298 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Gevthiypii Iruhas. 



but very little that accords with any distinctions of habitat. As a rule, 

 however, those from the Atlantic States are the smallest of the series, and 

 have most white on the abdomen, the yellow being restricted to the throat 

 and jugulum, and the lower tail-coverts. In most specimens from the Mis- 

 sissippi Valley the yellow beneath is quite continuous, and the size consid- 

 erably larger than iu the series above mentioned, in these respects ajiproacli- 

 ing the G. melanojjs from Eastern Mexico, in which the yellow pervades the 



whole surface beneath ; but in tliis the 

 whitisli border above the black mask is 

 extended over tlie whole crown, leaving 

 the nape only distinctly brownish, and 

 the size larger than the average of 

 the series alluded to. However, No. 

 61,135 (?, Lil)erty County, Ga., has even 

 more white on top of the head, the whole 

 occiput being of this color ; while No. 

 7,922 (? , li'oin Racine, Wis., is quite as 

 long as the type of mclanops (the tail 

 only, shorter), and there is nearly as 

 much yellow beneath. The Georgia specimen, however, in other respects, 

 is most like the Atlantic style. Specimens from the Pacific coast have just 

 appreciably longer tails tlian Eastern ones, and the olive-green above is 

 bi'ighter. Jamaican and Guatemalan specimens are identical with many from 

 the United States. Tlie G. rosfratim of Bryant, from tlie Bahamas, appears 

 to be merely a gigantic insular race of the common si)ecies. 



Habits. This well-known and beautiful little Gronnd Warliler is a com- 

 mon, abundant, and widely diffused sjiecies, occurring througliout the United 

 States from ocean to ocean, and from the Gulf of IMexico to Canada and 

 Nova Scotia. It is found, during the winter months, in Cuba, Jamaica, Mex- 

 ico, Yucatan, Guatemala, Costa lUca, the Bahamas, and, in the faU, in Ber- 

 muda. On the Pacific coast it has been found from Cape St. Lucas to the 

 British territories. It breeds from Nortliern Georgia to Halifax, inclusive. 



In Central America, JNIr. Salvin states that this Warbler is by far tlie most 

 common of the Mniotiltidcr, but is wholly migratory. It was usually found 

 iu tlie neigldxjrliood of water, frequenting the reeds that surrounded Lake 

 Duenas, and the buslies on the banks of its outlet. It was also taken by 

 Mr. Boucard at Totontopec, among tlie mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. 



It was observed as far to the north as Lake of the Woods, by Mr. Kenni- 

 cott. Several were there observed, both males and females. May 29. It is 

 everywhere quite common, and is, I think, as numerous in New England as 

 in the Middle States. 



For the most part it .seems to prefer wild lands, espc^cially those overgrown 

 witli briers and low bu.shes, to open or cultivated grovinds. Yet this prefer- 

 ence is not exclusive, as I have known a pair, or their offspring, to visit the 



