*7 2 Brewster ob Swainson's Warbler. [January 



any extent terrestrial ; but yon are not likely to find Swainson's 

 Warbler in them, unless about the outskirts, or on islands elevated 

 above the reach of the floods. Briefly, four things seem indis- 

 pensable to his existence, viz., water, tangled thickets, patches of 

 cane, and a rank growth of semi-aquatic plants. 



All four conditions are fulfilled by the 'pine-land galls.' These 

 belts, with their cool shade, running water, and luxuriant vege- 

 tation, attract many thicket-haunting birds. They invariably 

 swarm with Cardinals, White-eyed Vireos, Carolina Wrens, and 

 Hooded Warblers, while there are occasional pairs of Maryland 

 Yellow- throats, and now and then a Wood Thrush, sounding his 

 flute-like notes, or a Painted Finch, warbling softly among the 

 bushes. From the pines outside come the sweet refrain of the 

 Yellow-throated Warbler, the petulent cry of the Great-crested 

 Flycatcher, and, from somewhere in the distance, the matchless 

 reverie of Bachman's Finch. 



In the early morning, before the sun's rays have evaporated the 

 delicate frosting of dew-drops from the fronds of the ground 

 palmetto, or' invaded the swamp, still cool and fragrent after the 

 night, one may hear fifty birds singing in such a spot. The 

 effect is confusing at first, but the practised ear soon identifies 

 the various performers, and a few minutes spent in this way will 

 often give the listener a fairly accurate idea of the bird life by 

 which he is surrounded. Amid the general din, if he be for- 

 tunate, may be heard the song of Swainson's Warbler, a per- 

 formance so remarkable that it can scarcely fail to attract the 

 dullest ear, while it is not likely to be soon forgotten. It consists 

 of a series of clear, ringing whistles, the first four uttered rather 

 slowlv and in the same key, the remaining five or six given more 

 rapidly, and in an evenly decending scale, like those of the 

 Canon Wren (Catlierpes mexicanus conspersus). In general 

 effect it recalls the song of the Water Thrush (Siurus ncevius). 

 It is very loud, very rich, very beautiful, while it has an inde- 

 scribably tender quality that thrills the senses after the sound has 

 ceased. 



It is ventriloquial to such a degree that there is often great 

 difficulty in tracing it to its source. You advance confidently 

 enough at first, when suddenly the sound comes from behind you. 

 Retracing your steps, the direction is again changed. Now it is 

 to the right, shortly after to the left ; one moment in the tree tops 



