398 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



a small twig towards the extremity of the branches, and 

 is formed of lichens and other materials, and lined with 

 downy substances. The eggs, about 4, are white, with a 

 few reddish dots at the larger end. The notes of this 

 species resemble those of the Prairie Warbler in some 

 respects, though sufficiently different ; the tones rising 

 from low to high are rather weak and insignificant. 



This bird is from 4^ to 5 inches long, and 6^ to 7 in alar extent. 

 Above pale or dusky blue ; the head brightest. Wings and tail 

 black, the former crossed with 2 conspicuous white bars and edged 

 with blue. Between the bill and eyes black ; above and below the 

 eye a small toucli of white. The upper mandible black ; the lower 

 as well as the throat and breast bright yellow ; the latter deepening 

 about its middle into a brownish orange, and marked on the throat 

 with a small crescent of blackish or dusky. On the edge of the 

 breast, below the shoulder, is a cloud of bay. Belly and vent white. 

 Legs and feet dull yellow. 



BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 



(Sylvia canadensis. Lath. Wilson, ii. p 115. pi. 15. fig. 7. Phil. 



Museum, No. 7222.) 

 Sp. Charact. — Slate blue; beneath white; cheeks and throat 



black : a white spot on the wings ; 2 or 3 lateral tail-feathers 



with white on the inner web. 



Of this uncommon species we know very little. It 

 appears only as a transient visitor in the month of April, 

 in the Middle States, and, after staying to feed for a week 

 or ten days, it proceeds to its northern breeding-place in 

 the wilds of Canada, of which we are wholly ignorant. 

 In November, I have observed a few on their return to 

 the South, and, according to Vieillot, they winter in St. 

 Domingo, and other of the larger West India islands. 



The length of this species is about 5 inches ; and 7.J in alar dimen- 

 sions. Above wholly of a fine slate color, inclining to azure ; the throat, 

 cheeks, and upper part of the breast, and sides under the wings, are 



