"Those are members of the Blackbird family called Cowbirds, because they follow the cows as they feed, in order to pick up worms and bugs that are shaken out of the grass. But I am sorry to say that these birds are the vagabonds of Birdland—the tramps I told you of."
The Baltimore Oriole
Length seven and a half inches.
Male: orange flame-color, the head, neck, and upper half of back black; wings black, edged with white; tail black and orange, about half and half.
Female: not clear orange and black, but the former color much duller, and the latter mixed up with gray, olive, and brown.
A Summer Citizen of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, north to Canada, travelling to Central America for the winter.
A worthy Citizen, fine musician, and a good neighbor. Belongs to the guilds of Ground Gleaners, Tree Trappers, and Seed Sowers.
THE COWBIRD (THE TRAMP)
"Cluck-see! cluck-see!" called a Cowbird, flying over the wall to join the others in the pasture.
"What a hoarse ugly cry!" said Nat.