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 theChestnut-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.
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.
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 theBlack and White Warblerbut 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.
663.Dendroica dominica.5¼ inches
Throat, breast and line from eye to bill yellow.
This species has habits very similar to those of theBlack and White Creeper, being often seen creeping around the trunks or over the branches of trees with almost as much facility as theNuthatches. 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 theIndigo 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.
666.Dendroica chrysoparia.4¾ inches
In some plumages these birds may be confused with theBlack-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.
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.
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 theMaryland 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.
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 likeBlack and White Warblersand occasionally giving their clear little trill.
Song.—Nearest like that of theChipping 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.
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 theWater-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 byOven-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 theMaryland 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.
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 findMaryland Yellow-throatsin. 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 theMaryland 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.
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 theMaryland 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 theWater-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.
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.
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.
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.
685.Wilsonia pusilla.5 inches
Male, with black crown patch; female, with the crown greenish like the back.
These little fly-catching Warblers are abundant in the United States during migrations, being found in woods or swamps, and very often in apple trees when they are in bloom. They fly about among the outer branches snatching insects from the foliage or blossoms, and often dashing out to catch one that is flying by. Their natural quickness is intensified by their very attractive plumage which harmonizes perfectly with green leaves.
Song.—A simple and rather weak trill.
Nest.—Of leaves and bark, imbedded in the ground under bushes on the edges of swamps or woods; eggs white, specked with reddish brown (.60 × 48).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters in Central America. Two subspecies are found west of the Rockies.
686.Wilsonia canadensis.5½ inches
Male, with a necklace of black spots, white eye ring and lores; female, and young, with only a slight indication of the necklace.
These Warblers travel northward in company with many other kinds, always keeping in the underbrush near the ground, except when they come out into orchards and parks. Like the two last, they are very lively, rarely remaining still for more than a few seconds, before they must dash after some tempting morsel that is flying by.
Song.—A loud liquid warble, most nearly resembling that of the Water-Thrush; call, a sharp, querulous chip.
Nest.—Of rootlets and strips of bark, under roots of trees or shrubs or at the foot of stumps in the moss; the four eggs are white with a wreath of chestnut spots around the large end (.68 × .50).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts and Michigan northward; winters in northern South America.
687.Setophaga ruticilla.5½ inches
Male, black, orange and white; female, grayish, yellow and white; it requires two or three years to attain the black plumage of the male, in the intermediate stages they are sometimes strangely mottled.
In the northeastern half of the United States, these are one of the commonest and most active of the species. Both the males and females seem to be proud of their handsome plumage and are continually spreading and closing their tails. They are equally happy whether in the tree tops or near the ground, and are as often found in the one place as the other.
Song.—“Che-wee, che-wee, che-wee,” very similar to that of theYellow Warblerand also theChestnut-sided Warbler.
Nest.—Of plant fibres and grasses in forks of bushes or trees, usually at greater heights than those of theYellow Warbler; eggs whitish specked with brown.
Range.—N. A., rare west of the Rockies, breeding from North Carolina and Missouri northward; winters south of the U. S.
697.Anthus rubescens.6½ inches
These are Arctic birds that spend the winter months in the United States. We find them in flocks along roadsides or in fields, feeding upon weed seeds. They are shy and take wing readily, uttering sharp whistles as they wheel about in the air. They are always restless and stay in a place but a short time. They nest on the ground in northern Canada. Eggs grayish, profusely specked with brown.
700.Anthus spraguei.6¼ inches
Upper parts streaked with buff and blackish; below pale buffy with black markings. These birds are found on the Plains from the Dakotas to Hudson Bay in summer, migrating to Mexico in winter. They resemble the European Skylark in their habit of soaring to a great height while singing. Their song is very melodious, resembling that of the Bobolink. Their nests are depressions in the ground, lined with grasses. Eggs grayish, finely specked with purplish gray (.87 × .67).
702.Oreoscoptes montanus.8¾ inches
This species is often known as the Mountain Mockingbird because of the brilliance of its song, a very varied performance, long continued and mocking that of many other species. They inhabit sage-brush regions and are partial to the lower portions of the country, although frequently met in open mountains. They are not shy and can readily be located by their voices.
Nest.—In bushes, especially the sage and cactus; a loose structure made of bark strips, small twigs and coarse grasses, lined with fine rootlets. The three or four eggs have a rich greenish-blue ground, spotted with bright reddish brown (.95 × .70).
Range.—Sage-brush regions of western United States from the Plains to the Pacific; winters in Mexico and Lower California.
703.Mimus polyglottos.10½ inches
General colors, gray and white; bases of primaries and outer tail feathers with white.
This is the great vocalist of the south, and by many is considered to be the most versatile singer in America. It is found in gardens, pastures and open woods. All its habits are similar to ourCatbird, and like that species, it is given to imitating the notes of other birds.
Song.—An indescribable medley, sometimes very sweet and pleasing, at others, harsh and unmusical.
Nest.—Usually built in impenetrable thickets or hedges, or again in more open situation in the garden; made of twigs and rootlets, lined with black rootlets; the four or five eggs are bluish green with blotches of reddish brown (95 × .70).
Range.—Southern U. S., breeding north to New Jersey (and casually farther) and Ohio; winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf states. 703a. Western Mockingbird (leucopterus) is found in southwestern U. S., north to Indian Territory and California.
704.Dumetella carolinensis.9 inches
General color dark gray with a black cap and chestnut under tail coverts.
This is one of the most common birds throughout the United States, being found equally abundantly in gardens, swamps and scrubby pastures. They are very persistent songsters and have a large repertoire of notes, as well as being able to imitate those of many other birds. They delight in spending an hour or more at a time, perched in a bush or tree top, singing, and apparently making their song up as they go along, for it is an indescribable medley interspersed with various mews and cat calls.
Song.—A medley like that of theMockingbird; sometimes pleasing, sometimes not.
Nest.—In hedges or thickets; made of twigs, rootlets and grass, lined with fine black roots; the four eggs are plain greenish blue (.95 × .70).
Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Hudson Bay; rare west of the Rockies; winters from the Gulf States southward.
705.Toxostoma rufum.11½ inches
Above bright reddish brown; below white with black spots.
Taken as a whole I think that the song of this Thrasher is the most musical and pleasing of any that I have ever heard. It has a similarity to that of theCatbird, but is rounder, fuller and has none of the grating qualities of the song of that species. They apparently have a song of their own and do not deign to copy that of others. They are one of the most useful and desirable birds that we have.
Song.—A bright and cheerful carol, often long continued, but always clear and sweet; call, a clear whistled “wheuu.”
Nest.—Of twigs and rootlets, in hedges, thickets or thorn bushes; the four or five eggs are bluish white with numerous fine dots or reddish brown over the entire surface (1.08 × .80).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to southern Canada; winters in the southern half of the U. S.
713.Heleodytes brunneicapillus.8½ inches
Cactus groves are the favorite resorts of these large Wrens. Often a bed of cactus not more than thirty feet square will contain the homes of half a dozen pairs of them. Like all the members of the family, they are very sprightly and have violent tempers, scolding any one or anything that incurs their displeasure.
Nest.—Their nests are placed in cactus or other thorny shrubs; they are very large, purse-shaped affairs with an entrance on the side; they are made of little thorny twigs and grasses woven together, and the interior is warmly lined with feathers. The four or five eggs are creamy white, finely sprinkled with reddish brown (.95 × .65). Two or three broods are often raised in a season.
Range.—Southwestern border of the United States, ranging from southern Texas to California.
715.Salpinctes obsoletus.5¾ inches
Upper parts stone color, specked with black; rump brownish; underparts whitish with indistinct streaks on the throat.
A common bird on the dry, rocky foothills of the Rockies and westward. They are well named, for their favorite places are among the rocks, where they are always busily engaged in hunting insects or spiders in the crevices. Owing to their colors and their habits of slinking away behind the rocks they are quite difficult to see, but their sweet song is always heard if any of the birds are in the vicinity.
Song.—Very sweet and varied, almost canary-like, but impossible to describe; call, a harsh grating note.
Nest.—Of sticks, weeds, grasses, etc., concealed in crevices among the rocks; the five or six eggs are white, sparingly specked with reddish brown (.72 × .54).
Range.—Western U. S. from the western border of the Plains to the Pacific, north to Dakota and British Columbia; winters from southwestern U. S. southward.
718.Thryothorus ludovicianus.5½ inches
Above rusty brown and below washed with the same, the throat and line over the eye being white.
Like all the Wrens, this one commonly sits or flits about in the brush, with the tail erect over the body; only when singing it is held downward. Their flight is usually only for a short distance, accomplished by rapid wing beats and with a jerking motion of the tail.
Song.—Loud and tinkling, and utterly impossible to describe.
Nest.—In brush heaps, holes in trees, bird boxes or bushes; made of weeds, grass and any trash that they may pick up; eggs, five to seven in number, white, specked with reddish brown (.74 × .60).
Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to Connecticut and Illinois; resident. 718a. Florida Wren (miamensis) is found in southern Florida. 718b. Lomita Wren (lomitensis), found in southern Texas.
719.Thryomanes bewickii.5 inches
Above dark brown; below and line over eye whitish; tail blackish with the outer feathers barred with white.
Like all the Wrens, these seem to be very restless and are continually creeping about in brush heaps or along stone walls, fences or over fallen trees or stumps. They are locally abundant in interior United States, in some sections entirely replacing theHouse Wren.
Song.—A sweet chant of liquid melodious notes.
Nest.—In any location that happens to take the bird’s fancy, such as holes in trees, bird boxes, in barns, sheds, etc.; made of straw, grass and trash; eggs white profusely specked with reddish brown.
Range.—Mississippi Valley and the Plains north to South Dakota; east to the Alleghanies and casually to the South Atlantic States. 719c. Texas Bewick Wren (crythus) is found from Texas north to Indian Territory.