Prothonotary Warbler. 297 



that has been a rambler of the woodland has not seen the 

 redstart or the magnolia warbler exhibiting to the best 

 advantage this most striking feature of its attire? And 

 so the little prothonotary warbler knows how to invite 

 attention to the showily colored tail. Ever as it alights, 

 either on horizontal branch or clinging against the rough 

 bark of some gnarled and dead trunk, it spreads before us 

 the splendid combination, and we know not which to 

 admire the more, the beautiful head or the showy tail, 

 while underneath all is the glowing yellow. Indeed, its 

 popular name of golden swamp warbler has been well con- 

 ferred upon it, for like flashes of golden light it flits here 

 and there, and in the swamps only is it at home. 



This warbler is found regularly in the Mississippi Yal- 

 ley, tending toward the south, and casually in the north- 

 eastern United States and New Brunswick. It occurs 

 westward to Kansas, Indian Territory, and Texas. It is 

 perfectly migratory, wintering beyond the United States 

 to South America. In early seasons this warbler appears 

 in this locality about the middle of April, though ordina- 

 rily it does not reach our latitude until the third week of 

 April. For two or three weeks after its arrival it resorts 

 to the loftier foliage and lives somewhat silent and se- 

 cluded among the tree tops. However, the cheerful, viva- 

 cious spirit of this gentle creature will not suff^er it to re- 

 main long without giving expression to its emotions. 

 With the rapid advance of the season it descends into the 

 "lower story" of its leafy dwelling, becomes more mu- 

 sical, and exhibits all thequalitieswhich make it one of the 

 most interesting of the warblers. 



It is a pity that the prothonotary warbler does not 

 dwell where it might be seen and observed daily by all 

 bird lovers. But perhaps it is well enough as it is, for 

 many of the handsome and interesting birds that dwell 

 almost about our doors are now neglected and even over- 

 looked by persons who in other respects are moderately 

 observant. Then the swamp-woods, naturally dark and 

 gloomy and sombre, would be deprived of much of their 

 extrinsic cheer and animation, if this mite of life and color 

 were transferred from them. The glimmering brightness 

 of such localities should lead us more frequently to explore 



