152 LIFE-HISTORIES OP UiRi>S 



A. K. Fisher, Esq., of Sing Sing, N. Y., describes 

 a nest which he and a friend discovered in a woods 

 "overgrown with ferns and other perennials." It 

 was built at a slight elevation from the ground. 



^ 5 



and was composed of coarse grass and dry chest- 

 nut leaves, externally, and lined with horse-hair. 

 It was located not more than 20 feet from the 

 public road. 



Geothlypis trichas, Cabanis. 



This beautiful and exceedingly active little 

 species, the Maryland Yellow Throat, generally 

 arrives in the latitude of Philadelphia during the 

 first week of May. It is mostly paired on its 

 arrival; sometimes, isolated individuals are ob- 

 served. Few species are more eminently social 

 and confiding. At its earliest appearance it con- 

 sorts with our common sparrows, and delights in 

 the society of man for whom it manifests marked 

 attachment. As the season advances and the time 

 of nesting draws near, it forsakes such places for 

 more quiet retreats. 



This species combines the attributes of the Pari- 

 dtz with those of the Muscicapidce. It moves 

 among the branches and foliage of trees, and often 

 suspends itself from the former with the nimbleness 

 of the little Black Cap; and perched upon a small 

 twig, ever on the alert, it seizes a passing insect 

 with the ease and dexterity of a Flycatcher. It is 

 not strictly arboreal whilst feeding, having been 

 frequently observed by us gleaning among the 

 forest leaves. 



