OF NEW ENGLAND. 153 
their range is about the northern limit of the latter’s range. 
They are common summer-residents throughout northern New 
England, inhabiting there the woods strictly, but as such are 
very rare in Massachusetts. Indeed, some ornithologists have 
expressed doubt as to their actually breeding here, but I have 
found their nest near Boston, and have seen, with the bird on 
it, a nest in the Nashua Valley (below Lancaster) which a com- 
panion found. I have heard of other instances, which establish 
the fact beyond doubt. 
The Solitary Vireos are in Massachusetts to be found as mi- 
grants in the last week of April and again in September, but 
are not at either time abundant. They inhabit throughout the 
year both the dry and swampy woods of oaks, maples, and ‘nut 
trees, avoiding the evergreens, and among the branches search 
for their insect-food. ‘Though fond of retirement, they are not 
shy or timid, especially when moved by parental affection. I 
have known the females to stay on their nests until I could 
almost lay my hand upon them, and then to remain immedi- 
ately about my person, often approaching within a foot of me, 
and constantly uttering their plaintive cries. These notes 
generally bring the males to the scene, who are, however, as is 
the case with many birds, less willing to expose themselves. 
(1). The music of the Solitary Vireos is delicious, but is 
particularly agreeable in an otherwise still, and cool forest, 
being peculiarly harmonious with those two charms of Nature, 
woodland stillness and woodland coolness. Their song, like 
that of the Red-eyed Vireos, is a continuous warble, but is 
more musical, mellow, and tender, and is uttered in another 
tone. It is particularly sweet at the mating-season, which 
comes in the early part of May. These birds, who are unfor- 
tunately almost silent during their migrations, have a few low 
whistles also, and a querulous note (like the syllable ank), 
much like that of the ‘‘ Red-eye,” but yet distinct. 
(B) riavirrons. Yellow-throated Vireo. 
(Not a common summer-resident in Massachusetts, except 
locally.) 
