_Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. Case 6, Fig. 45_
Large size and a yellow head distinguish the male;
the female is duller, the body brownish, the head
yellowish. L. 10.
_Range._ Mississippi Valley and westward, breeding
from northern Illinois northward to Canada;
winters from the west Gulf coast and southern
California into Mexico; accidental east of the
Alleghanies.
Washington, A.V., one instance, Aug. Cambridge,
A.V., one record, Oct. Glen Ellyn, A.V., May 21,
1898. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 21.
Hanging their cradle nest in the quill-reeds or rushes, the Yellow-heads
are not found far from it until the young take wing. The male entertains
his mate with a variety of strange calls and whistles, but leaves to her
the hatching of the brown speckled eggs and care of the young while they
are in the nest. Like other Blackbirds they migrate and winter in
flocks.