298 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Geotlilypis triclias. 



but very little that accords with any distinctions of liabitat. As a ride, 

 however, those from the Atlantic States are the smallest of the series, and 

 have most white on the abdomen, the yellow being restricted to the throat 

 and jugulum, and the lower tail-coverts. In most specimens from the Mis- 

 sissippi Valley the yellow beneath is quite continuous, and the size consid- 

 erably larger than in the series above mentioned, in these respects approacli- 

 ing the G. mdanops from Eastern Mexico, in which the yellow pervades tlie 



whole surface beneath ; but in this the 

 whitish border above tlie black mask is 

 extended over the ^\'llole crown, leaving 

 the nape only distinctly brownish, and 

 the size larger than the average of 

 the series alluded to. However, No. 

 61,135 $ , Liberty County, Ga., has even 

 more white on top of the head, the whole 

 occiput being of this color ; while No. 

 7,922 $ , from Eacine, Wis., is quite as 

 long as the type of mclanops (the tail 

 only, shorter), and there is nearly as 

 much yellow beneath. The Georgia specimen, however, in otlier respects, 

 is most like the Atlantic style. Specimens from the Pacific coast have just 

 appreciably longer tails than Eastern ones, and the olive-green above is 

 brighter. Jamaican and Guatemalan specimens are identical with many from 

 the United States. The G. rostratus of Bryant, from the Bahamas, appear;* 

 to be merely a gigantic insular race of the common species. 



Habits. This well-known and beautiful little Ground Warbler is a com- 

 mon, alnnidant, and widely diffused species, occurring throughout the United 

 States from ocean to ocean, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada and 

 Nova Scotia. It is found, during the winter months, in Cuba, Jamaica, Mex- 

 ico, Yucatan, Guatemala, Costa Eica, the Bahamas, and, in the fall, in Ber- 

 muda. On the Pacific coast it has been found from Ca})e St. Lucas to the 

 British territories. It breeds from Northern Georgia to Halifax, inclusive. 



In Central America, Mr. Salvin states that this Warbler is by far tlie most 

 common of the Mniotiltidce, but is wholly migratory. It was usually found 

 in the neighborhood of water, frequenting the reeds that surrounded Lake 

 Duenas, and the bushes on the banks of its outlet. It was also taken by 

 Mr. Boucard at Totontopec, among the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. 



It was observed as far to tlie north as Lake of the Woods, by Mr. Kenni- 

 cott. Several were there observed, both males and females, May 29. It is 

 everywhere quite common, and is, I think, as numerous in New England as 

 in the Middle States. 



For the most part it seems to prefer wild lands, especially those overgrown 

 A\'itli briers and low bushes, to open or cultivated grounds. Yet this prefer- 

 ence is not exclusive, as I have known a pair, or their offspring, to visit the 



