Not only do our American species differ structurally in many particulars 

 from their Old World representatives, especially in possessing nine instead of 

 ten primaries, but they differ markedly also in appearance and habits. It may 

 be said in passing that while our warblers are brilliantly colored and many of 

 them sexually dissimilar, those of the Old World are not only small, but plainly 

 plumaged; moreover, the sexes are generally alike in coloration. 



The larger number of our warblers, as well as the most characteristic, are 

 included in the one genus Dendroica, which is notable, since it includes more 

 species than any other genus of North American birds. 



HAUNTS OF WOOD WARBLERS 



Fortunately for the bird lover, our wood warblers are not recluses. They 

 are creatures of light and sunshine. Some of them, it is true, retire to the 

 mountain fastnesses or the depths of coniferous forests during the nesting period; 

 but the number of these is small and their withdrawal for only a comparatively 

 short time, while the majority at all times of the year favor the edges of the 

 forest, open woods, or brushy clearings. 



Their preference for such situations brings many within the bounds of civili- 

 zation and renders it comparatively easy for any one so inclined to make their 

 acquaintance. As during migration they assemble in flocks, they are, on the 

 whole, pretty well known ; and since, as a rule, they are not shy, they have long 

 been favorite objects of observation and study. 



WARBLERS AS SONGSTERS 



Despite their name, which would seem to imply musical ability of no mean 

 order, our wood warblers, with few exceptions, occupy no very high place in the 

 musical galaxy. All sing, however, after a fashion, and the musical efforts of 

 some are pleasing, even according to human standards. While most warblers 

 are prodigal enough with their music and sing early and often, especially prior to 

 and during the nesting season, their music is frequently so faint as to be audible 

 only to the trained ear of the bird lover. 



As if aware of their musical inferiority, few display much enthusiasm in 

 their vocal efforts, but sing while they work, or while pausing for a brief moment 

 as they move among the foliage hunting for food. With them, singing appears 

 to be an audible expression of general content and well being, and, no doubt, an 

 effort to please and attract their mates. 



Certain members of the thrush and thrashes families, on the contrary, which 

 contain in their ranks the prima donnas of our bird world, as if conscious of 

 their supremacy, are wont to mount a commanding perch when about to sing, 

 and to pour out their melody for all the world to hear. With them, singing is 

 not merely incidental to the day's work. It is a conscious and supreme effort, 

 and is much too important to be slighted or shared with any other function. Ap- 

 parently they appreciate to a great extent and enjoy their own outpourings, and, 

 if we may interpret their feelings by human standards, are conscious that their 

 musical offerings entitle them to an audience. 



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