OF NEAV ENGLAND. 153 



their range is about the northern limit of the latter's range. 

 They are common summer-residents throughout northern New 

 England, inhabiting there the woods strictly, but as such are 

 A-er}' rare in Massachusetts. Indeed, some ornithologists have 

 expressed doubt as to their actually breeding here, but I have 

 found their nest near Boston, and have seen, with the bird on 

 it, a nest in the Nashua Valley (below Lancaster) which a com- 

 panion found. I have heard of other instances, which establish 

 the fact be_yond doubt. 



The Solitary Vireos are in Massachusetts to be found as mi- 

 grants in the last week of April and again in September, but 

 are not at either time abundant. They inhabit throughout the 

 year both the dry and swampy woods of oaks, maples, and nut 

 trees, avoiding the evergreens, and among the branches search 

 for their insect-food. Though fond of retirement, they are not 

 shy or timid, especially when moved by parental affection. I 

 have known the females to stay on their nests until I could 

 almost lay my hand upon them, and then to remain immedi- 

 ately about my person, often approaching within a foot of me, 

 and constantly uttering their plaintive cries. These notes 

 generally bring the males to the scene, who are, however, as is 

 the case with many birds, less willing to expose themselves. 



{d). The music of the Solitary Vireos is delicious, but is 

 particularly agreeable in an otherwise still, and cool forest, 

 being peculiarly harmonious with those two charms of Nature, 

 woodland stillness and woodland coolness. Their song, like 

 that of the Red-eyed Vireos, is a continuous warble, but is 

 more musical, mellow, and tender, and is uttered in another 

 tone. It is particularly sweet at the mating- season, which 

 comes in the early part of May. These birds, who are unfor- 

 tunately almost silent during their migrations, have a few low 

 whistles also, and a querulous note (like the syllable anA'), 

 much like that of the "■Red-eye," but yet distinct. 



(B) FLAviFRONS. Yellow-tliToated Vireo. 

 (Not a common summer-resident in Massachusetts, except 

 locally.) 



