LAND-BIRDS. 



unnamed by people in general. These Warblers inhabit 

 the woods, feeding among the trees, or, in some species, 

 upon the ground. They comprise both migrants and sum- 

 mer residents ; of small size, bills slender, shorter than the 

 head, wings pointed and usually shorter than the tail. All 

 but a few Ground Warblers have brightly coloured or much 

 varied plumage, ranging through all shades of olive, yel- 

 low, red, orange, brown, and black. They have sweet, lisp- 

 ing songs, which are neither full nor varied. The well-known 

 Yellow Warbler belongs to this class ; also the Black and 

 White Warbler. The exceptions to this rule are the Oven- 

 bird, Water Thrush, and the Louisiana Water Thrush, which 

 are Ground Warblers, having sober. Thrush-like plumage 

 and exquisite voices, and the Chat, which has brilliant 

 green and gold plumage and a clear, loud voice, mocking 

 and whistling by turns. 



Family Vlreonldae : Vireos. Page 116. 



5 Species. 



Birds of small size, bills hooked at tip — shorter than 

 the head. Sexes alike in colouring ; the plumage (remain- 

 ing quite constant at all seasons) is generally olivaceous 

 above and whitish or yellow below. One species has red 

 and one white eyes. All are musical and persistent singers 

 of a colloquial type, feeding and singing in orchard or forest 

 trees, according to the species. A family easily confused 

 with the Warblers, unless its superior vocal abilities are 

 remembered. 



Family Laniidas : Shrikes. Page 122. 



1 Species. 



Carnivorous birds, bold, handsome, and quarrelsome, bills 

 sharply hooked at end ; general colour gray and black, bris- 

 tles at nostrils, and muscular feet. In winter and early 

 spring they may be seen perching in the bare trees, where 

 they are on the watch for small birds, upon which they prey, 



' 45 



