THE YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 279 
bird architecture that I am acquainted with. The eggs are 
usually four in number. They are of a pure-white color, 
with thinly scattered spots of two shades of reddish-brown 
and black. The dimensions of four eggs collected in Con- 
necticut are .83 by .61 inch, .82 by .60 inch, .82 by .60 inch, 
and .80 by .59 inch. But one brood is reared in the season 
in New England. 
Wilson, in describing the habits of this bird, says, — 
“This summer species is found chiefly in the woods, hunting 
among the high branches; and has an indolent and plaintive note, 
which it repeats, with some little variation, every ten or twelve 
seconds, like preed, preea, &c. It is often heard in company with 
the Red-eyed Flycatcher (Muscicapa olivacea) ; the loud. energetic 
notes of the latter, mingling with the soft, languid warble of the 
former, producing an agreeable effect, particularly during the burn- 
ing heat of noon, when almost every other songster but these two 
is silent. Those who loiter through the shades of our magnificent 
forests at that hour will easily recognize both species. It arrives 
from the south early in May, and returns again with its young 
about the middle of September. Its nest, which is sometimes fixed 
on the upper side of a limb, sometimes on a horizontal branch 
among the twigs, generally on a tree, is composed outwardly of 
thin strips of the bark of grape-vines, moss, lichens, &c., and lined 
with fine fibres of such like substances: the eggs, usually four, are 
white, thinly dotted with black, chiefly near the great end. Winged 
insects are its principal food.” : 
In dismissing this beautiful and favorite family of our 
birds, I feel that it is impossible to say too much in their 
favor: their neat and delicate plumage and sweet song, their 
engaging and interesting habits, and their well-known insect- 
destroying proclivities, have justly rendered them great 
favorites ; and the farmer, in protecting them, and encour- 
ing them to take up homes near his orchards and gardens, 
but extends a care and welcome for his best friends. 
