BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 307 



The Yellow-crowned Warbler, Sylvia coronata, some- 

 times called the myrtle bird, is quite common here for two or 

 three weeks in May, and after an absence of more than three 

 months, it reappears on its way to its Avinter home. While 

 here, they are very social among themselves, and come fear- 

 lessly about our houses, entirely unsuspicious of danger, col- 

 lecting the insects on which they feed. They breed in the 

 northern regions. In autumn, they return with a less brilliant 

 dress than in spring, which may be either a decided change in 

 plumage, or possibly only the result of wear and travel. Their 

 song, as well as some of their habits, bears a strong resem- 

 blance to that of the summer yellow-bird. Audubon found 

 the young in Labrador ; but the only nest he has ever seen, 

 was presented to him in Nova Scotia. It is very much like 

 that of the bird just mentioned, lined with thistle-down, hair, 

 and feathers, and containing four rose-colored eggs, dotted with 

 reddish brown, round, but not upon, the larger end. 



The Yellow Redpole Warbler, Sylvia petechia, comes 

 to us, like the former, after passing the winter in the southern 

 states. Here it is a rare species. Audubon found the birds 

 abundant at Labrador, but sought for their nests in vain. 



The Summer Yellow-bird, Sylvia aestiva, is a beautiful 

 summer resident, and a favorite in all parts of New England. 

 Its delicious warble, though it has no great variety, is one of 

 the sweetest sounds heard at the window on a summer day. 

 They probably spend the winter beyond the limits of the Union. 

 Early in May they return, and are seen in all directions, dart- 

 ing through the foliage in search of insects, their golden yel- 

 low dress richly contrasted with the fresh and tender green. 

 The male comes a little earlier than the female, as if to explore 

 the way. They soon begin to construct their nest, which is 

 generally near our dwellings, and sometimes within reach. 

 They make use of hemp, flax, and cotton, soft grass, and hair ; 

 but they are not particular in their choice of materials. The 

 eggs are four or five, of a dull white, speckled with brown 



