SUMMER YELLOW-BIRD OR WARBLER. 369 



The egg, deposited before the laying of the rightful ten- 

 ant, too large for ejectment, is ingeniously incarcerated 

 in the bottom of the nest, and a new lining placed above 

 it, so that it is never hatched to prove the dragon of the 

 brood. Two instances of this kind occurred to the obser- 

 vation of my friend, Mr. Charles Pickering ; and last sum- 

 mer I obtained a nest with the adventitious egg about 

 two thirds buried, the upper edge only being visible, so 

 that in many instances, it is probable, that this species 

 escapes from the unpleasant imposition of becoming a 

 nurse to the sable orphan of the Cow-bird. She, howev- 

 er, acts faithfully the part of a foster-parent when the 

 egg is laid after her own. 



The Summer Yellow Bird, to attract attention from its 

 nest, when sitting, or when the nest contains young, some- 

 times feigns lameness, hanging its tail and head, and flut- 

 tering feebly along, in the path of the spectator ; at other 

 times, when certain that the intrusion had proved harm- 

 less, the bird would only go off a few feet, utter a feeble 

 complaint, or remain wholly silent, and almost instantly 

 resume her seat. The male, as in many other species of 

 the genus precedes a little the arrival of his mate. To" 

 wards the latter end of summer the young and old feed 

 much on juicy fruits, as mulberries, cornel berries, and 

 other kinds. 



This species is about 5 inches long, and 7 in alar stretch. Above, 

 greenish yellow. Crown, front, and below, golden yellow ; breast 

 and sides spotted with rufous orange. Wings and tail deep brown, 

 edged with yellow. Tail emarginated. Bill and eye-lids light 

 greyish-blue. Legs pale. — Female generally without streaks on the 

 breast. The young, at first, olive, with but little yellow below. 





