YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 303 



This species of Vireo, or Warbling Flycatcher, visits 

 the Middle and Northern States of the Union about the 

 beginning of May, or as soon as his insect food allows 

 him a means of subsistence. He resides chiefly in the 

 forest, where he hunts his tiny prey among the high 

 branches, and as he shifts from twig to twig in the rest- 

 less pursuit, he often relieves his toil with a somewhat sad 

 and indolent note, which he repeats, with some variation, 

 at short intervals. This song appears like 'preea 'preed, 

 &.C., and it sometimes finishes with a complaining call 

 of recognition, 'prreaigli ^prreaigh. These syllables rise 

 and fall in different tones as they are repeated, but though 

 usually sweet and impressive, are delivered too slow and 

 solemn to be generally pleasing ; in other respects they 

 considerably resemble the song of the Red-Eyed Warb- 

 ling Flycatcher, in whose company it is often heard, 

 blending its deep but languid warble, with the loud, ener- 

 getic notes of the latter, and their united music, uttered 

 during summer, even at noon day, is rendered peculiarly 

 agreeable, as nearly all the songsters of the grove are 

 now seeking a silent shelter from the sultry heat. In the 

 warmest weather, the lay of this bird is indeed peculiarly 

 strong and lively ; and his usually long drawn, almost 

 plaintive notes are now delivered in fine succession, with 

 a peculiar echoing and highly impressive musical ca- 

 dence ; appearing like a romantic and tender reverie of 

 delight. The song, now almost incessant, heard from 

 this roving sylvan minstrel, is varied in bars nearly as 

 follows : pred pred preoi, preait preoit p'?'rhoeet preeai, 

 petcai praioii, yreeai preed praoit, preeo predioit preeoo. 

 When irritated, he utters a very loud and hoarse mewing, 

 praigh^ pralgli. As soon, however, as the warm weather 

 begins to decline, and the business of incubation is 

 finished, about the beginning of August, this sad and 



