SONG-BIRDS. Warblers 



In the spring and fall migrations, and particularly in the 

 spring, this is one of the most conspicuous of the smaller 

 migrant birds. In autumn it grows more sociable, and in 

 winter it comes freely about the barn and sheds in search of 

 food, often in the company of Juncos, Tree Sparrows, and 

 Titmice, individuals of this species, wintering as far north 

 as Massachusetts ; a few, according to Dr. Allen, remaining 

 at Cape Cod. 



In winter it forsakes its usual insect diet for such ber- 

 ries as it can find. Dr. Warren says that in Pennsylvania 

 the berries of the poison-sumach (Rhus venen&ta) are a 

 favourite article of its food, during the early winter, and 

 these Warblers congregate in considerable numbers where 

 the bush is abundant. 



Speaking of the baleful poison-sumach, with its scatter- 

 ing clusters of whitish berries, it is well for the amateur 

 ornithologist to be on the watch for it, as its poison is so 

 insidious that it affects many people through substantial 

 clothing. It may be easily distinguished by the fact that 

 the flower clusters come from the leaf axils, and the berries 

 are whitish and semi-translucent, while the harmless species 

 of sumach bear their flowers in terminal spires, which turn 

 to sticky, opaque berries of a rich, brilliant red. Hamilton 

 Gibson's clever jingle will prove a talisman, against either 

 poison-sumach, or the commoner poison-ivy (Rhus toxicoden- 

 droii) to those who will memorize it : 



" Berries red, 

 Have no dread ! 

 Berries white, 

 Poisonous sight ! 

 Leaves three 

 Quickly flee!" 



Magnolia Warbler: Dendroica maculosa. 



Black-and-Yellow Warbler. 



Length : 4.75-5 inches. 



Male and Female : Above, back dark olive, crown a bluish ash, bor- 

 H 97 



