206 



VIREONID^E : GREENLETS. 



nest is hung on a bush or vine, a few feet only from 

 the ground always in thick undergrowth, and fre- 

 quently in the midst of a swamp. The structure is not 

 notably different from that of the Red-eyed or Warbling 

 Vireos ; and the eggs are only to be distinguished by 

 their decidedly inferior size. Several specimens be- 

 fore me, however, are even more sparsely sprinkled 

 with dark dots, and one is immaculate. They are 

 laid early in June, about a month after the arrival of 



FIG. 52. DETAILS OF STRUCTURE OF WHITE-EYED GREENLET. (Natural size.) 



the bird. These Greenlets have considerable force of 

 character, as one will learn on attempting to molest 

 them when nesting; they are nervous, impulsive little 

 creatures, of highly irritable temperament. If let 

 alone, they contain themselves very well, but they are 

 as cross-grained as Wrens when disturbed, and ex- 

 press their displeasure with most vehement scolding. 

 The nuptial song is a peculiar one, delivered with 

 strong expression, and very variable in intonation. 

 The birds retire early in the autumn, when the falling 

 leaves no longer afford them the seclusion they covet. 



