On the Vireos (or Greenlets) of North America. 133


pneumonia, and was unable to replace her, so T had no chance of

breeding them. I consider this species to be a delicate one.


My Queen Whydahs ( N. regia) when out of colour very closely

resemble Pintails in the same stage of plumage. They have not

come into colour with me this year, and I am strongly inclined to

think that they are both hens, especially as my cock N. principalis

has shown them marked attention all the season. They have made

no attempt at nesting.


One other little Whydah I once had, the Long-tailed Com-

basson (V. hypocherina). They were delicate little things, and

although kept indoors, only lived a few months. I judge them to be

more fit for the indoor birdroom than for an outdoor aviary, although

no doubt they would do well enough outdoors with Waxbills and

other small fry during our few summer months.



NOTES ON SOME OF THE VIREOS (OR

GREENLETS) OF NORTH AMERICA.


By The Lady William Cecil.


[Baroness Amherst of Hackney.


Among the small birds that are peculiar to America there are

few more interesting than the Vireos, though their colour is in¬

significant, and they are far oftener heard than seen ; still, to listen

to their soft sweet voices is indeed a joy, and they take no small part

in the endless chorus of the woodlands.


The Vireos do not, as a rule, live in the deep forests as do

most of the little warblers, but generally inhabit districts less densely

covered with trees.


Though they have the feet of the Oscines, Vireos may more

properly be classified as “ very distant cousins ” of the Shrikes; but

they are much smaller birds, only measuring from five to six inches.

Their bills are Shrike-like in form, hooked at the end and notched,

and in rare instances appear to be very slightly toothed behind the

notch. Their colouring, as a rule, is olivaceous and greyish, though,

of course, each species differs in shade and markings ; both sexes an d

the young birds are alike—they have ten primaries, but in some



