Blackbird

(Zool.) The Tordus merula, family Icterid a; a well-known song-bird, about 10 inches long, whose deep-toned warblings are not to be mistaken for those of any other inhabitant of the groves. The plumage of the male bird is altogether black, but that of the female is rather of a brown or dark ru et color; the bill, inside of the mouth, and edges of the eyelids, are yellow, as are also the soles of the feet. The B. is a solitary bird, frequenting woods and thickets. They feed on berries, fruit, insects, and worms; but never fly in flocks like thrushes. They pair early, and are among the first who render the groves vocal; the note of the B., indeed, during the spring and sum- Fig . 366. BLACKBIRD, ( Tordus merula.) mer, when heard at a distance, is rich and enlivening; but when the bird is confined in the cage, its song is too loud and deafening. They build in bushes or low trees, and lay 4 or 5 eggs, of a bluish-green color, marked irregularly with dusky spots. The young birds are easily tamed, and may be taught to whistle a variety of tunes. They are restle and timorous, easily alarmed, and difficult IMG:content-0637.jpg:[blocks in formation] but, in America, this name is also given to other birde having the same habits, as the Agelaius phœnice us (red winged Blackbird), and the Xanthocephalus icterocepha lus (yellow-headed Blackbird.) - See CROW. Black Bird, in Delaware , a P. O. of New Castle co. Black'bird, in Mi ouri , a village of Putnam co.-In Nebraska , a hamlet of Holt co.; also a village of Thurston co., the seat of the Omaha Indian Agency. Black-birding, n. The kidnapping of negroes or Polynesians (nicknamed black - birds ) for slaves. Black'board, n . A board used in schools for drawing lines, and various purposes of instruction. Black'-boding, a . Betokening evil. Black'-bonnet, n. (Zool.) A name of the bird Reed Bunting. See PLECTROPHANES. q. v. Black-book, n . The name given in various countries and in different times to books in which, for political purposes, were recorded the secrets of families. - A book kept at a university, containing a register of crimes and misdemeanors. - Any book treating of necromancy. Black Book of the Exchequer . The Laber Niger Scaccarii , or Liber Niger Parvus , probably compiled in the reign of Henry III., and now preserved among the records of the English Exchequer. It gives a description of the Court of England as it stood in the reign of Henry II.; the rank, wages, powers, . of the different officers of the court, the revenues of the crown, . It was printed by Hearne, Oxford, 1728. - Black Book of the Admiralty. A book compiled in the reign of Edward III., containing the laws of Oleron at large; a view of the crimes and offences cognizable in the Admiralty, . It has always been deemed of the highest authority in matters concerning Admiralty matters. Black Brook, in New York, a post-township of Clinton co., 20 m. S.W. of Plattsburg, and drained by the Saranac River. Black-browed, a . Having black eyebrows; gloomy. Black burn, a borough of England, co. Lancaster, on a branch of the Ribble, 183 m. N.W. by W. of London, 31 N.E. of Liverpool, and 22 N.N.W. of Manchester. В. is one of the great manufacturing centres of England which have had an extraordinary development in the course of half a century. It is a prosperous and active, but irregularly built town. Manf . Cotton goods, aver aging $20,000,000 in annual value. Black'burn, in Oklahoma, a village of Pawnee co. Pop. (1897) abt. 100.