WORM-EATING WARBLER. 



639. Helmitheros vermivorus. 5^2 inches. 



Crown bufFy with two black stripes; back, wings 

 and tail olive green with no white markings; beloM^ 

 buffy white. 



These birds are very unsuspicious and easy to ap- 

 proach; they spend the greater portion of their time 

 on or near the ground; they are very fond of spiders 

 and find quantities by overturning bits of bark and 

 leaves. They also glean part of their living from the 

 under side of the foliage much as do the Vireos. They 

 are met with in open woods and brush-grown pastures. 



Song. — A weak, rapid chipping. 



Nest. — On the ground in depressions under logs, 

 stones or bushes; of leaves and grass, lined with fine 

 grass or hair; eggs four or five in number, white, spot- 

 ted principally around the large end with brownish 

 (.70X.55). 



Range. — Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north 

 to Connecticut, Ohio and Iowa; winters in Central 

 America. . , 



144 



