YELLOW-CROWNED WARBLER, OR MYRTLE-BIRD. 363 



livery of spring, particularly as it is not any sexual dis 

 tinction. 



While feeding they are very active, in the manner of 

 Flycatchers, hovering among the cedars and myrtles 

 with hanging wings, and only rest when satisfied with 

 gleaning food. In spring they are still more timid, 

 busy, and restless. Of their nest we are wholly ignorant. 

 When approached, or while feeding, they only utter a 

 feeble, plaintive tship of alarm. This beautiful species 

 arrives here about the 7th or 8th of May, and now chiefly 

 frequents the orchards, uttering, at short intervals, in the 

 morning, a sweet and varied, rather plaintive warble, re- 

 sembling, in part, the song of the Summer Yellow-bird, 

 but much more the farewell, solitary, autumnal notes of 

 the Robin Red-breast of Europe. The tones, at times, 

 are also so ventriloqual and variable in elevation, that it 

 is not always easy to ascertain the spot from whence they 

 proceed. While thus engaged in quest of small cater- 

 pillars, it seems almost insensible to obtrusion, and fa- 

 miliarly searches for its prey, however near we may ap- 

 proach. 



The Myrtle-bird is from o to G inches long, and 8 to 9 inches in 

 alar extent. This difference in tlie size of individuals is very con- 

 siderable. Above, a fine slate-color, the feathers centered with 

 black ; crown, sides of the breast, and rump, rich lemon-yellow; the 

 wings and tail black, the former crossed with 2 bands of white, the 3 

 exterior feathers of the latter spotted with white ; cheeks and front 

 black ; chin, line over and under the eye, white. Breast cinereous, 

 with black spots extending also under the wings ; belly and vent 

 white, the latter spotted with black. Bill and legs black. The fe- 

 male with fainter colors, and with a brownish tinge. — The princi- 

 pal distinction between the spring and autumnal plumage, besides 

 the clearness of the yellow crown, is the blackness of the cheeks. 

 The plumage of the spring birds is very obviously worn, so that the 

 brown edges of the feathers have nearly disappeared ; even the ends 

 of the quills are completely rounded. This effect might naturally be 



