PARULA WARBLER; BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLERCompsothlypis americana pusilla(Wilson)

Tennessee WarblerParula Warbler

Description.—Adult male: Head, all but chin and throat, blue-gray, extending down to upper back, scapulars, wings, and tail;back dull yellow; wings with two prominent white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white along inner vanes; chin, throat, and lower breast clear yellow, a dusky band across upper breast which is bordered below with reddish brown; belly, sides, and under tail-coverts white. There is an almost complete, but not particularlynoticeable, white eye-ring.Female: Similar, but less brightly colored; breast usually without much trace of the dusky and reddish brown band.Young birds: Similar to the female.Length: 4¾ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—Common as a migrant during May and September; rather local as a summer resident, having been known to nest at several points in the State.Nest.—Generally built of and among tree moss, in a conifer or other tree, usually from 20 to 40 feet from the ground.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, speckled with brown at the larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—Common as a migrant during May and September; rather local as a summer resident, having been known to nest at several points in the State.

Nest.—Generally built of and among tree moss, in a conifer or other tree, usually from 20 to 40 feet from the ground.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, speckled with brown at the larger end.

The thin, squeaky song of this species is not noticeable. It might be writtenpit see, pit see, pit see see. A thin, insect-like, ascending trill is also occasionally given; this trill resembles one of the songs of the Redstart.

Description.—Adult male: Crown black, the feathers tipped with gray toward the back of the head; patch about eye, including ear-coverts, rich orange-brown; fore part of superciliary, chin and throat, sides of neck, breast, sides and rump, clear yellow; lower throat, breast, and sides strikingly streaked with black; wing with two wing-bars which are so broad that they merge, forming a white patch; outer tail-feathers with white spots on inner vanes at tip.Female: Much duller, the brown of the side of the head being replaced with olive-green, the yellow of rump and underparts dull, sometimes hardly noticeable, the wing-bars narrow and obscure.Young birds: Like their parents, but duller, the white wing-patch in the young male usually being evident.Length: 5 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, rare, as a rule, in the spring, when it is seen during May. It is often abundant in the fall, from early September through October, and sometimes later.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, rare, as a rule, in the spring, when it is seen during May. It is often abundant in the fall, from early September through October, and sometimes later.

This very handsome warbler can hardly be called a songster. The song is thin and squeaky, sometimes like the shrill squeaking of a large insect—see, see, see, see, see, it might be written, the syllables becoming louder toward the end. Usually the song is given from a rather high perch. The heavily streaked breast is a pretty good field-mark for any age or plumage of this bird.

Yellow WarblerCape May Warbler

Other Names.—Summer Yellow Bird; Wild Canary (erroneous).Description.—Adult male: Head and underparts bright yellow, the breast, sides, and belly streaked with reddish brown; back, wings, and taildull yellowish green, brightest on rump, and obscurely streaked; wing with two yellow wing-bars, and the inner webs of all the tail-feathers but the central pair, yellow, showing plainly in flight.Female: Similar, but much duller, the underparts almost altogether without streaks.Length: A little over 5 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant migrant and summer resident from late April and early May to early September.Nest.—A neat, usually deep cup, made of vegetable fiber lined with wool, feathers, and soft materials, held in place with a few horsehairs.Eggs: 3 to 5, white or bluish white, spotted with gray, chiefly about the larger end.

Other Names.—Summer Yellow Bird; Wild Canary (erroneous).

Description.—Adult male: Head and underparts bright yellow, the breast, sides, and belly streaked with reddish brown; back, wings, and taildull yellowish green, brightest on rump, and obscurely streaked; wing with two yellow wing-bars, and the inner webs of all the tail-feathers but the central pair, yellow, showing plainly in flight.Female: Similar, but much duller, the underparts almost altogether without streaks.Length: A little over 5 inches.

Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant migrant and summer resident from late April and early May to early September.

Nest.—A neat, usually deep cup, made of vegetable fiber lined with wool, feathers, and soft materials, held in place with a few horsehairs.Eggs: 3 to 5, white or bluish white, spotted with gray, chiefly about the larger end.

The Yellow Warbler’s fondness for lilac bushes and other shrubbery about our yards leads him to be a favorite and familiar bird. His bright though unmusical song is almost incessant during the days of early spring, when much time is spent, prior to building the nest, in chasing about, sparring with rival males, or in courting. During these pursuits the yellow inner vanes of the tail-feathers are likely to be plainly seen.

Description.—Male: Upperparts dark gray-blue, lightest on forehead and crown; face, throat, upper breast, and sides solid black; belly and under tail-coverts white; base of primaries with a white spot, rather obscure in some individuals; tips of inner vanes of outer tail-feathers white.Female: Dull greenish gray above, pale buffy gray below, withwhite spot at the base of the primarieswhich is always characteristic of this species in any plumage. The female has an obscure whitish line above the eye.Length: 5¼ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant in May and September. Found as a summer resident in the northern and more mountainous counties where it occurs almost wherever there is a rhododendron growth.Nest.—A neat but rather shallow cup, usually placed in rhododendron 2 to 3 feet from the ground, often in the deepest part of the woodland.Eggs: 3 or 4, white or creamy white, spotted about larger end with reddish brown.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant in May and September. Found as a summer resident in the northern and more mountainous counties where it occurs almost wherever there is a rhododendron growth.

Nest.—A neat but rather shallow cup, usually placed in rhododendron 2 to 3 feet from the ground, often in the deepest part of the woodland.Eggs: 3 or 4, white or creamy white, spotted about larger end with reddish brown.

Myrtle WarblerBlack-throated Blue Warbler

The song of this species is deliberate and rich, though droning and insect-like rather than musical. It might be written zuree,zuree, zuree, zeee, orzwee, zwee, zwee, zwee. The colors of the male are unmistakable, but the dull-colored female and young will puzzle many a beginner. Remember the white patch at the base of the primaries. Look for the bird in midsummer, in rhododendron thickets.

Description.—Adult male in spring: Crown-patch, patches at sides of chest, and rump, clear yellow; white line above eye; rest of upperparts blue-gray; back streaked with black; wings with two white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers tipped with white on the inner webs; chin and throat white; sides of breast black, merging into streaks along the sides; belly and under tail-coverts white.Adult female: Similar, but browner, and the black breast-patches replaced with streaks.Immature and adults in winter: Brownish, the yellow patches on crown, sides of chest, and rump, obscure.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant in late April and May and September and October; occasional as a winter resident; it has been noted thus principally at Erie.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant in late April and May and September and October; occasional as a winter resident; it has been noted thus principally at Erie.

The Myrtle Warbler is usually not shy and may be identified easily. In its winter range it spends much of its time on or near the ground, where it eats many seeds. While with us it is usually seen in the lower trees and bushes, where a good view may be obtained of the upperparts with the bright yellow rump-patch. The song is not noticeable; it does not have any particularly accented notes, and will not be of much use in identifying the bird. Myrtle Warblers are to be found in any sort of woodland; they have no preference for coniferous trees during migration, though they nest in them in Canada.

Description.—Adult male: Crown blue-gray; line above eye and spot under eye, white; area in front of and behind eye, black; back, wings, and tail blackish; wing with large white patch; tail with thebasesof the inner webs of all but the inner pair of featherswhite; rump and underparts yellow, breast and sides heavily streaked with black; under tail-coverts white.Adult female: Similar, but duller, the underparts less heavily streaked.Immature: Dull olive-greenish above, without noticeable superciliary or spot under eye, but with two wing-bars and markings on the tail same as in adult; underparts yellow, obscurely streaked along the sides with black; under tail-coverts white.Length: 5¹/₁₀ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—As a migrant abundant in May and September, particularly the latter, when hordes of young birds are migrating. As a summer resident rather rare and local, found principally among or near hemlock growth, chiefly in the northern and more mountainous counties.Nest.—A shallow, neat cup, made of fine twigs, lined with finer materials and hair, placed a few feet from the ground, often in a hemlock sapling.Eggs: 3 or 4, white or creamy, with red-brown spots at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—As a migrant abundant in May and September, particularly the latter, when hordes of young birds are migrating. As a summer resident rather rare and local, found principally among or near hemlock growth, chiefly in the northern and more mountainous counties.

Nest.—A shallow, neat cup, made of fine twigs, lined with finer materials and hair, placed a few feet from the ground, often in a hemlock sapling.Eggs: 3 or 4, white or creamy, with red-brown spots at larger end.

This very active warbler may be “squeaked up” easily. As it dashes about, the white band at the base of the tail usually shows plainly, for it spreads its tail widely at times. The song is a brief unmusical effort which ends with a chopped-off falling inflection. (See illustration,page 136.)

Description.—Adult male: Light gray-blue above, with a distinct white line over the eye, two prominent white wing bars, and obscure black streaking on the back; inner webs of outer tail-feathers tipped with white; underparts white, a band of gray or gray-blue usually completely encircling the breast; sides streaked with black.Female: Glossy green-blue on the head, dull grayish green on the rest of the upperparts, the wings and tail marked much as in the male; underparts dull yellowish white.Length: 4½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant summer resident from early May to mid-September, locally, in the southwestern counties; elsewhere it is rare and irregular.Nest.—A shallow, neat cup of lichens, vegetable fiber, and tree-flowers, saddled on a horizontal limb from 20 to 50 feet from the ground, often in a beech tree.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with grayish, especially at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant summer resident from early May to mid-September, locally, in the southwestern counties; elsewhere it is rare and irregular.

Nest.—A shallow, neat cup of lichens, vegetable fiber, and tree-flowers, saddled on a horizontal limb from 20 to 50 feet from the ground, often in a beech tree.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with grayish, especially at larger end.

The song of this handsome bird may be writtencheery, cheery, cheery, chee. It is rather rapidly given, with a rising inflection at the end. The Cerulean Warbler usually stays high in the trees.

Magnolia WarblerCerulean Warbler

Description.—Adult male: Crown pale yellow; line through eye black; back greenish or yellowish white, strikingly streaked with black; wings with two white wing-bars; inner webs of outer tail-feathers tipped with white; underparts white or grayish white, the sides marked with abroad streak of chestnut very noticeable in the field.Female: Similar, but duller, the chestnut of the sides being almost obsolete at times, the top of the head streaked. Immature birds are not easy to identify; they are plain yellowish green above and whitish below; the eye is encircled with a whitish ring, which is quite noticeable, and the wings are marked with two prominent wing-bars.Length: A little over 5 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant during May and September; as a summer resident, local and sometimes abundant in the northerly and more mountainous counties. It is to be looked for anywhere in the State as a nesting bird—wherever there are thicket-covered hillsides.Nest.—A rather well-made cup which is sometimes semi-pensile, placed 2 to 3 feet from the ground in a low bush or in a blackberry vine. It is composed of weed-stalks, vegetable fibers, and other soft materials.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, wreathed about the larger end with fine chestnut-brown spots.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant during May and September; as a summer resident, local and sometimes abundant in the northerly and more mountainous counties. It is to be looked for anywhere in the State as a nesting bird—wherever there are thicket-covered hillsides.

Nest.—A rather well-made cup which is sometimes semi-pensile, placed 2 to 3 feet from the ground in a low bush or in a blackberry vine. It is composed of weed-stalks, vegetable fibers, and other soft materials.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, wreathed about the larger end with fine chestnut-brown spots.

It has been said that the bright, varied song of this bird ends with the syllablesMiss Beecher. It is not amiss to bear in mind such acharacterization, for though the bird never gives such syllables distinctly, when the song is once learned the name will always jump to mind the minute it is heard. Look for these active birds in thickets on hillsides.

Description.—Adult male: Mask across forehead and face, including the ear-coverts and entirely surrounding the eyes, blackish brown; prominent round patch on side of neck, buffy white; back of head, chin, throat, upper breast, and sides, rich reddish brown; back grayish, streaked with black, the wings with two prominent white wing-bars, the inner webs of the outer tail-feathers white at tips; lower breast, belly, and under tail-coverts white or creamy white.Adult female: Has but little suggestion of the reddish brown on head, breast, or sides, and the black of the face appears in a few streaks; two prominent wing-bars and the suggestion of reddish color on the sides are characteristic.Young birds: Obscure, being olive-green above, dull yellowish below, and, as a rule, having a trace of reddish brown; two prominent wing-bars; face and breast of a decidedly yellowish tone.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, common in the spring during May, sometimes staying quite late, and abundant in the fall, the young fairly swarming through the trees in September and early October.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, common in the spring during May, sometimes staying quite late, and abundant in the fall, the young fairly swarming through the trees in September and early October.

Bay-breasted WarblerChestnut-sided Warbler

The buffy white patches on the sides of the neck of the adult male are excellent field-marks, and gleam like beacons when the red-brown cannot be distinguished. Young birds may easily be confused with immature Black-poll Warblers, however, and also look a little like vireos. The young Bay-breast is a yellower bird than the young Black-poll, however, and is somewhat more deliberate.

The song is a thin, wiry warble which does not lend itself readily to syllabization. Look for these birds in woodlands not far from streams, in spring. In autumn the young are to be found almost anywhere, even in the towns, and they are frequently to be seen searching for insects among rank weeds or low bushes.

Description.—Adult male: Crown black; sides of head below eye, white, showing plainly in the field; black line from lower mandible to side of breast; neck, back, and wings greenish gray, streaked with black, the wings withtwo white bars, the tail with the inner webs of the outer feathers white; underparts white; sides of neck and breast and the sides heavily streaked with black.Adult female: Lacks the black crown and white facial patch, is dull olive-green all over, yellower on the breast, is noticeably streaked with black, even over top of head, and has two noticeable wing-bars.Immature: Plain olive-green above, obscurely streaked; dull yellowish below, with an indefinite line above eye and two prominent wing-bars. If specimens have been taken, the young Black-poll may be distinguished from the young Bay-breast by itsyellowishrather than dusky feet. This mark may sometimes be seen in the field, since the birds are unsuspicious and may easily be observed.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, fairly commonin late spring, from about the middle of May on for three weeks; in the fall abundant, particularly the young birds, which during latter September may outnumber all other species combined.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, fairly commonin late spring, from about the middle of May on for three weeks; in the fall abundant, particularly the young birds, which during latter September may outnumber all other species combined.

Black-poll WarblerBlackburnian Warbler

The droll, unmusical song of the spring Black-poll will escape all but the sharpest ears.Ee, ee, ee, eee, eee, eeee, it seems to be, the latter syllables becoming louder. The first song I ever heard I listened to for a quarter of an hour before I could locate the singer among the leafy tops of some high elms. Once caught within the range of the binoculars, his colors were unmistakable, but it seemed scarcely possible that the slight, ventriloquistic song could be coming from him.

Remember that this bird comes late in spring. Its head pattern, at a distance, is somewhat like that of the Chickadee.

Description.—Adult male: Above black; center of forehead, line above eye, patch on side of neck, and spot under eye, bright orange-yellow; back with two lateral streaks of yellow; wings with two wide white wing-bars which so merge as to form a patch which extends into the white edging of the tertials; tail-feathers edged with whitish, particularly at the base, and inner webs of outer tail-feathers tipped with white; chin, throat, and breast, bright, rich orange, fading into yellowish on belly, and to whitish on under tail-coverts; breast heavily streaked with black.Female: Similar, but duller, the black of the upperparts being replaced with grayish. Young birds resemble the female but are less conspicuously marked, the breast usually being dull buffy yellow without any trace of orange, the wings marked with two white bars, not with a white patch.Length: 5¼ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant throughout, noticeable in mid-spring. As a nesting bird, found only in the higher and more northern counties, and usually among conifers, where in midsummer the birds are so infrequently seen that their presence is often unknown.Nest.—A neat cup made of fine twigs, lined with finer materials.Eggs: 3 or 4, creamy white, wreathed about larger end or speckled all over finely with brown. The nest is usually placed high in a hemlock.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant throughout, noticeable in mid-spring. As a nesting bird, found only in the higher and more northern counties, and usually among conifers, where in midsummer the birds are so infrequently seen that their presence is often unknown.

Nest.—A neat cup made of fine twigs, lined with finer materials.Eggs: 3 or 4, creamy white, wreathed about larger end or speckled all over finely with brown. The nest is usually placed high in a hemlock.

The color scheme of this gem among warblers is much the same as that of the Baltimore Oriole, and a full-plumaged male among the spring blossoms of an apple tree is a sight which can hardly be rivaled for sheer color and delicacy. The song is a disappointing, wiry lisp, usually delivered from the top of the tree, and so slight and unmusical as to pass unnoticed as a rule.

If you expect to see this bird in its summer home, you will have to look up a great deal into the tops of the hemlocks.

Description.—Adult male: Top of head and line through eye, olive-green; sides of head clear yellow; chin, throat, and upper breast, black; back, wings, and tail, olive-green, back streaked obscurely with black; wings with two white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white on inner webs; belly and sides white, washed with yellowish, the sides streaked with black.Female and young: Similar, but duller, having very little black on the throat, and being somewhat more yellowish on belly.Length: A little over 5 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—As a migrant abundant during May and September; as a summer resident found in the more northern and mountainous countieswhere there is hemlock growth.Nest.—A deep, neat cup, made of fine hemlock twigs and lined with finer materials, including fur, saddled on a hemlock bough from 5 to 30 feet from the ground.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, speckled with brown about the larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—As a migrant abundant during May and September; as a summer resident found in the more northern and mountainous countieswhere there is hemlock growth.

Nest.—A deep, neat cup, made of fine hemlock twigs and lined with finer materials, including fur, saddled on a hemlock bough from 5 to 30 feet from the ground.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, speckled with brown about the larger end.

Black-throated Green WarblerPine Warbler

In the hemlock shade, during summer, sounds the plaintive and musical song of this bird, which may be diagrammed thus,dēē dēē dēē dēē, dèē dēē. This bird is to be looked for anywhere in sturdy hemlock growth; during migration it may be seen near the ground in lower growth; during the summer, however, males often sing from favorite perches high in the trees.

Description.—Adult male: Olive-green above, with yellow superciliary not clearly defined;two prominent white wing-barsand the tips of the inner webs of the outer tail-feathers white; underparts dull yellow; an obscureline of olive-green from lower mandible leading back to side of chest where streaking of sides begins.Female: Similar but a little duller.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A summer resident rather locally distributed; found chiefly in the southern and central mountainous counties and more or less restricted as a nesting bird to areas in which pine trees grow. Sometimes arrives very early in spring.Nest.—A cup made of twigs and fine weed-stalks, lined with finer material, placed near the tip of a pine bough, often at great height.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with brown.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A summer resident rather locally distributed; found chiefly in the southern and central mountainous counties and more or less restricted as a nesting bird to areas in which pine trees grow. Sometimes arrives very early in spring.

Nest.—A cup made of twigs and fine weed-stalks, lined with finer material, placed near the tip of a pine bough, often at great height.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with brown.

The Pine Warbler’s rather dull coloration and resemblance to other species of the family would make it a difficult bird to identify were it not that itis virtually always found among pine trees. Its bright chipping song, which resembles that of the Chipping Sparrow a good deal, is delivered from the tip of a pine bough, and at such times the yellow breast and white wing-bars are evident. At Mont Alto, Franklin County, and in certain sections of Huntingdon County, I have found this bird abundant.

Two forms of the Palm Warbler occur in Pennsylvania, both as migrants. They are usually seen near the ground and are especially noticeable in the spring when they appear among the first of the smaller birds.

Description.—Adult male Palm Warbler: Crown rufous; rest of upper-parts dull olive-green, brightest on rump; wings with two white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers marked with white; dusky line through eye; distinct yellow line above eye; chin, throat, and breast dull yellow, streaked with olive-green; belly and under tail-coverts whitish.Female and young: Similar, but duller. The Yellow Palm Warbler is much brighter, though similar in general appearance. The entire underparts are yellow,including the under tail-coverts, and the breast and sides are streaked with reddish brown.Range in Pennsylvania.—The Palm Warbler occurs as an early spring and mid-fall migrant in western Pennsylvania, west of the mountains. The Yellow Palm Warbler occurs in the eastern portion of the Commonwealth. At Harrisburg, the Yellow Palm Warbler occurs among the earliest spring migrants.

Range in Pennsylvania.—The Palm Warbler occurs as an early spring and mid-fall migrant in western Pennsylvania, west of the mountains. The Yellow Palm Warbler occurs in the eastern portion of the Commonwealth. At Harrisburg, the Yellow Palm Warbler occurs among the earliest spring migrants.

Palm WarblerPrairie Warbler

The Palm Warblers both have the habit of wagging their tails. They areoften seen near the ground, or in low bushes, and are usually not difficult to observe. Their songs are a broken series ofchips, given in a rather subdued voice.

Description.—Adult male: Upperparts olive green, back with patch of rufous brown; wing-bars yellowish; outer tail-feathers with white patches at tips; line over eye, face, and underparts yellow; lores and line under eye black; sides heavily streaked with black.Adult female: Similar, but duller, the back sometimes without reddish brown.Immature: Much duller than adults.Length: 4¾ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant east of the Alleghany Mountains in late April and May and in September; it has been known to nest in Lancaster County.Nest.—A compact cup of plant fibers and down, lined with hairs, fibers, and rootlets, placed low in bushes.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, spotted with brown, chiefly in a wreath at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant east of the Alleghany Mountains in late April and May and in September; it has been known to nest in Lancaster County.

Nest.—A compact cup of plant fibers and down, lined with hairs, fibers, and rootlets, placed low in bushes.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, spotted with brown, chiefly in a wreath at larger end.

The Prairie Warbler is to be looked for in old pastures, or brush-covered hillsides, or in low pine or cedar growth. It is rather retiring in disposition. Its song is a series ofzeesrapidly repeated. In summer this species is decidedly local in distribution.

Description.—Adult male: Crown-patch orange-brown, bordered on either side by a black stripe; rest of upperparts dull olive-green; a rather prominent white eye-ring; underparts white, washed with buffy along sides, and heavily streaked on breast and sides with black.Female and young: Similar but duller.Length: A little over 6 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant migrant and summer resident from early April to November; found in open woodlands.Nest.—A neat cup of leaves, grasses, and weed-stalks,arched over the topwith the same materials, in the shape of an old-fashioned oven.

Range in Pennsylvania.—An abundant migrant and summer resident from early April to November; found in open woodlands.

Nest.—A neat cup of leaves, grasses, and weed-stalks,arched over the topwith the same materials, in the shape of an old-fashioned oven.

Ovenbird

Beneath the ferns and the low bushes a small bird walks daintily among the leaves, jerking its tail a little as it pauses to search for food. As it turns, we glimpse the eye-ring and its heavily streaked underparts. In a moment it puts back its head and singsteecher, tee cher, tee cher, tee cher, the notes becoming louder toward the end. Occasionally the Ovenbird sings a flight-song, a brilliant repetition of its usual song, embellished with additional notes and phrases, and enlivened by enthusiasm.

Description.—Upperparts, including wings and tail, olive, without wing-bars or marks on tail; line over eye, buffy or yellowish; underparts whitish, tinged with pale yellow; throat, breast, sides, and belly streaked with black. The sexes are alike and young birds are like adults; in fall, the underparts are more yellowish than in spring.Length: 6 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather regular and fairly common migrant throughout, from latter April to mid-May, and during the first half of September; summer resident in the northerly counties and at high altitudes.Nest.—Built among the roots of a fallen tree in a damp forest, or in a wooded swamp, lined with fine grasses, rootlets, and moss.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, spotted with brown, chiefly at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather regular and fairly common migrant throughout, from latter April to mid-May, and during the first half of September; summer resident in the northerly counties and at high altitudes.

Nest.—Built among the roots of a fallen tree in a damp forest, or in a wooded swamp, lined with fine grasses, rootlets, and moss.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, spotted with brown, chiefly at larger end.

Northern Water-Thrush

The Water-Thrushes wag their tails in a characteristic fashion as they walk among the ferns and mosses, or seek their food at the edge of a woodland pool or thickly up-grown stream. They are not particularly shy, and may sometimes be “squeaked up” very close. Their song is loud, bright, and clearly patterned, and has been ably writtenhurry, hurry, hurry, pretty, pretty, pretty. It is usually not to be found along swift, shallow woodland streams, but seems to prefer more quiet, even stagnant, water.

Description.—Like the Northern Water-Thrush, but a little larger, the line over the eye whiter and more conspicuous,the underparts white, tinged with buffy, not with yellow, and streaked with blackish on the breast and sides,not on the throat or belly.Length: 6¼ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—Fairly common but local summer resident in central and southern Pennsylvania.Nest.—Built along the bank of a stream, sometimes not far from the water’s edge, of leaves, lined with grasses and rootlets. There is often a neat pavement of leaves in front of and below the nest.Eggs: 4 to 6, white, spotted and flecked all over with brown.

Range in Pennsylvania.—Fairly common but local summer resident in central and southern Pennsylvania.

Nest.—Built along the bank of a stream, sometimes not far from the water’s edge, of leaves, lined with grasses and rootlets. There is often a neat pavement of leaves in front of and below the nest.Eggs: 4 to 6, white, spotted and flecked all over with brown.

The Louisiana Water-Thrush’s home is the wooded ravine, where a swift stream speeds down its rocky bed amid fallen trunks and mossy ledges. Here the shy birds dash about with swift, erratic flight, walk among the mosses, teetering as they go, or singing their remarkably loud, ringing song when they are not disturbed. The song is louder, more ringing, and less abrupt in closing than is that of the Northern Water-Thrush.

Description.—Male: Crown and area below eye and on side of throat, black, crown-feathers tipped with gray; line from bill, which extends over and back of eye, yellow; rest of upperparts olive-green; wings and tail unmarked; underparts bright, clear yellow.Female: Similar, but duller, the black areas inclined to be grayish and not clearly defined.Length: About 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common summer resident in southeastern and southwestern counties from about May 1 to September 5. It is a bird of the Carolinian faunal zone, which is probably gradually extending its range northward.Nest.—On or near the ground, rather bulky, and made of leaves and roots, lined with rootlets and other fine materials.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, rather evenly spotted or speckled with brown. Nests of this species are often difficult to find.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common summer resident in southeastern and southwestern counties from about May 1 to September 5. It is a bird of the Carolinian faunal zone, which is probably gradually extending its range northward.

Nest.—On or near the ground, rather bulky, and made of leaves and roots, lined with rootlets and other fine materials.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, rather evenly spotted or speckled with brown. Nests of this species are often difficult to find.

Kentucky Warbler

In southwestern Pennsylvania, where I first became acquainted with the species, the Kentucky Warbler lives in damp, dense woodlands, usually in ravines. Its song is a strikingly smooth and sweet-voiced, rollingtootle, tootle, tootle, tootle, which has a penetrating quality. In singing, the males often sit upon the lower branches of the great trees; they search for their food chiefly on the ground. The black area on the face and the bold yellow line about the eye are striking field-marks.

Description.—Adult male: Head, neck, and breast, ashy gray, withprominent white eye-ring; rest of upperparts olive-green; wings and tail unmarked; underparts yellow; sides washed with olive-green.Female and young: Similar to adult male, but uniform olive-green above, the lighter eye-ringnotnoticeable, the throat and breast light brownish gray.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, very rare in spring, during latter May, and somewhat commoner from latter August to about the end of September.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A migrant, very rare in spring, during latter May, and somewhat commoner from latter August to about the end of September.

Mourning WarblerConnecticut Warbler

This rare bird does not often sing in Pennsylvania. Look for it among high weed-growth in fall and among undergrowth in damp woods.

Description.—Adult male: Much like the Connecticut Warbler, but without eye-ring, and throat blackish,blending into a fan-shaped black area on breast.Female and young: Similar, but with upperparts olive-green, slightly grayer on head, and throat and breast gray, lightest on throat.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather uncommon migrant during May and from mid-August to the end of September. As a summer resident it occurs only in the northern and higher counties.Nest.—A rather bulky structure, among weeds, on or near the ground, made of grasses, plant-fiber, and old leaves, lined with hair or fern rootlets.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with brown at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather uncommon migrant during May and from mid-August to the end of September. As a summer resident it occurs only in the northern and higher counties.

Nest.—A rather bulky structure, among weeds, on or near the ground, made of grasses, plant-fiber, and old leaves, lined with hair or fern rootlets.Eggs: 3 or 4, white, spotted with brown at larger end.

Look for this beautiful warbler in dense weed-growth or in brush along lowland streams. It is not particularly shy, but is very difficult to see because it slips away so easily among the shadows. The song, which is not heard in the fall, as a rule, has been writtentrú ee, trú ee, trú ee, trú, too. The voice rises on the first three parts of the song, and falls on the last two.

Description.—Adult male: A mask of black across forehead; cheeks and ear-coverts bordered behind by gray; rest of upperparts olive-green, unmarked; throat and breast bright yellow, fading to white on belly and brownish on sides; under tail-coverts yellow.Female: Similar, but without the black mask, the forehead sometimes tinged with reddish brown.Adult males in the fall: Browner above and on sides.Immature males: Black facial mask obscured by grayish edgings.Length: 5⅓ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant and summer resident from late April to about the end of September.Nest.—On or near the ground, of grasses, leaves, and bark strips, lined with finer materials, in a swamp or low meadow.Eggs: 3 to 5, white, sparsely speckled with brown, often chiefly at the larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A common migrant and summer resident from late April to about the end of September.

Nest.—On or near the ground, of grasses, leaves, and bark strips, lined with finer materials, in a swamp or low meadow.Eggs: 3 to 5, white, sparsely speckled with brown, often chiefly at the larger end.

Maryland Yellow-throat

This warbler is so common that it should be known by all. Look for it along up-grown streams where weeds are thick and deep, or along the margins of marshes. The song has been writtenwitchity, witchity, witchity, but this is sometimes varied considerably. The call-note is a harsh, rather loud tschack. The facial mask of the male is to be confused with no bird other than the rather rare Kentucky Warbler which is to be foundon wooded hillsides, not in deep weeds along streams and pools. The Yellow-throat gives a flight-song, and also has a Red Squirrel-like, long-drawn-out series of chips, not often heard. If you make it a point to visit a marshy spot in late summer or early fall, you will almost certainly see these birds in the deep weeds, sedges, or cat-tails.

Description.—Larger than an English Sparrow; the largest of our warbler tribe.Adults: Upperparts olive-green, grayer on crown; wings and tail unmarked; line from bill over and around eye, and line on side of throat, white; throat and breast rich yellow; sides grayish; belly and under tail-coverts white. Young birds in first flight plumage are much streaked.Length: 7½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A decidedly local summer resident from May 1 to mid-September—common in some sections, absent in others, usually found in central and southern counties.Nest.—A bulky, well-built structure made of weed-stalks, grasses, and leaves, neatly and deeply cupped, placed in a small bush or bramble thicket a short distance from the ground.Eggs: 3 to 6, white, evenly speckled with brown.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A decidedly local summer resident from May 1 to mid-September—common in some sections, absent in others, usually found in central and southern counties.

Nest.—A bulky, well-built structure made of weed-stalks, grasses, and leaves, neatly and deeply cupped, placed in a small bush or bramble thicket a short distance from the ground.Eggs: 3 to 6, white, evenly speckled with brown.

The Chat has his own ideas about singing. He fluffs out his feathers, mounts a tree above the brush-covered hillside where his nest is hidden, and begins an odd performance. He clucks, he squeals, then repeats several times a loud, deep whistle. Perhaps, in his enthusiasm, he flies upward, to somersault back to the leaves in reckless fashion. He spreads the feathers of his dandelion-yellow throat and twirls his head as he sings. It seems that surely he will lose some of his feathers while he flops about.

Yellow-breasted Chat

You cannot intrude upon his concert. He hears the snap of a twig, the song ceases, and perhaps you will catch only a glimpse of the olive-green back.

The nests, which are large enough to be noticeable, are sometimes very poorly hidden, and may be found by looking through the interlaced branches of low bushes or thickets.

Description.—Adult male: Forehead and sides of head rich yellow; crown, hind neck, and throat black; rest of upperparts olive-green; outer tail-feathers white on their inner webs; rest of underparts bright yellow.Young male: Similar, but the black feathers of head tipped with yellow.Adult female: Like adult male, but duller, the black of the head largely replaced by gray.Length: A little over 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—Fairly common summer resident in central and southern counties from about May 1 to mid-September.Nest.—A neat, deeply cupped structure of grasses, fibers, rootlets, andcobwebs, placed from 3 to 15 feet from the ground in a slender sapling or on a small branch of a larger tree.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, thinly wreathed with brown about the larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—Fairly common summer resident in central and southern counties from about May 1 to mid-September.

Nest.—A neat, deeply cupped structure of grasses, fibers, rootlets, andcobwebs, placed from 3 to 15 feet from the ground in a slender sapling or on a small branch of a larger tree.Eggs: 4 or 5, white, thinly wreathed with brown about the larger end.

The flashing white inner webs of the outer tail-feathers of this species are an excellent field-mark. Wherever the bird is found, it is easily observed, though it is very active. Its song I have written astoo-wit, too-wit, too-wee-oh, given in a sprightly manner. Look for it in luxuriant, young tree-growth on partially shaded hillsides. In the fall Hooded Warblers may be silent, but they usually flash their tails as they become excited over our presence. The somewhat similarly colored Wilson’s Warbler has no black on the throat.

Hooded WarblerCanadian Warbler

Other Names.—Black-capped Warbler; Wilson’s Black-cap.Description.—Male: Forehead and underparts bright yellow; crown glossy black; upperparts olive-green; wings and tail unmarked.Female and young: Similar, but duller, the female with only a suggestion of the black cap, the young altogether without it.Length: 5 inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant from May 10 to June 10 and from early to latter September. It appears to me to be less common in spring than in fall.

Other Names.—Black-capped Warbler; Wilson’s Black-cap.

Description.—Male: Forehead and underparts bright yellow; crown glossy black; upperparts olive-green; wings and tail unmarked.Female and young: Similar, but duller, the female with only a suggestion of the black cap, the young altogether without it.Length: 5 inches.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant from May 10 to June 10 and from early to latter September. It appears to me to be less common in spring than in fall.

The jaunty Wilson’s Warbler, with his odd, unmusical, chipping song, has the habit of tilting or jerking his tail and flirting his wings in a very characteristic manner. Look for him in vines or low trees. He is in color a warbler, but in insect-pursuing tactics a flycatcher. As he tumbles after a gnat, his wide bill snaps audibly.

Wilson’s WarblerRedstart

Description.—Adult male: Upperparts gray, darkest on crown; line from bill to eye, and underparts, yellow; marks on sides of neck black, and a necklace of black spots across breast; under tail-coverts white.Female:Similar, but duller, with no black on head, and only a suggestion of the black necklace.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant in May and September, found chiefly in low, bushy growth. As a summer resident, found only in more northerly and mountainous counties, usually in damp woodlands.Nest.—Of leaves, lined with rootlets and other fine materials, placed at the base of a tree or in a bank.Eggs: 4 or 5, white spotted with brown.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A fairly common migrant in May and September, found chiefly in low, bushy growth. As a summer resident, found only in more northerly and mountainous counties, usually in damp woodlands.

Nest.—Of leaves, lined with rootlets and other fine materials, placed at the base of a tree or in a bank.Eggs: 4 or 5, white spotted with brown.

The nervous, sprightly song of this little-seen bird ends with a decisive, upwardtsip. If you can catch a glimpse of the singer you will see that his song is a fair representation of the bird, for he is energetic, nervous, and erratic in his movements. He is adept as a flycatcher. (For illustration, seepage 146.)

Description.—Adult male: Glossy blue-black, with basal half of the wing-feathers and basal two-thirds of tail-feathers orange-pink, the sides of breast and flanks bright rosy orange, and the belly white.Adult female: Grayish above, white below; wings, tail, and sides of breast with the same pattern as male, but marked with yellow, not orange-pink.Young males: Like the females, but more or less mottled with black. During the young male’s first breeding season he looks much like the female; with the succeeding moult he assumes the plumage of the full adult.Length: 5½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—Abundant migrant and summer resident from early May to October, commoner in summer in more northerly and mountainous counties.Nest.—A deep, firm, neat cup of fibers, cobwebs, and bark, saddled into the large crotch of a sapling from 5 to 20 feet from the ground.Eggs: 3 to 5, white, speckled with gray or brown, chiefly at larger end.

Range in Pennsylvania.—Abundant migrant and summer resident from early May to October, commoner in summer in more northerly and mountainous counties.

Nest.—A deep, firm, neat cup of fibers, cobwebs, and bark, saddled into the large crotch of a sapling from 5 to 20 feet from the ground.Eggs: 3 to 5, white, speckled with gray or brown, chiefly at larger end.

Here is a bird well worth finding. It is common and confiding, but its gorgeous plumage never fails to produce a gasp of amazement. As though the Redstart felt the need of making the most of his beautiful attire, he spreads his wings and tail, flashing them as he bustles about the twigs, fans them widely as he tumbles after an insect, and pauses in the sunshine a moment between his foraging expeditions. Even the female spreads her yellow-marked wings.

The song is not musical; it is wheezy and wiry, and not easily syllabized. It often ends with a decisive downward note.

Look for the Redstart in open woodlands.

Description.—A little larger than an English Sparrow. Grayish brown above, the edge of outer tail-featherswhite; a buffy line over the eye; underparts buffy; breast and sides streaked with dark brown. If the bird be in the hand, the hind toe-nail, which is very long, will be noted.Length: 6½ inches.Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather irregular migrant from early April to mid-May and from late September to late October, sometimes fairly common, and often occurring in flocks; occasional in mild winters.

Range in Pennsylvania.—A rather irregular migrant from early April to mid-May and from late September to late October, sometimes fairly common, and often occurring in flocks; occasional in mild winters.

Here is a bird utterly unknown to the average citizen of Pennsylvania. It lives in the open fields or on bald hill-tops. The Pipit walks daintily, after the manner of a Horned Lark, and if frightened springs into the air, to bound away, uttering its simple call-note,tsit-tsit, tsit-tsit, as it disappears high in air. It almost constantly moves its tail in a wagging manner. The white-edged outer feathers should be noted.

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