Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
The nest is large and compact, built of leaves, grass, and 
thin strips of bark, with the lining of fine grass. It is placed usu- 
ally within four or five feet of the ground in the crotch of a small 
shrub, and occasionally in a tangle of vines. Number of eggs 
from 3 to 5; they are white or pinkish white, rather sparsely and 
evenly marked with reddish brown spots; the spots are rarely 
confined to the largerend. Size—.92 x .72. See Fig. 6, Plate D. 
A chat’s nest may be found hidden in the dense undergrowth 
of a clearing, in swampy places, or in any kind of open thicket. 
It seems curious that, while the Chat is so crafty in hiding 
himself from view, he manifests but little skill in concealing his 
nest. By any one who does not object to penetrating the dense 
thickets of briers and undergrowth, the nest may be easily found, 
for it is large and usually but poorly concealed by leaves. The 
builder appears to rely almost entirely on the natural fence of 
growing barbed wire for protection from human enemies. The 
bird seems to glide off its nest without being seen or heard, and 
makes scarcely any commotion if the nest be disturbed. Young 
chats may be reared by hand and become fairly tame, but un- 
fortunately they show too great an independence of spirit, and 
do not appear particularly desirous of human companionship. 
During the breeding season, which begins about the middle 
of May, the chats may be heard giving voice to their varied notes, 
which can be readily imitated and will immediately attract the 
inquisitive bird. The song is frequently performed while the 
bird is in mid-air, not flying in an orthodox way, but flapping its 
wings in a most extraordinary manner, presenting more the ap- 
pearance of a large moth than a bird. In the vicinity of New 
York the nesting season commences about the second week in 
May. 
684. Hooded Warbler: Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.) 
Adult 6—Back, wings, and tail olive green; forehead and cheeks 
bright yellow; a black hood on head and neck, extending to 
the throat and upper part of breast ; rest of under parts 
yellow. 
Adult 2—Very similar, the black hood being less defined. 
Length—5.67. 
Breeding Range—The Eastern States, from southern Connecticut 
southward. 
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