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10 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 



Genus Sialia. 



10. * Sialia sialis (LiLNN.). Blue-bird. 



A common permanent resident. The habits of tliis popu- 

 lar bird — "with the sky on his back" — are too well 

 known to require comment here. 



Family SYLVIID^ : Old World Warblers. 

 Genus Polioptila. 



11. * Polioptila csrulea (Linn.). Blue-gray Gnat-catcher. 



An abundant summer resident. Arrives about April 1st. 

 Fresh eggs are found July 2nd, when fully fledged young 

 are flying about. The nest of this dainty little midget is 

 a marvel of avian architecture, rivalling in the delicate 

 beauty of its structure, and its ingenious illustration of 

 what may jierhaps be termed the principle of protective 

 imitation, that of the humming-bird. On account of 

 its outer covering of lichens, which give it the exact ap- 

 pearance of the limb to which it is attached, it is very 

 difiicult to find. The bird can not sing, but apparently 

 has a good time trying, as they are quite noisy after 

 their puny fashion. 



Genus Regulus. 



12. Regulus calendula (Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 



Transient. Abundant in spring and fall. Arrives about 

 April 1st ; departs about October 16th. Most abundant 

 in cedar and other evergreen trees and shrubbery. Their 

 song, which is not often heard with us, is one of surpris- 

 ing depth and sweetness. 



13. Regulus Xatrapa Light. Golden-crowned Kinglet. 



Transient, but a good many winter here. Inhabiting the 



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