Family MNIOTILTID^. Wood-Wahhleks. 



Genus MNIOTTLTA Vikillot. 



MNIOTILTA VARTA (Linn.). 



■261. Black and White Warbler. (fi-'.O) 



Entiiel}' white and Ulack, in streaks except on tiie ))elly ; tail, w liile, 

 spotted ; wings, white barfed, Length, about 5 ; wing, '2!^ ; tail, 2^. 



Hab. — Eastern United States to the Plains, nortli to Fort Simpson, soiitli, 

 in winter, to Central America and the West Indies. 



Nest, on the ground, built of l)ark tibi-e, grass and leaxes, liiiud w ilh jtlant 

 down or hair. 



Eggs, four to six, creamy wiiite, spotted and sprinkled with reddish-lnDW ii. 



This dainty little bird, formerly known as the Black and AVliite 

 Creepe?; has now l:)een named the Black and White Warhhi-. Init as 

 it is much more given to creeping than to irarhliny, it is likely that 

 witli the ordinary observer it will retain its former name as long as it 

 retains its creeping habit. It arrives in Southern Ontario during 

 the last days of April, and even before the leaves are expanded, its 

 neat, decided attire of black and white is observed in striking con- 

 trast to the dull colored bark of the trees, around which it goes 

 creeping with wonderful celerity in search of its favorite insect food. 

 It becomes very common during the first half of May, after which 

 the numbers again decrease, many having passed farther iu)rth, and 

 only a few remain to spend the summer anfl raise their young in 

 Southern Ontario. The note of the male is sharp and penetrating, 

 I'esembling the sound made in sharpening a fine saw. 



The Black and White Warbler is a typical representative of the 

 family of Wood-Warblers, which is remarkable for the number of its 

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