_Euphagus carolinus. Case 5, Figs. 3, 4_
The bird's common name is based on the fall
plumage of the male, which is broadly margined
with rusty. By spring these tips wear off and the
bird is glossy black. Size of the Red-wing but
with a whitish eye and no red; the female
unstreaked.
_Range._ Eastern North America; nests from the
northern part of the northern states to Canada;
winters from New Jersey and Ohio to the Gulf
States.
Washington, common W.V., Oct. 13-Apl. 30.
Ossining, common T.V., Mch. 26-May 8; Sept.
28-Nov. 27. Cambridge, very common T.V., Mch.
10-May 8; Sept. 15-Oct. 31. N. Ohio, common T.V.,
Mch. 5-May 10; Sept. 10-Nov. 15. Glen Ellyn,
common T.V., Mch. 3-May 8; Sept. 12-Nov. 15;
uncommon W.V. SE. Minn., common T.V., Mch. 26-Nov.
24.
This is the least conspicuous of our Blackbirds. It nests chiefly north
of the United States, migrates in small flocks, and is less noisy than
the Red-wing or Grackle and not so much in evidence as the Cowbird.
Dwight describes its notes as "a confused medley of whistles, sweeter
and higher-pitched than those of the Red-wing." It nests in May,
building in coniferous trees or near the ground, and laying 4-7 greenish
eggs, heavily marked with brown and purple.