet and retiring. Only at times, in the spring, do we find the flocks musical centers, whence issues a confused medley of whistles, sweeter and higher-pitched than the best efforts of the Redwings. Little is known of this Blackbird in its northern home. It gathers into flocks early in the summer, and the most frequently heard note is a "cluck," not in the least characteristic. Its quiet demeanor, paleyellow eye, and uniform color are its chief distinguishing characters in the field, where it may be mistaken for the Bronzed or Purple