Chapter IV: Introduction (3)

This species replaces the preceding one west of the Plains. While the plumage of the males is entirely distinctive, that of the females is often confusing. The present species has quite a conspicuous band of rusty buff across the breast and lacks any sign of stripes on the sides, such as show faintly on the last species. Its habits are just like those of the Indigo and it frequents the same kind of territory.

Nest.—Built in a bush or on the lower branches of trees, only a few feet from the ground. The eggs are very pale bluish white (.75 × .58).

Range.—Western United States from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast; north along the coast to British Columbia; south in winter to Mexico.

VARIED BUNTING
600. Passerina versicolor. 5½ inches

This beautiful species is less common than any others of the genus and has a very restricted range in the United States. The plumage of the male birds varies a great deal; that shown in the accompanying illustration is from a brightly colored specimen. They will average duller than this. These birds frequent thickets or brush-studded pasture land. Their song is described as weaker than that of the Indigo Bunting, but having much of the same character.

Nest.—Built of grasses, bark and fine rootlets; a cup-shaped structure placed in forks of bushes, usually in tangled thickets. The three or four eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the last species.

Range.—The Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas. A sub-species (pulchra) is also found in Lower California and southern Arizona.

PAINTED BUNTING
601. Passerina ciris. 5½ inches

Male, vari-colored; female, greenish gray.

Without any exception, these are the most gaudily plumaged North American birds, but their colors have a harshness of contrast that renders them far less pleasing to the eye than many others of our birds. They are often caged, but in confinement soon lose the natural brilliancy of their plumage. Like the Indigo Bunting, they are found in thickets and hedges; their habits seem to be precisely like those of the last species.

Song.—Similar to that of the Indigo but lacking the brilliancy of that of the latter bird.

Nest.—Of grasses, leaves, strips of bark and rootlets, compactly compressed and woven together, situated at low elevations in thickets and low bushes; eggs whitish, specked and blotched with reddish brown (.78 × .58).

Range.—Southeastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to Virginia, Ohio and Kansas; winters in Central America.

MORELLET SEED-EATER
602. Sporophila morelleti sharpei. 4½ inches

The male of this interesting little species requires at least three years in which to obtain the perfect plumage as shown in our illustration. The majority of birds seen will be in intermediate stages of plumage between that of the adult female and this one. These little fellows are usually found in thickets or patches of briars and are quite tame.

Note.—During the breeding season the male has a sprightly song similar to that of the Indigo Bunting.

Nest.—The nests are made of fine grass and placed in bushes or young trees. The eggs are bluish green spotted rather evenly with brown (.65 × .48).

Range.—Southeastern Texas and southward into Mexico.

DICKCISSEL
604. Spiza americana. 6¼ inches

Male beautifully blended with yellow, white and gray, and with a black throat patch and brown shoulders; female duller.

In the middle portions of the U. S. these birds, or Black-throated Buntings, as they are commonly called, are very numerous, frequenting dry, bushy fields or prairies. They are very persistent songsters, although their song is weak and has little melody. In July and August, when many birds are silent, they continue their plaintive chant even on the most sultry days.

Song.—A simple chanting “chip, chip, che-che-che.”

Nest.—Either on the ground, in bushes or thistles, or in trees; of weeds, grasses, rootlets, corn husks, etc.; eggs four or five in number, plain bluish white and hardly distinguishable from those of the Bluebird; size .80 × .60.

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf States north to northern U. S.; rare in the Atlantic States north to Connecticut.

LARK BUNTING
605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 7 inches

Male, black and white; female, brown and gray.

This species is often known as the White-winged Blackbird, not because it bears any resemblance to any of the Blackbirds, nor because any of the habits are the same, but simply because of its plumage. They are very gregarious and usually fly in flocks even in nesting time.

They seem to be very methodical and well trained; if one of a flock takes wing, the entire flock rises simultaneously and in a very compact body they fly until some leader chooses the next stopping place, when they as suddenly alight. They have the habit of Skylarks in mounting into the air while singing and then descending on set wings.

Song.—A very lively, sweetly modulated warble.

Nest.—On the ground, usually under a tuft of grass or small bush; four or five eggs of a bluish color (.85 × .65), brighter than those of the Dickcissel.

Range.—Western U. S., most abundant from Kansas to Colorado and north to Assiniboia.

SCARLET TANAGER
608. Piranga erythromelas. 7½ inches

Male, scarlet and black; female, greenish yellow and blackish.

These beautiful birds are found in open woods, but they often come out in fields, parks, orchards and sometimes in yards when feeding; one of the prettiest sights that I ever saw was of about a dozen of these birds tripping along the furrows of a ploughed field, where they were feeding on insects. Besides berries and seeds, they live upon quantities of insects, frequently catching them on the wing in true Flycatcher style.

Song.—Resembling that of the Robin, but harsher, less varied and higher pitched. Call, a sharp chip or “chip-churr.”

Nest.—Loosely made of twigs and rootlets, on lower branches of trees; eggs four, pale bluish green, spotted with brown (.95 × .65).

Range.—Breeds in the northern parts of the U. S. from the Atlantic to the Plains; winters in the tropics, whence it arrives about May 15.

SUMMER TANAGER
610. Piranga rubra. 7½ inches

Male, rosy red; female, greenish yellow.

These Tanagers have a more southerly distribution than the Scarlet variety, but are found in the same kind of territory. In its localities it is rather more abundant and less retiring than is the latter bird in the north, and more often dwells in public parks. This bird is often called the Redbird and in localities where both the Scarlet Tanager and this species are found, they are frequently known by the same name, as their habits and notes are similar.

Song.—Similar to that of the Scarlet Tanager but said to be sweeter and clearer, and to more nearly resemble that of the Robin.

Nest.—On the outer horizontal limbs of trees in open woods or groves; nest of twigs and rootlets; eggs bluish green, spotted with brown (.95 × .65).

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to New Jersey and Kansas; winters in Central America. A subspecies is found west of the Rockies.

PURPLE MARTIN
611. Progne subis. 7¾ inches

Male, blue black; female, dull black and grayish.

These large, jolly Swallows are commonly seen about cities and towns within their range. Originally they dwelt in hollow trees, and some do yet, but the majority have recognized the superiority of man’s dwelling and now live in houses built especially for them or in cornices of houses or barns. It is no uncommon sight to see a handsome gabled structure of many rooms, perched upon a twelve-foot pole, on the lawns of many wealthy residents; others less bountifully supplied with this world’s goods use plain soap boxes for the same purpose, and the Martins seem to like the one as well as the other.

Song.—A strong, varied grating warble or twitter, more forcible than melodious.

Nest.—Of straw, paper, rags, etc., in bird houses, gables or hollow trees; eggs dull white (.98 × .72).

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Saskatchewan; winters in northern South America.

CLIFF SWALLOW
612. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 5½ inches

Adults similar in plumage but the female slightly paler. Easily distinguished from the Barn Swallow by the square tail and light buffy forehead and rump.

This is what is commonly called the Eave Swallow in the East, because of its habit of plastering its nests on the outside of barns or other buildings, up under the eaves. In the West they usually resort to cliffs where, sometimes, large sections of the face will be completely covered with the little mud flasks; often colonies of several thousand will build their nests together.

Song.—A continuous twitter, uttered while on the wing or at rest.

Nest.—A flask or gourd-shaped structure of mud, lined with straw and feathers, attached under the eaves to the outside of buildings or on the faces of cliffs; five to seven eggs are laid; white dotted and spotted with reddish brown (.80 × .55).

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to Greenland and Alaska; winters in the Tropics.

BARN SWALLOW
613. Hirundo erythrogastra. 7½ inches

Female duller plumaged and with a less deeply forked tail than the male. Forehead and throat chestnut and entire under parts buffy; tail deeply forked and with a white spot on the inner web of each feather except the central pair.

This is the most graceful and beautiful of all our swallows, and is the most common about farmhouses, the inside beams and rafters of which they appropriate for their own use. They delight in skimming over the rolling meadows or the surface of ponds, now rising with the wind, now swooping downward with the speed of an arrow.

Song.—A continuous, rapid twitter.

Nest.—A bowl-shaped structure made up of pellets of mud cemented together with the birds’ saliva, and lined with feathers; attached to rafters in barns, the opening being at the top and not at the side as in the last; eggs exactly like those of the last.

Range.—N. A., breeding north to the limit of trees; winters in northern South America.

TREE SWALLOW
614. Iridoprocne bicolor. 6 inches

Male, steely blue or greenish above; female, duller and often plain gray above, but both sexes always entirely white below.

These Swallows are also abundant about farmyards; except when they are skimming over ponds, they are almost always scouring the air above buildings or fields, at higher elevations than the Barn Swallows. When weary they roost on dead twigs or telephone wires, hundreds often being seen in rows on the latter. Like the Martins, these birds frequently nest in bird boxes, but usually not more than one or two pairs in a single house.

Notes.—A twittering like that of the other Swallows.

Nest.—Of grass, lined with feathers, in hollow trees on the border of water or in orchards, or in bird boxes erected for their use; eggs white (.75 × .52).

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of the U. S. and northward to Labrador and Alaska; winters in southern U. S. and southward.

BANK SWALLOW
616. Riparia riparia. 5¼ inches

These are the smallest of our Swallows; this species can be distinguished, even at a distance, by the conspicuous band across the breast, showing in bold relief against the lighter throat. They are found throughout North America, breeding from the middle of the U. S. north to the Arctic regions.

They nest in colonies in holes in banks, laying the four to seven white eggs on a grass nest in an enlarged chamber at the end of the tunnel.

ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW
617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. 5½ inches

In this species the throat is gray as well as the breast. The outer vane of the outer primary is stiff and bristly, thus giving the species its name. These birds breed from the Gulf north to Massachusetts and Washington, in banks or in crevices of stone bridges. The eggs cannot with certainty be distinguished from those of the Bank Swallow. They measure .75 × .52.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING
618. Bombycilla garrula. 8 inches

Larger and grayer than our common Cedar Waxwing and with yellow and white on the wing; it is a northern species and is only casually found in eastern U. S. They nest within the Arctic Circle and only a few of their nests have ever been found. In winter they are found in flocks, roving restlessly about the country, often appearing where least expected and utterly deserting other places where they are usually found.

Nest.—Of small twigs and moss, lined with feathers, usually placed at low elevations in spruce or coniferous trees; eggs dull bluish white specked sparingly with black (1.00 × .70), similar to those of the Cedar Waxwing but larger.

Range.—Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering casually south to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kansas and California.

CEDAR WAXWING
619. Bombycilla cedrorum. 7 inches

Plumage very soft colored with a general brownish tone, shading to gray on the rump. The Waxwings are named from the curious wax-like appendages attached to the tips of the secondaries, and rarely to the tail feathers. They are very sociable and usually feed in flocks. They live chiefly upon fruit and are especially fond of cherries, for which reason they are very often known as Cherry-birds. They are very tame and allow any one to almost touch them while they are feeding or sitting upon their nests.

Note.—An insignificant lisping hiss.

Nest.—A substantial structure of twigs, mosses, twine, etc., lined with fine grasses; placed in cedar trees or, when near habitations, usually in orchard trees; the four or five eggs are dull bluish white specked with black (.85 × .60).

Range.—N. A., breeding from Virginia, Missouri and northern California north to Labrador and southern Alaska; winters throughout the United States.

NORTHERN SHRIKE
621. Lanius borealis. 10 inches

This shrike is larger than any of the species found in summer in the United States and has the breast quite distinctly barred.

Shrikes are cruel, rapacious and carnivorous birds, feeding upon insects, grasshoppers, lizards and small birds. As they have passerine feet, the same as all our small birds, they are unable to hold their prey between the feet while tearing it to pieces, so they impale it upon thorns or the barbs of a wire fence so they may tear it to shreds with their hooked bill.

Song.—Loud snatches consisting of various whistles and imitations suggesting that of a Catbird.

Nest.—They breed chiefly north of the U. S., placing their rude, bulky structures of twigs and weeds in thorny trees or hedges; their four to six eggs are grayish white with spots of light brown and darker gray (1.08 × .80).

Range.—N. A., breeding chiefly in the northern parts of Canada; winters south to Pennsylvania, Kansas and California.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
622. Lanius ludovicianus. 9 inches

Pure white below and with the markings above, intense black instead of the brownish or grayish black of the last species. Although smaller, these Shrikes have the same destructive habits of the northern species. All the Shrikes do considerable good to mankind, for they eat quantities of grasshoppers and mice, and probably resort to their diet of small birds when other food is unusually scarce. It cannot be denied that they are cruel, for they often kill more than they can eat and leave it impaled on thorns to decay.

Song.—Of harsh, discordant whistles.

Nest.—In scrubby hedges and thickets; of twigs, weeds, leaves, etc.; eggs four to seven in number, grayish white, spotted with shades of brown and gray.

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to southern New England and Manitoba; winters in southern states.

Sub-Species.—622a. White-rumped Shrike (excubitorides), paler and with a white rump; found from the Plains to the Pacific in the U. S.

RED-EYED VIREO
624. Vireosylva olivacea. 6 inches

Crown slaty gray with a black border; white stripe above eye; eye reddish brown.

Throughout the United States this is one of the most abundant of the family. All through the spring and summer months their warble is heard from woodland and roadside, often becoming so monotonous as to be irritating. Oftentimes during the spring migrations of Warblers, Vireos are so numerous and singing so lustily that it is impossible to hear or distinguish the songs of any of the smaller birds.

Song.—Delivered in parts with intermission of a few seconds between, from morning until night; a short varied warble; call, a petulant mew.

Nest.—A basket woven of strips of bark and fibres, and often with pieces of newspaper worked in, lined with fine grass; eggs white with a few blackish-brown specks on the large end (.85 × .55).

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to Labrador and Manitoba; winters in Central America.

PHILADELPHIA VIREO
626. Vireosylva philadelphica. 5 inches

This is one of the least common of the eastern Vireos, although it is more common than most people know; its song is not distinctive and it keeps high up in trees, so it is not usually noticed. Their nests are swung from branches at high altitudes and are seldom found.

WARBLING VIREO
627. Vireosylva gilva. 5 inches

Above olive-green; crown grayer but with no black border. These are among the most common of the Vireos and may be found even in the hearts of large cities, swinging their pretty little nests high up in shade trees. Their song is after the style of that of the Purple Finch, very different from that of the Red-eye. The eggs are white with a few brown specks on the large end. These birds breed throughout the U. S. and southern Canada.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO
628. Lanivireo flavifrons. 5¾ inches

Upper parts greenish; throat, breast and line over eye yellow; two prominent whitish wing bars.

A handsome Vireo found in localities such as are frequented by the Red-eyed species. Nowhere do they appear to be as abundant as that species, however; they are more abundant than many suppose, but the difficulty of clearly seeing the yellow breast when they are feeding in the tree tops, combined with the similarity of their songs, usually caused them to be passed by without inspection.

Song.—Similar to that of the Red-eye, but louder and more nasal, less varied and not uttered as often.

Nest.—A pensile structure of strips of bark, grasses, etc., with the outside often ornamented with lichens; three to five eggs with a creamy or rosy-white tint, specked, more profusely than those of the Red-eye, with reddish brown (.82 × .60).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to southern Canada; winters in Central America.

BLUE-HEADED VIREO
629. Lanivere solitarius. 5¾ inches

Crown and sides of head bluish slate; lores, eye-ring and underparts white; back and flanks greenish yellow; two whitish wing bars.

This species, to my eye, is the prettiest of the Vireos, all the colors being in just the right proportion and blending and harmonizing perfectly. They are solitary, in that they are usually found in deep woods, glens or ravines, and seldom is more than one pair found in a single woods.

Song.—Similar to that of the Yellow-throated Vireo but longer and more varied.

Nest.—A handsome, finely woven basket, with the outside covered with spider webs and often with lichens; eggs pale creamy white with chestnut specks.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters south of the United States.

Sub-Species.—629c. Mountain Solitary Vireo (alticola), head darker and back less greenish; Alleghanies from North Carolina to Georgia.

BLACK-CAPPED VIREO
630. Vireo atricapillus. 4½ inches

Male, with crown and sides of head glossy black, lores and eye-ring white; female, duller colored.

This strange and comparatively rare Vireo frequents brushwood on the prairies of Kansas, Indian Territory and central and western Texas. Their habits in all respects resemble those of the more common Vireos or Greenlets as they are otherwise called.

Notes.—Similar to those of the White-eyed Vireo.

Nest.—Suspended as usual from forked branches at low elevations; made of fibres and bark strips closely woven together with spider webs. The four eggs are pure white, unmarked (.70 × .52).

Range.—Breeds from central and western Texas north to southern Kansas; winters in Mexico.

WHITE-EYED VIREO
631. Vireo griseus. 5 inches

This species shows a partiality for low, swampy places, covered with briars or tangled thickets of blackberry vines. Their habits are entirely different from any of the preceding Vireos. They do not seem to sing as they eat, but feed in silence, then, the task ended, mount to the tops of the brush and indulge in an endless variety of calls and whistles.

Song.—A great variety of clear whistles and squeaky notes.

Nest.—A bulky structure of strips of bark, leaves, paper, etc., either placed in the branches or partially suspended in a fork; eggs white with minute brown specks (.75 × .55).

Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to Massachusetts and Manitoba; winters in Mexico.

Sub-Species.—631a. Key West Vireo (maynardi), southern Florida. 631b. Bermuda White-eyed Vireo (bermudianus), resident in the Bermudas. 631c. Small White-eyed Vireo (micrus); southeastern Texas.

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER
636. Mniotilta varia. 5¼ inches

Male, heavily streaked with black below; female, with only a few streaks on the sides.

These Warblers are usually known as Black and White Creepers because of their habit of creeping along the limbs and branches of trees. They are abundant in northern United States, being found in open woods, swamps and often in parks, gleaning insects and grubs from crevices in the bark.

Song.—A weak, thin, wiry “tsee, tsee, tsee.”

Nest.—Of grasses and strips of bark on the ground at the foot of a stump or tree trunk or beside a rock; they lay four or five eggs, white with a wreath of reddish brown around the large end (.65 × .55).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and Louisiana north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in northern South America.

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
637. Protonotaria citrea. 5¼ inches

Whole head and underparts intense yellow, almost orange on the head of the male; tail with white spots near the tip; female, duller.

A common species in the interior, found in bushy swamps and the willows around the borders of pools and lakes; they are found in the latter localities with Tree Swallows and often Chickadees all nesting in holes in hollow stubs along the bank, they being one of the few members of this family to make use of such locations for their nests.

Song.—A loud, ringing “tweet, tweet, tweet.”

Nest.—In hollow stubs near or over water, the cavity of the stump being partially filled with moss, leaves and grasses hollowed on the top to receive the four to six creamy-white eggs which are heavily spotted over the entire surface with reddish brown (.72 × .55).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to Virginia, Illinois and Minnesota; winters in Central America.

SWAINSON WARBLER
638. Helinaia swainsonii. 5 inches

Upper parts brownish; underparts whitish; a white superciliary stripe and a brown stripe through the eye.

Some of the habits of this species are similar to those of the last but they are even more aquatic; they like swamps or stagnant pools thickly grown with rushes and tangled underbrush; unless cognizant of their habits, one would never look for a Warbler in the places frequented by these birds in company with Least Bitterns and Marsh Wrens. Until within a few years these were regarded as rare birds but are now found to be not uncommon in certain of the South Atlantic states, notably Georgia.

Song.—A series of descending, loud, clear whistles with a ventriloquial effect.

Nest.—Quite large structures consisting mostly of leaves with strips of bark, roots and pine needles. The four or five eggs are plain white, being the only eggs of American Warblers that are unmarked.

Range.—Southeastern U. S. from Georgia to Louisiana and north to North Carolina and Missouri.

WORM-EATING WARBLER
639. Helmitheros vermivorus. 5½ inches

Crown buffy with two black stripes; back, wings and tail olive green with no white markings; below buffy white.

These birds are very unsuspicious and easy to approach; they spend the greater portion of their time on or near the ground; they are very fond of spiders and find quantities by overturning bits of bark and leaves. They also glean part of their living from the underside of the foliage much as do the Vireos. They are met with in open woods and brush-grown pastures.

Song.—A weak, rapid chipping.

Nest.—On the ground in depressions under logs, stones or bushes; of leaves and grass, lined with fine grass or hair; eggs four or five in number, white, spotted principally around the large end with brownish (.70 × .55).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to Connecticut, Ohio and Iowa; winters in Central America.

BACHMAN WARBLER
640. Vermivora bachmani. 4¼ inches

Male, with a yellow forehead, shoulders and underparts; black cap and breast patch; female, duller and with less black.

This species was first discovered by Dr. John Bachman near Charleston, S. C.

Song.—An insignificant warble or twitter, similar to the song of the Parula.

Nest.—In low bushes or briers, one to three feet above ground. Made of fine grasses and leaf skeletons, lined with black fibres. Found breeding by Widmann in Missouri, by Embody in Kentucky and by Wayne in South Carolina. Eggs four in number; pure white (.63 × .48).

Range.—Southeastern U. S., north to North Carolina and west to Missouri. Rare and local in distribution.

BLUE-WINGED WARBLER
641. Vermivora pinus. 4¾ inches

Crown and underparts yellow; a narrow black line through the eyes; two broad whitish wing bars.

A common bird of the southeastern states and north to Connecticut, frequenting open woods, thickets and gardens. They are ground birds, spending most of their time on the ground or in low bushes which they clean of the insects which are destructive.

Song.—A loud, rapid chirrup, similar to that of the Grasshopper Sparrow but loud and distinct.

Nest.—Of leaves and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses; on the ground in clumps of weeds or blackberry vines; eggs white, sparingly spotted around the large end with rufous (65. × .50).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to southern Connecticut and Wisconsin; winters in the tropics.

Hybrids.—Lawrence Warbler, which is a hybrid between this species and the next; it has the general plumage of this species with the black ear patches and throat of the Golden-winged Warbler. It is found chiefly in southwestern Connecticut and New York.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
642. Vermivora chrysoptera. 5 inches

Crown and two large wing bars yellow; throat and ear patches black; rest of plumage gray and white; female with less black.

The distribution of this beautiful Warbler is about the same as that of the last, with which it seems to have many habits in common. It seems to prefer low ridges and side hills covered with small bushes.

Song.—A buzzing “zwee-ze-ze.”

Nest.—Of leaves, rootlets, strips of bark and grass; located on the ground among clumps of weeds, usually in moist places; eggs white with brown specks (.62 × .48).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to Connecticut and Michigan; winters in Central America.

Hybrid.—Brewster Warbler is a hybrid between this species and the last. It resembles the Golden-winged Warbler without the black, but with a yellow patch on the breast and the black line of the Blue-wing through the eye.

NASHVILLE WARBLER
645. Vermivora rubricapilla. 4¾ inches

Male with a brown crown patch; female duller colored and with no crown patch. Dry side hills covered with young trees are favorite resorts for the Warblers. They conceal their nests on the ground under tufts of dead grass or overhanging stones. They are often rather shy and hard to sight, but you can usually hear their song, a lazy sounding “ker-chip-chip-chip-cherr-wee-e-e,” ending in a short trill. These birds breed in the northern half of the U. S. and southern Canada, wintering in Central America. A sub-species is found on the Pacific Coast.

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
646. Vermivora celata. 5 inches

This species is fairly common in the Mississippi Valley but is rare in New England. Its habits are much like those of the last species and it is often mistaken for that bird. These birds breed only north of the U. S. and winter in Mexico. A sub-species, the Lutescent Warblers, nests from California to Alaska.

TENNESSEE WARBLER
647. Vermivora peregrina. 5 inches

Male, with a gray head and greenish back; female, with the top of the head the same color as the back.

A dull-colored bird that, with the exception of the bill, bears a strong resemblance to some of the Vireos. Like many others of our birds, this one has received an inappropriate name, because the first specimen was shot on the banks of the Cumberland River, while the bird is no more abundant in Tennessee than in other states during migration.

Song.—A simple ditty similar to that of the Chipping Sparrow.

Nest.—Either on the ground or at low elevations in bushes; of grasses and fibres lined with hair; eggs white, sparsely specked with reddish brown (.62 × .45).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern parts of the northern tier of states northward to the limit of trees; winters in Central and South America.

PARULA WARBLER
648. Compsothlypis americana. 4½ inches

In the summer Parulas are found in wet swamps where the ground is covered with a carpeting of moss which only partially keeps your feet from the water below; the dead trees are covered with a growth of long, drooping moss; the ends of this moss are turned up and formed into a neat cradle within which the eggs are laid.

Song.—A little lisping trill.

Range.—Breeds in the southern half of the U. S. The Northern Parula (usnea), No. 648a, breeds in the northern half of the U. S. and southern Canada; it is brighter colored than the southern form. Both varieties winter from the Gulf States southward.

SENNETT WARBLER
649. Compsothlypis pitiayumi nigrilora. 4½ inches

A smaller similar bird from southern Texas. Note the black ear patches and lack of black on breast.

CAPE MAY WARBLER
650. Dendroica tigrina. 5 inches

Male, with a chestnut wash on the ears and throat; female, duller and with little or no chestnut.

In the greater part of eastern North America, Cape May Warblers are regarded as rare birds; they appear to migrate in compact bodies, not spreading out over the country as do most of the others; consequently they may be very common in restricted areas while lacking entirely in others. I have never met with but two specimens in Massachusetts. While passing through the United States you may meet with them in open woods, parks or in shade trees along the streets of cities.

Song.—A thin, high-pitched whistle repeated several times.

Nest.—Of small cedar twigs lined with horse hair, placed within a few feet of the ground in small cedar trees; eggs white spotted with brown (.68 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in eastern Canada and, rarely, northern New England; winters south of the U. S.

YELLOW WARBLER
652. Dendroica æstiva. 5 inches

Male, with chestnut streaks on the sides; female, duller and without the streaks.

An abundant bird everywhere in woodland, park, orchard or garden and one of the most vivacious of the family. Arrives in the north soon after May first and is seen flitting about like a gleam of sunshine snatching insects from the foliage or darting after them in the air. Often known as the Summer Yellow-bird. It frequently nests in garden or orchard trees, where it is a most welcome tenant.

Song.—A sharp, vigorous “che-wee, che-wee, che-wee.”

Nest.—A beautiful and compact structure of vegetable or plant fibres firmly quilted together, and fastened to upright forks of bushes or trees at low elevations. Willows along creeks, ponds or rivers are favorite resorts.

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to Labrador and Alaska; winters in Central America.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
654. Dendroica cærulescens. 5¼ inches

Male, grayish blue above and with a black face, throat, breast and sides; female, grayish olive above, whitish below. Both sexes always have a white patch or speck at the base of the primaries.

You will find these birds in damp woods or swamps, or less often in parks or open woods. They are usually seen at low elevations in scrubby underbrush. Their notes are very peculiar and will draw attention to them anywhere.

Song.—A deep grating whistle with a sharply rising inflection, “zee-zee-zwee.”

Nest.—In deep, swampy woods, especially common in laurel; of grapevine bark and rootlets lined with fine black roots and hair; the four eggs are white or buffy white with reddish brown spots and blotches.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Connecticut (sparingly) and Michigan north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in Central America. 654a. Cairns Warbler (cairnsi) is said to be darker on the back; found in the southern Alleghanies.

MYRTLE WARBLER
655. Dendroica coronata. 5½ inches

Yellow patches on crown, sides and rump; outer tail feathers with large white spots; female duller and browner.

During migrations these pretty birds are very abundant in the United States. They usually travel in large flocks so that a small piece of woodland is literally flooded with them when they pause in the flight to feed upon insects or small berries. They are often known as Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Song.—A clear, broken trill or warble.

Nest.—Usually in coniferous trees, though sometimes in others, and at low elevations; of plant fibres and grasses; the four or five eggs are white, spotted and blotched with reddish brown (.70 × .54).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New England and Minnesota northward; winters south of the U. S.

MAGNOLIA WARBLER
657. Dendroica magnolia. 5 inches.

Male, with black ear patch, back, and necklace; female, with the black replaced with grayish; both sexes have a yellow rump and white spots midway of the tail feathers.

One of the prettiest of the Warblers and one of the least timid. I have often had one or more of these birds follow me the whole length of a piece of woods apparently out of curiosity, coming down to the nearest twigs within arms’ reach of me. Birch woods are their favorites during migrations, although a few of them will be found almost anywhere.

Song.—A short, rapidly uttered warble.

Nest.—Usually in coniferous trees, far out on the longer branches, where they are often difficult to get at, of rootlets lined with fine black rootlets and hair; four or five white eggs with small spots of chestnut around the large end (.60 × .48).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts and Michigan northward; winters south of the U. S.

CERULEAN WARBLER
658. Dendroica cærulea. 5 inches

Above grayish blue with black streaks, below white with a bluish breast band and streaks on the sides; female washed with greenish above and yellowish below; both have white patches near the ends of the tail feathers.

These dainty little Warblers are not abundant anywhere, but seem to be most so in the central states. They are birds of the tree tops, rarely coming down so that they can be distinctly seen. They may be more common than supposed, for so small a body at such heights can readily be overlooked.

Song.—A little warbling trill, “zee-zee-ze-ee-eep.”

Nest.—In the higher outer branches of large trees usually in deep woods; compactly made of dry grasses and cobwebs, adorned with a few lichens; eggs white specked at the large end with brownish (.65 × .50).

Range.—Interior portions of the U. S., breeding north to Michigan and Minnesota; east to western New York and, rarely, southern New England; winters in northern South America.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
659. Dendroica pennsylvanica. 5 inches

Yellow crown, black line through eye and on side of throat and broad chestnut stripe on sides; female, paler and with less chestnut; young greenish yellow above and with no chestnut.

Nearly every swamp or bush-covered pasture within their range shelters one or more pairs of these Warblers. While they sometimes feed in the tree tops, they are birds of the lower foliage and are usually seen in low bushes.

Song.—Similar to that of the Yellow Warbler but more choppy.

Nest.—In low bushes or weeds, and often in sweet fern or briars; similar to that of the Yellow Warbler but coarser, being made more with grasses than with fibres, situated in upright forks or attached to several weed stalks; eggs white, specked around the large end with reddish brown (.68 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from New Jersey and Ohio north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters south of U. S.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
660. Dendroica castanea. 5½ inches

Male, with crown, throat and sides rich chestnut; female, paler; young and adults in winter, greenish above, streaked with black and with a trace of chestnut on the flanks.

These Warblers are only locally abundant during migrations, while in eastern New England they are rare. They are active insect hunters, darting rapidly about the tree tops or, less often, in brush; their habits most nearly resemble those of the Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Song.—A low, liquid warble.

Nest.—At low elevations in trees in swampy woods; compact, cup-shaped structures made of fine shreds of bark, rootlets and grass; eggs bluish white, finely specked around the large end with reddish brown (.70 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters south of the U. S.

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
662. Dendroica fusca. 5¼ inches

Male, black above with large white patch on wing, and bases of outer tail feathers white; throat and breast intense orange; female duller and with the orange replaced by dull yellow.

Without exception, this is the most exquisite of the whole family; it is the most eagerly sought bird by bird lovers, in the spring. Some years they are very abundant, while others few are seen, their routes of migration evidently varying. They arrive about the time that apple trees are in bloom, and are frequently seen among the blossoms, dashing after insects.

Song.—A high-pitched lisping “zwe-zwe-zwe-see-ee-ee,” ending in a thin, wiry tone, almost a hiss; it is very distinct from the song of any other bird.

Nest.—In coniferous trees at any height from the ground; of shreds of bark, fine cedar twigs, rootlets, etc.; eggs greenish white blotched with brown.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts (rarely) and Minnesota northward; winters in Central America.

BLACK-POLL WARBLER
661. Dendroica striata. 5½ inches

Whole crown black; female, without black cap, greenish gray above streaked with black; young paler than the female.

These birds are one of the latest of the migrants to arrive, reaching northern United States about the last of May, but coming in such numbers that they are found everywhere. While their plumage somewhat resembles that of the Black and White Warbler, their habits are entirely different.

Song.—A high-pitched, hissing whistle similar to that of the Black and White Warbler but uttered more deliberately and with an instant’s pause between each note.

Nest.—At low elevations in thick coniferous trees; made of slender twigs, rootlets and lichens, lined with hair or feathers; eggs whitish, thickly spotted with brown (.75 × .52).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New England, Minnesota and Wyoming north to the Arctic regions; winters south of the United States.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
663. Dendroica dominica. 5¼ inches

Throat, breast and line from eye to bill yellow.

This species has habits very similar to those of the Black and White Creeper, being often seen creeping around the trunks or over the branches of trees with almost as much facility as the Nuthatches. They are southern birds and are only rarely or accidentally found in the northern half of the U. S., and they are one of the few members of the family that winter in the southern parts of our country.

Song.—Loud and similar to that of the Indigo Bunting, but shorter.

Nest.—Usually high up in pines and often concealed in tufts of moss; made of fine twigs and strips of bark, held together with cobwebs and Spanish moss; eggs greenish white, spotted with various shades of brown.

Range.—Southeastern U. S., breeding north to Virginia; winters in the West Indies. 663a. Sycamore Warbler (albilora) is like the Yellow-throated, but is white before the eye; found in the Mississippi Valley north to Illinois and Iowa; winters in Mexico.

GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER
666. Dendroica chrysoparia. 4¾ inches

In some plumages these birds may be confused with the Black-throated Green. Notice that the adult male has a short median line of yellow on the crown, otherwise the top of head and entire back are intense black. Young birds, which bear the closest resemblance to the next species, can be distinguished because their underparts are white, those of the Black-throated green being tinged with yellow.

These rare Warblers have a very restricted distribution, but are said to be not uncommon within their range.

Notes.—Song with the usual Warbler quality, but entirely distinctive: “sweah-sweah-swee-e-e.”

Nest.—Of strips of bark, usually located in juniper trees six to twenty feet above ground. Eggs white, splashed about the large end with reddish brown (.65 × .50).

Range.—Central Texas southward into Mexico.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER
667. Dendroica virens. 5 inches

Throat black; two wing bars and outer tail feathers white; female with little black on the throat.

A common bird in pine groves in northern United States, or during migrations in birch woods. I have found them most abundant on side hills covered with low-growth pines. They seem to be very nervous and are greatly excited if you appear near their nests. They often have the habit of building several nests, whether with the deliberate intent to deceive or whether because the first was not satisfactory as to location is not known.

Song.—Entirely different from that of any other bird; a rather harsh “zee” repeated six times, with the fourth and fifth syllables lower.

Nest.—Of rootlets and fine grasses, lined with hair; placed high up in pine trees; eggs white with fine brown specks around the large end (.60 × .50).

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from southern New England and Illinois north to Nova Scotia and Hudson Bay; winters in Central America.

KIRTLAND WARBLER
670. Dendroica kirtlandi. 5½ inches

Above bluish gray streaked with black; underparts pale yellow streaked on the side with black.

This is one of the rarest of American Warblers, and until 1903 but little was known of their habits or range; in that year they were discovered nesting in Oscoda County, Michigan. They were found near the banks of a river in Jack pines, building on the ground and remaining in the underbrush near it.

Song.—Loud and clear and said to resemble that of the Maryland Yellow-throat.

Nest.—In depressions in the ground at the foot of pine trees and probably also under bushes; made of strips of bark and vegetable fibres; eggs white, wreathed about the large end with brown (.72 × .56).

Range.—Breeds in Michigan and migrates southeast through Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida to the Bahamas.

PINE WARBLER
671. Dendroica vigorsi. 5½ inches

Greenish yellow above, brighter below; two white wing bars and white spots on outer tail feathers; female, duller and grayer.

Found only in tracts of coniferous trees, except during migrations, when they are often in company with other kinds of Warblers. They like dry hillsides covered with scrub pines and are often quite abundant in such localities. They are rather quiet in their manners, creeping about among the tree tops like Black and White Warblers and occasionally giving their clear little trill.

Song.—Nearest like that of the Chipping Sparrow, but easily distinguishable; a long, clear trill.

Nest.—A small, compact structure of black rootlets lined with hair; placed in the extreme tops of scrub pines, where it is very difficult to see them; eggs white specked with reddish brown (.62 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf north to southern Canada; winters in southern U. S.

PALM WARBLER
672. Dendroica palmarum. 5¼ inches

No wing bars, but white spots on the outer tail feathers; crown, cheeks and streaks on the sides chestnut.

During migrations you will find these Warblers along roadsides, in open woods and scrubby pastures. They are of a very nervous temperament and, when at rest or when walking, are continually flirting their tail, a habit which none of the Warblers, except the Water-thrush, seem to have. They are one of the earliest of the family to appear in the spring, reaching northern United States in April.

Song.—A short trill; an ordinary Warbler chirp.

Nest.—On the ground under shrubs, or sunken in moss; made of fine grasses, bark and moss; the four eggs are creamy white with reddish-brown spots.

Range.—Interior of N. A., breeding in the interior of British America; winters in southern U. S. 672a. Yellow Palm Warbler (hypochrysea) is brighter yellow below; it is found in eastern N. A., breeding north of Nova Scotia; winters along the Gulf.

PRAIRIE WARBLER
673. Dendroica discolor. 4¾ inches

Above greenish with chestnut spots on the back; below yellow with black markings; female paler.

These are very locally distributed birds and will often be found breeding abundantly in a small patch of brush-covered pasture, while many others apparently just as well suited for their purposes will be shunned by them. They are very active, flitting rapidly from one bush to another, the male occasionally mounting to a bush top to hurriedly deliver his song, then diving out of sight below the foliage.

Song.—An energetic, rather harsh “zee-zee-zee-ee” on an ascending scale.

Nest.—A neat cup of grasses and vegetable fibres, lined with black rootlets or horsehair; located in low shrubs or bushes from one to two feet above ground; eggs whitish with blackish-brown specks about the large end (.65 × .48).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to Massachusetts and southern Michigan; winters in the West Indies.

OVEN-BIRD
674. Seiurus aurocapillus. 6 inches

Crown orange brown bordered by black; no white in wings or tail.

This bird is found in open woods, where it builds its arched nest on the ground among the leaves or pine needles. It is the peculiar oven-like construction of their nests that gives them their name. They are essentially ground birds, only mounting to the lower branches of trees to sing or when scolding an intruder.

Song.—A peculiar ascending song resembling the word teacher, repeated five or six times and gathering strength and volume with each syllable; call, a sharp chip.

Nest.—Of leaves, strips of bark and grass arched over the top so as to leave a very small opening; placed on the ground in woods; four to six white eggs spotted with reddish brown (.78 × .58).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the U. S. and north to Labrador; winters chiefly south of U. S.

WATER-THRUSH
675. Seiurus noveboracensis. 6 inches

This species always has a yellowish tinge to the underparts and the stripes beneath are narrow, but prominent. These Warblers are found in tangled underbrush near water. They have a habit of continually flirting their tails, thus giving them the local name of Water-Wagtail. Their call is a sharp metallic “chink”; their song a loud, liquid “quit-quit-quit-que-quewe-u.” Breeds from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters south of U. S.

LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH
676. Seiurus motacilla. 6¼ inches

Larger, grayer above and whiter below than the preceding; stripes fewer and broader. This is a more southern species and breeds from the Gulf to Connecticut and southern Minnesota. Its notes are wild and ringing, like those of the last. They build their nests under the roots of trees or under the edges of overhanging banks. The eggs are creamy white, boldly blotched with brown.

KENTUCKY WARBLER
677. Oporornis formosa. 5½ inches

Crown and ear coverts black, underparts and line over eye yellow; no white in the plumage.

These birds are found in about such localities as are frequented by Oven-birds, but with a preference for woods which are low and damp. They are locally common in some of the southern and central states. They are active gleaners of the underbrush, keeping well within the depths of tangled thickets. Like the Maryland Yellow-throat, which has similar habits to those of this bird, they are quite inquisitive and frequently come close to you to investigate or to scold.

Song.—A loud, musical, Wren-like warble.

Nest.—A bulky structure of leaves, bark and grasses, lined with black rootlets or horsehair; placed on the ground in bunches of weeds or at the foot of a small bush; the four or five eggs are quite heavily speckled, chiefly at the large end, with reddish brown.

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to New York and southern Michigan; winters in northern South America.

CONNECTICUT WARBLER
678. Oporornis agilis. 5½ inches

Male with a bluish slate-colored head; eye ring white and completely encircling the eye; female with a saffron-colored head.

In the United States we find this Warbler only in spring and fall migrations. They appear to be much more rare in the spring than in the fall; while I have seen perhaps a hundred in the fall I have never seen but one in spring. They frequent wild tangled thickets, such as you often find Maryland Yellow-throats in. As they do most of their feeding upon the ground and remain in the depths of the thickets, they are rarely seen unless attention is drawn to them.

Song.—Somewhat like that of the Maryland Yellow-throat; call, a sharp, metallic “peenk.”

Nest.—In thickets or clumps of briars, either on the ground or just above it; made of strips of bark and skeletons of leaves lined with hair; eggs whitish sparingly specked at the large end with brown (.75 × .56).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding north of the U. S.; winters in northern South America.

MOURNING WARBLER
679. Oporornis Philadelphia. 5½ inches

Similar to the last, but with no eye ring and with a black patch on the breast.

These birds are found in swamps and thickets, as well as among the bushes and weeds along walls, fences and the edges of woods. Their habits are like those of the Maryland Yellow-throats, they being found on or near the ground, scratching about among the leaves or gleaning insects from the foliage of the low shrubbery. They appear to be the most abundant in the middle states and northward.

Song.—Similar to the liquid song of the Water-Thrush; call, a sharp “peenk,” like that of the last.

Nest.—On or near the ground in thickets or tangled vines; made of fine bark strips and fibres, lined with hair; eggs white specked with reddish brown (.71 × .54).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from northern New England, Ohio and Michigan north to southern Canada; winters south of the U. S.

MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT
681. Geothlypis trichas. 5¼ inches

One of our most common birds in swamps and also in shrubbery along roadsides or walls. They are very inquisitive, and their bright eyes will peek at you from behind some leaf or shrub as long as you are in sight.

Song.—A lively “witchity-witchity-witch”; call, a deep chip; also a rattling note of alarm.

Nest.—Of grapevine and grasses, located in clumps of weeds on or nearly touching the ground; eggs white with brown specks (.70 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Jersey.

Sub-Species.—681a. Western Yellow-throat (occidentalis), said to be brighter; found chiefly west of the Rockies, but east to the Plains. 681b. Florida Yellow-throat (ignota), South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 68ld. Northern Yellow-throat (brachidactyla), slightly larger and deeper colored; found in northeastern U. S. and southeastern Canada, west to Dakota and south through the Mississippi Valley to the Gulf.

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
683. Icteria virens. 7½ inches

Breast yellow, lores black, line over the eye and underparts white; no white on wings or tail.

Dry side hills and ravines covered with thick underbrush are the places to look for Chats. Usually if they are present they will make themselves heard long before you see them. They are one of the most odd birds both in action and song. They are mimics of the highest order and can make any kind of whistle or squawk, but all their vocal efforts seem to require a great deal of flirting of the tail and twisting of the head. They even jerk their tail up and down while flying, this making them appear extremely ludicrous.

Song.—A varied medley of whistles and calls.

Nest.—Near the ground in tangled thickets; of grass, weeds, etc.; eggs whitish plentifully specked with reddish brown (.90 × .70).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to Massachusetts and southern Minnesota; winters in Central America. 683a. Long-tailed Chat (longicauda) is found in the U. S. from the Plains to the Pacific.

HOODED WARBLER
684. Wilsonia citrina. 5½ inches

Male with yellow forehead and cheeks, the rest of the head and throat being black; female much duller with little or no black; both sexes have white spots on the outer tail feathers, but no bars on the wings.

This is one of the liveliest of the family, being very active in catching insects on the wing like a true Flycatcher; because of this habit all the members of this genus are often called Fly-catching Warblers. They also have a habit of often spreading and folding the tail as they flit through the underbrush that they frequent.

Song.—A clear, liquid series of whistles; call, a sharp “chip.”

Nest.—Within a few inches of the ground in low underbrush or vines; made of leaves, bark, etc., held firmly together with cobwebs; the four or five eggs are white, profusely spotted with reddish brown.

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to southern Connecticut and Michigan; winters south of the U. S.

WILSON WARBLER
685. Wilsonia pusilla. 5 inches

Male, with black crown patch; female, with the crown greenish like the back.