on the Vireos (or Greenlets) of North America. 137


The White-eyed Vireo sings in gardens, and among the bushes and

undergrowth of woods. The lazy Cow-bird often deposits its

“ cuckoo ” egg in the nest of these small birds, who patiently hatch

it out, and feed and rear the big greedy interloper at the expense of

their own nestlings.


Another more brightly coloured bird is the Yellow-throated

Vireo ( V. flavifrons ), with—as the name implies—a bright yellow

throat, and breast, fading to white below; and an olive bead and

back, gradually merging into bluish toward the tail. Bright yellow

rings round the eyes give it a very knowing look. It has two white

wing-bars, and some white-edged feathers in its dark tail. It is a

rather more heavily-built bird than the other Vireos, and its song is

somewhat monotonous—an often-repeated, persistent, rather melan¬

choly note.


In the branch of some tree overhanging a stream or river, its

beautiful and elaborately-made hanging nest is placed, cleverly and

skilfully woven and slung from the outermost and quite inaccessible-

fork. It may be seen, but it cannot be reached; you may “ look,

but you mustn’t touch,” so safely is it placed out of harm’s way.


There ai’e several other members of this interesting group, but

unfortunately I have not had the time or the pleasure of watching

them carefully. Among them are the Brotherly-love Vireo ( V.phila -

delphicus), rather a rare bird ; and the Grey Vireo ( V. vicinior), which

is perhaps a local variety of Plumbeous, said to be only found in the

State of Arizona. It is much paler than the Plumbeous. Perhaps

this peculiarity may be owing to the arid nature of the district

it inhabits, as the Egyptian and other deserts seem to produce pale-

varieties of birds whose colouring is deeper and more defined and.

distinct in more fertile lands.


Hutton’s Vireo (V. huttonii ), which I have not seen, is said to-

be peculiar to Southern California.


The Least Vireo, also I fear a stranger to me, is much the-

same size as Bell’s Vireo; it is said to be found only in the south¬

western States. I am told it has a much longer tail in proportion to-

its size than any others of the family.


Once, owing to a breakdown on the line, we were delayed for

some time many miles from any habitation on the borders of New



